jsawyer

Great observations by everyone here. I see what you are all saying is basically that we experts at doing healthcare in the trenches were the patients live and breath. We are trained to be the best advocates of the patient. In all honesty, I am ignorant on many aspects of nursing I am just not familiar with but what to learn. I will graduate in May, but really just want to know what my identity is as a nurse. I think as classicdame said, what makes us special is that we have a broad background in many disciplines which helps us to facilitate for our patients.

Can anyone tell me what body of knowledge we nurses possess that other health care professions do not possess? or in other words, What makes Nursing distinct from everything else? I ask this question because I have found it difficult to find answers from professors on the subject. It seems that our profession blends with so many; for example, nurses give injections but MD's also are educated in injection technique (albeit they don't have as much expertise as a nurse in this area). Maybe what I really am asking is, "Do we have a distinct body of knowledge that originates within our profession." I look forward to hearing everyone's ideas on this; I am a proud nurse and believe it is important to know what real nursing is and to also know what has influenced our profession.

I'm in Umet and started in august of 2013, set to graduate by may 2015. I did have some previous prereq's finished (but not all). I had all my spanish, english and math courses previously finished. This is a pretty fast program. PM if u have any questions.

"Did you wash your hands before touching that pen

Hi, yáll. My name is Carlos, I am finishing my first year at UMET Bilingual Program. We have been doing our clinicals at the VA. You will get to do you clinicals don't worry about that. A person can get their nursing done here pretty quick and faculty does a good job of advocating for its students. If you have any questions, I'm here!!!

I think if a person is working for clinic then they probably are working 8 hr shifts?

Is it hard to find work as a 8hr working nurse?

Great Question to ask! I also migrating into this career field from business and looking forward to helping people..

I have put my back in my living for along time, I also like to stay fit!

Does anyone have a good contact at InterAmerican. My problem is that I am ready to start school in UMET, but have no place to stay. The other school, Inter-American seems to do better at helping students a place to stay. I am suppose to fly in on Wednesday...this is kinda a panicked situation...

Would it be wrong to answer these questions by stating.....a nurse practitioner is like a Physicians Assistant but more independent and in some states totally independent of a physician.

CNLLVN, I had an externship for two months and found that I had difficulty fitting in one of the clinics. I was the only male and felt picked on by the main LVN Lead. The LVN was always accusatory. I learned to be assertive, which actually made me feel good--it helped create confidence and a parameter for me to work in. I eventually floated (By my request) to a different clinic; the other clinic was Sooooooo much better. The LVN there was nice to me and helped me become a better MA. I learned that not all places are the same. I look forward to hearing about things improving for you!!

Kashia, I appreciate your commentary on the state of Health Care. I had a two month externship as a Medical Assistant and in that short bit of time I observed that there really is politics in the healthcare field. Yet, despite the politics of business; I believe nursing is a noble profession and that nurses do more good than harm. My father was seriously ill one day and was out of his mind--right outside a clinic. Everyone at that clinic, healthcare staff, went to help my dad. That did everything they could do to help him--with real compassion. I am not naïve; I know that there will be stresses related to the work of being a nurses. I know that there does exists politics; still, I believe that nurses do more good than harm. Also, I believe that not all hospitals are created equal. I know that some have a better reputation. I believe as an RN, we have choices. I am open to all your feedback and suggestions.

Chelsea, great tips thanks!

That last questions was for NJnewRN which is What area of nursing are you in?