MedicGram

I'm not a nurse yet but worked with many...If I were in your position, I would definitely stay anonymous and report it ASAP. Test the phone line you call from if dropping a dime, (caller ID, etc. I would not confide in anyone, not a soul, not HR...stay anonymous all the way. Although I do feel sorry for her as she is in need of help, you would only be helping save her and who knows how many other innocent people. This problem is not limited to just her patients but to anyone in her path. You would also never forgive yourself if something terrible happens and it will eventually. I wouldn't worry too much about friendships here, doesn't sound like they had any respect for you when they took the stuff out... besides, staying anon. will spare you this worry. Not that you are being revengeful in any way, just a responsible adult. You can ask what they will do if she is caught on a random drug test if it makes you feel better. Most likely, they will offer her rehab. Regardless, she made her choices and poor choices have consequences. Hopefully, it won't be a life lost, or maybe many lives. I hope this helps, good luck.

True for selling yourself...ego? I think those few can speak for themselves. I think it's that para-G attitude that ruins the profession. I've run into a few, usually a newbie. After about 6 months of being 'out' more than being 'in' on a 24, they settle down. I'm not sure if a previous post about the conventional edu vs the distant learning was directed to me but if so... Yes, I've been there and done that- with five children, on my own. All I did was work study and commute with no time or energy to whine about it. I Finished the first year with good grades and started the second year when I decided to withdraw before the deadline date and go with EC. The reason being that, after I moved, my commute was almost 2 hours one way. sleep??? what's that? drug cards, exams, stress? I may have whined a bit but only during rush hour while I had time to talk to myself. For the most part, I used the standstill time stuck in traffic jams to study drug cards, listen to tapes, etc., I forgot to mention I was also caring for my infant grandson who came by emergency C-section the night before my first year finals. The program went through most of the summer. Yes, a year of hell...but, who cares? :beercuphe -stay safe

I bet he will do very well. It was probably the bragging, certainly not his skills. after all the shock, shock-tubes-IVs-EJs and so on, I find it hard to believe that any experienced nurse mgr would doubt his skills. Let's face it, generally speaking, we are trained well. (the nursing process is where we need to focus more) The transition from outside to inside takes a little time. He was probably so excited to have such a great accomplishment. The motivation alone to keep going is a job in itself. Excelsior is a wonderful college and I'm glad I switched. It's also much tougher than the traditional way. I would check with your state. EC is also more than happy to answer those questions. It's been fun !!!

Briah -thanks, I have that book and just about every other one you can think of...I better get busy! LOL :)

Congrats! :balloons: I'm about to test for NC2, just need to work on keeping the lab values straight ... did you find any questions that through you for a loop?

I still have to take NC2 thru 7. Hopefully, I'll be done within 6 months. How exciting! Again, thank you for your well wishes and the help. I'm so grateful. :)

Thank you soooo much!!!

can anyone give me the ISBN#s on the carpenito hand book and workbook please? I would be most grateful.

Hi Matt, I'm a medic also! fd, tx, ER... total of 10 years. I just started a few months ago. Being a medic will definately help. I'm new at the distant learning but beginning to love it and i'm sure you will also. CONGRATS justrbl! what an accomplishment!!! and... GOOD LUCK MATT!

I would have to say anything in question pertaining to the life of another human being, be treated accordingly. That would be comfort, compassion, etc. Withholding fluids is cruel, it's starvation. And yes, be very careful with a DNR. It means "do not resuscitate" not "do not treat" also, (correct me if i'm wrong) if a DNR is in place with proper paperwork etc., the family/spouse can change their mind "on the spot" if they choose which may be a sudden, unexpected act on their part out of emotions, etc. I've been out of the loop for a bit but if there was the slightest doubt, all I remember is what I don't do/document can come back to bite big time. when it's my time, just give me an IV with texas tea from sam diego's [long island ice tea] and open it wide-yes an IV and please swab my mouth with it too cuz I would hate to be so dehydrated and dying of thirst!!! just open it wide and let me go warm and wet!

I'm not so sure about the day schedule but I believe the evening option is 5-11:30pm--they don't tolerate tardiness. if you become ill, they don't practice what they teach. I shouldn't really say 'they' as it is labeling everyone but there are a few clinical instructors who really don't belong there, or in the field at all in my opinion. It's no secret to those who are familiar with the program to advise prospective students to never let them know if you have any backround in patient care, they'll eat you alive. also, it's no secret that they've driven out some of the smartest who either went on successfully with another program or want nothing to do with nursing. again, there are a few clinical instructors who shouldn't be there in my opinion. It's a good program. If they cleaned up house a bit and strictly monitored their clinical staff as they do student tardiness, I would have to say it's probably one of the best. If you're an LPN or a medic, Excelsior College has a great distant learning program. It's a good option if you have a busy lifestyle, family obligations, etc. -good luck