mpalmer1980

Wow, after reading this, I felt like I was reading my own post! I started getting panic attacks in college and went to just about every specialist you can think of because I did not know what it was. After getting it under control through therapy and some, not so harsh medication, I thought I had it conquered. I have come from the corporate world, and just now have gotten my first job at a hospital (I never thought I would go back to school, but something always dragged me back to nursing) and I find that I am getting panic attacks more and more. Hands down, Nursing is a VERY difficult job. Yes, all jobs are difficult, which is why they are called jobs. Being a nurse doesn’t just mean you are physically burnt out from being on your feet for over 12 hours with barely enough time to pee, but it is emotionally and mentally challenging. This is not a job that the everyday person can do. What I started doing, when I felt a panic attack come on was taking a 'time out', which is literally a minute, but it helps. I gather my thoughts and realize that a lot of the panic attacks are because of my wandering mind. It’s not easy, but you literally have to train your mind. The truth is you just need to begin by disciplining your mind. Don’t let it run all over town, thinking negative thoughts. And if you have panic attacks from stress, nursing is one job that will make or break you. Don't let it break you!!! You are a nurse for a reason and many people want to be in our position. They hate the corporate world (I used to sell natural gas and place CEO's in Accounting departments, done just about everything, but the grass is always greener). Most/All of it is in your head!! You start getting short of breathe, feeling completely overwhelmed and incompetent and how much you have to do, yet feel there is no way you can get it done. You are pulled in a million directions and dealing with people's lives. Most people would have panic attacks doing our job for 15 minutes! When you feel them coming on, simply step out for a breath of air (yes, it is hard to get away from anyone, but I always say I need to use the restroom) and just think about the situation. The human mind likes logic and order and reason. It likes to deal with what it understands and can control. Feeling out of control leads to fear and worry, which then leads to anxiety, which creates this vicious cycle. Changing your thoughts will change your behavior.

I have tried on just about every brand of scrubs on the market and am very very picky. I am 5"4 about 125 and loooooove the wink wonderflex scrubs. I have grey's anatomy, med couture, but the best fitting for me are the wink. I am not impressed with Med couture, as they are sooooo baggy and I have an XS. I have broad shoulders from being in gymnastics growing up, so that is another issue in finding good fitting shirts and these were perfect!!!

MKPRN, really? If I didn't know any better, I would think you must be Dr. Oz by that comment you made about "All the hospitals in my area are all going to eventually require a BSN of all their nurses. I think they are saying by 2020. IMO, eventually ADN nurses will end up in more LPN type roles, like at SNF, offices, etc." How do I even respond to you politely?? I'll take a crack at it.... I completely agree with CapeCodMermaid. Some of the smartest people I know don't have a diploma on their wall, and others I wonder how they got through college. I have a bachelors degree from University of Texas at Austin. I originally was accepted into the nursing program, but was young, and unfortunately changed my major. I'm going back and getting my ADN. Yes, I could go back to get my BSN, but that will take longer and I'm ready to get out there and start learning. I will still be an RN. I don't know where you work, but does your badge say BSN with your GPA on it? Ya, I didn't think so! I think it is ridiculous to say that ADN's are going to be more like LVN's??? I don't know about you, but we are all taking the same classes here, micro, Anatomy, med terminology and our clinicals. It's about passion, personality and willingness to work hard that makes the difference between a good nurse and an outstanding nurse, not about a title! I agree to always advance yourself, keep learning, but to stoop that low and actually think that someone who holds their BSN is a better nurse??? That is ignorant on your part.

MKPRN, really? If I didn't know any better, I would think you must be Dr. Oz by that comment you made about "All the hospitals in my area are all going to eventually require a BSN of all their nurses. I think they are saying by 2020. IMO, eventually ADN nurses will end up in more LPN type roles, like at SNF, offices, etc." How do I even respond to you politely?? I'll take a crack at it.... I completely agree with CapeCodMermaid. Some of the smartest people I know don't have a diploma on their wall, and others I wonder how they got through college. I have a bachelors degree from University of Texas at Austin. I originally was accepted into the nursing program, but was young, and unfortunately changed my major. I'm going back and getting my ADN. Yes, I could go back to get my BSN, but that will take longer and I'm ready to get out there and start learning. I will still be an RN. I don't know where you work, but does your badge say BSN with your GPA on it? Ya, I didn't think so! I think it is ridiculous to say that ADN's are going to be more like LVN's??? I don't know about you, but we are all taking the same classes here, micro, Anatomy, med terminology and our clinicals. It's about passion, personality and willingness to work hard that makes the difference between a good nurse and an outstanding nurse, not about a title! I agree to always advance yourself, keep learning, but to stoop that low and actually think that someone who holds their BSN is a better nurse??? That is ignorant on your part.

I think the iPad is the best when it comes to organization and note taking. There's an abundance of apps out there. I'm a nursing major so I searched for the hesi test and it came up with all kinds of apps to help prepare you for it! I'm loving this