RNgrad2012

I just attended an in-service on this today. Technically you are supposed to reserve one lumen for blood draws, the other for meds. I've seen some specifically ordered that way, and others not addressed. I also learned today that you are to scrub the port for 15 sec. prior to use, flush 10 ml NS before a draw, and waste the first 10 ml of blood. You remove the cap to draw blood, then you toss and replace with a new cap.

I'm new-ish, became a RN in June 2012. I was hired at a critical access rural hospital, working 32 hours/week. Out of my class of 16, I was 1 of 3 to get job right away. The rest of my class took 3-6 months to find work. I'm in central Iowa.

When I graduated with my LPN, I went to work in LTC. Initially I worked in the skilled wing, but due to low census, management told me in order get hours, I'd have to be willing to work the nursing home side too. It.was.terrifying. I had little confidence in my new nursing skills, and the workload of 30+ residents and supervising CNAs, I was ready to run. I can honestly say i cried in my car on way home most days the first three months, and I prayed that I would survive. The more I worked, the more I was able to develop a plan of action, which made this go smoother. Sure there were plenty of sh-tty days, but I learned a hell of a lot. It got easier too once I got to know the residents and their routine. I say give it 90 days, but look into other options, not all LTCs are the same. Maybe a different shift would work better for you. Hang in there.

If I'm told by the outgoing nurse that a Pt. has been difficult, I try to really do my best to come across as friendly, attentive, and approachable. Sometimes it's not enough to placate the Pt., but I'll give it my best shot.

Have you considered home care or clinic jobs?

I think after your field experiences it would be difficult to transition back to the more strictly enforced scope of nursing practice in civilian life. I say if you're willing a ready for a new challenge, go for it.

I work at a small critical access hospital (17 beds) and the majority of us are ADNs, which is obvious when we discuss where we went to school (CC vs. University). Our employer doesn't differentiate on our badges between adn/bsn/msn.

Prior to attending nursing school, I earned a BS in Community Health Education. I live in Iowa, and there is talk of making BSN the standard, instead of ADN. My question is does my BS in a related field "equal" to BSN in employers eyes? Is it worth my time/money to have two bachelor's degrees, or should I proceed directly to an MSN? I have ZERO desire to be in management, I am happy to be a floor nurse, so I worry about making myself over qualified. One day I'd like to teach, but not at least for a decade. I'm currently 29, married, no kids. Eventually want to move out of state and or country, so that's also a concern about furthering my education.