tlhubbard

I know my aunt who graduated in 1976 (also my inspiration to be a nurse), has a lot of the same complaints as I did in nursing school. Being constantly reminded of how many ways they can find to kick you out, hateful mentors who are cannibals, etc. As far as the class, if I had to be a guinea pig for my fellow students, instead of having mannequins I wouldn't be a nurse. So anytime I know someone has been a nurse for years, I really respect the fact they were willing to go through things I wouldn't be. Also the NCLEX may have advanced, but I can honestly say I probably lucked out there. I only had 75 questions before the computer shut off. Here in Ohio, the nurses (before the computerized version) had to take the NCLEX in a stiffling old barn on the Ohio State Fair grounds and sat for 2 days taking hand written tests. Then waited for 3-6 months for results ( I waited 11 days). So I say hats off (literally, we didn't get those either) to the more experienced nurses. It's still tough, but I believe some of it use to be tougher.

My solution is to turn down the ringers, turn on the answering machine and caller ID. If I have a sick family member or there is an emergency at the kids school, I have a cell phone that work does not have the number for. I keep that bedside and it will only ring when absolutely necessary. I had a job that called me back in for initials on a rape kit (I missed 1 set of initials, there are like 6). So I drove the hour back to my job and then an hour back home (mind you I had kids in Headstart and elementary school, so I was getting broken sleep anyway). When I got back into work that night the rape kit was still in the frig. no one had even come to pick it up yet. Talk about ticked. They eventually ran the kit, but it had become less of a priority, as the minor girl had taken a few days trip with an older boyfriend and consented to all activities come to find out. We did the rape kit because she was afraid her dad would be mad if he knew the truth.

No you cannot just push a med and let the pump do it. You have to consider if you are using a port above or below the pump. If below, then you are not getting control from the pump for the med, if above the pump you could cause back flow into the maintenance bag and really lose it's effectiveness as it could take HOURS for it to get to the patient. Also you CANNOT push any IVP into any IVF. You may cause a precip. or otherwise effect the stability of your med. You should always be sure you are dealing with a IVF that is considered compatible according to the insert or your pharmacist. Best of luck!

When I was with a huge health management group (they owned several large local hospitals) they gave out the "logo" type stuff. But I also received free movie tickets, $25 gift card (for coming into work during a bad snow), and we had a year end bonus based on profits and patient satisfaction. Which would usually equal about 120 hours of pay. Where I am now, I finally got my raise 1/2 a year late with only 2 paychecks retroactivation. But I have 2 wonderful bosses - they both gave us gifts last year from their own pocket. We also have a nice catered luncheon, and they send in FRESH food for the off shifts also. No one gets leftovers. My husband is losing his job due to downsizing. His last day is right before Christmas. So I would say my biggest holiday bonus is to still have a job with wonderful bosses. But before he goes, they are having one last big Christmas party for families and every employee who shows up for it will get a $100 gift certificate. Every year they have raffled off a good number of large prizes for the kids to win. We have won a season pass to a local major theme park and also a wagon full of toys another year. We have been blessed.

Working (years ago) as a CNA I had been at the facility for 18 months without a death during my shift. Determined to keep my record, I had a patient whose 2 sisters had died in the previous 2 weeks (one in our facility, one not) I went in to turn Betsy (she had never been able to communicate, but seemed to understand). She was having periods of apnea and scaring me to death (this is at 7 pm-I didn't leave until 11p). Whenever I would say Betsy's name, her bedside light would flicker. I even tried talking to her without her name and then mentioning her name again--EVERYTIME her light would flicker. (witnessed by another CNA) So since Betsy was a DNR, I pleaded with her (quietly) not to pass until midnight (so I could not be there). She died at 12:30 am. I had told the nurse about the light, maintenance checked it out--nothing wrong. I'm sure her sisters were calling her "into the light" Weird..

I do not wear scrubs for my job. I go in and out of many facilities, I see most nurses in scrubs (typically not matching each other, doing their own colors/patterns). There is one LTC facility I go to and they are still required to wear HATS. They wear all white and the hats. Which is honorable, however some forget their hats and use "community" hats kept at the facility or they are not keeping them cleaned properly. So some look great, while others look like they've been mudwrestling in their hat. Of course at the hospital I worked at in surgery, we all wore hospital supplied/laundered scrubs which was GREAT! We also had the administrative nurses that people referred to SKIRT nurses or carpet nurses. I'm happy to say I have a great job (not in the hospital setting) and have crossed the line to the carpet/skirt nurse side.

It wasn't my N-CLEX exam, but the community/psyche portions of my nursing school tests. I had the worst time answering those properly. When they would start with "What would you do...." I realized I needed to read them differently. I read them as "What would Julia (my instructor) want me to do..." Psyche & community was never my strong area, but this little change made a big difference. Most of my N-CLEX exam was psyche questions, and I stopped at 75 and was sure I failed. It took longer to drive to the exam than it did to take it. I passed...but I believe it was my different perspective on those questions that helped. Sounds crazy, but it worked. Another thought, definitely take into consideration the areas you find are more troublesome with your N-CLEX prep programs. Spend the most time on these. I believe there are also brush-up courses for people who have had trouble with the N-CLEX. I don't know how long it's been since your graduation, but you may consider the brush-up. Best of luck!!!

wow..... I think you are an inspiration to all of us already in the nursing field. You took a very tragic situation and are able to see something positive, and to turn it into something positive to benefit others with your care. Stories like yours remind us why we love to do what we do, and how much we really can make a difference. Best wishes.

Ambulatory surgery pre-op is an excellent job. I did it PRN (ended up with 40 hrs/week because I wanted to). Being in an ambulatory center, all patients are pre-screened and you have relatively healthy adults having elective surgeries. Dealt some with the surgeons, not too bad. The staff had a much better attitude because no one felt put upon since we didn't work weekends, nothing after 7 pm, and we had Thanksgiving (2days), Christmas (2 days), New Years (2 days), July 4, Labor and Memorial days too. We were also thanked with a gift quarterly if we were mentioned in a positive light in a patient survey during that quarter. We were often brought lunch or given gift certificates for doing something (like all the office staff called in for snow, all the nurses made it in) So the nurses all got $25 to a local store. Not to mention in surgery, you wear their scrubs and don't have to take all those germs home with you. Loved that too.

I found that home health care just wasn't for me because of the conditions under which you work. A sterile dressing change with the family pet sniffing the sterile field or just filthy places was enough to turn me away. I feel I really need a controlled setting to do my work safely and effectively. Don't get me wrong, the HH nurse I followed loved her job and had some really good "regular" patients (had seen them for years). I just don't have it in me.

The worst place (besides LTC) was a ped ER for me. Loved the kids, not the staff and parents so much though. The best place is IV therapy. Work M-Fr no weekends, holidays or nights. I am the only one who does my job (job security). Can't complain. Great opportunity.

Working a pediatric ER, I know your pain. I had a patient who's obviously intoxicated father and father's girlfriend had brought in a small boy. They wanted him seen for a "rash" on his "BIRD". The rash was also on his hands and bottom. (strange combination) Dad then wants me to "feel" the rash and while he is holding the boy's "BIRD" he makes eating sounds and puts his mouth close to it. HORRIFIED, I went to get Social Services ASAP. Of course, dad and girlfriend denied (the boy was 3 1/2 maybe 4), so the rest of the night the dad followed me through the ER giving "looks" that would kill. What this boy went back to heaven only knows. I finally came to terms with the fact I could only do what I could do. It's hard to let it go. Why Social Services took the word of an obviously drunk and stoned parent over a sober and licensed nurse I will never understand. I hope you are able to let it go eventually. Maybe you should talk to that nurse who wasn't available before, so future situations will be a little easier. She may have some good suggestions for some options.

Here's a thought....what would daddy have done for his little girl if she had shown some sign of injury and nothing but male emergency responders were available? Could happen..so will he let her bleed to death internally. Or drive her to the hospital himself and wait for a female doc to be available? There has to be some sense of judgment used here. Sorry about the kid, but at this very moment the other victim seems to be the priority. Until symptoms/signs change to make me think different, daddy's little girl will just have to take a number. I'd love to know that I could be the squeaky wheel and walk in with my daughter and make her a priority because of religion. However, that's not the way emergency care and triaging works. If you're looking for customer service, I'm sure I can find an 800# for you. Otherwise either grab an ambu bag and help, or get out of my way and let me do my job.

I am not doing home health. Mine is long term care. Most of those nurses are not terribly comfortable doing IVs (especially starts) But I also place midlines and PICCs. I help with p/p for infusion. I answer a lot of questions regarding flushing, maintenance, dressing changes, etc. I am a resource service from the pharmacy to our homes we send meds to. I am salary (so I can't really remark on the pay). However when I take call, all calls are paid based on distance traveled. (I also get gasoline allowance) So any calls after normal business hours or on weekends/holidays are call pay. I also do a lot of education in-services on infusion, and anything else that happens to fall in my lap (like low staff--so I go hang a med on a PICC because there is no RN in the house on a Saturday, etc.) Hope this helps you out. I truly love what I do. Most residents are very glad they can stay in their facility and not be shipped to the hospital for a line. Families are very happy about it too. I find it very rewarding.

I am in IV therapy for LTC. I work for a LTC pharmacy and I service/resource to any and all our homes that need me. Just like a PICC team, I am M-Fr my hours are 8:30 to 5:00. I only take call when I want to. If I don't want to, I am covered by agency. I also found that corporate nursing pays better to those of us who have 4-5 years experience than the hospitals do locally. Plus none of the downfalls. And the retirement here is TONS better (meaning there is one-the hospital is 401K only with no employer contribution). I am a VERY HAPPY nurse. :biggringi

I saw my favorite aunt graduate from nursing school in 1975. I was from then on fascinated with nursing. (they were all so impressive in their uniforms and hats looking so official) I told my kindergarten teacher I wanted to be a nurse. I then went through the "big business" "get out of this town" episode (teen years). I became a wife and then a mother. Only when my husband's job was threatened did I decide to go back to nursing. It is a wonderful fit. Even though going through school I had my doubts at times. I really can't imagine myself doing anything else. I love the patient teaching, the interaction and the clinical skills required. It's wonderful when you love what you do.

Congratulations!!!:balloons: Glad to know that nursing is still making people happy. You hear so many complaints. It's a nice change to hear someone happy. Personally, I am loving my job too. I've been here almost a year. No weekends,holidays or late nights. Works great around the kids too. It's a wonderful feeling when you love getting up and going to work instead of dreading it. Enjoy your new found happiness.

Sorry about your situation. As a mother, I was faced with an incident report at Headstart. My child had been bitten by another (not unusual for the age group) However, this same child also punched her in the eye at the same time (also the bite left marks for hours after). Come to find out this was the same child (the first week of school) who had knocked over a book shelf (nearly on 2 children) pulled a mirror off the wall and had went through the center like a tornado. I asked for action from the school r/t my daughter's incident. I was told "Privacy, blah, blah, blah" I said, "I understand privacy, I also understand my daughter has a right to come to school and be safe." So her rights should be protected, as she is not the villian here. Throwing around a few choice words like "assault", "attorney", "police report" and "court" and then following up with "school too". The little criminal disappeared from my daughter's class by the next week. The rest of the school year was beautiful. Forget professional, just be straight forward with your intentions, and how you do not expect to have to see the school regarding this little deviant again. It's amazing what can be done when you go in determined. Good luck

In my past job experience (pre-op) You find you need to be both. You have to keep on task (you have incision times to meet), however you have a very anxious patient that needs the nurturing piece. I find it easy to stay on task, yet interact with my patient at the same time. Tried to meet all the needs (which is another personality trait of most nurses--keeping everyone happy). We all seemed to strike a good balance, we had 98.5% patient satisifaction in our facility.

10K sounds like a good start. Problem here is there is no COL increase with merit increases. And merit increases are 0-3% and the 3% are the people who really do some major butt kissing. 2% is average, which doesn't even keep up with COL. Not to mention 3% requires additional paperwork from the manager to get processed (not too many want to do that).

What state are you located in? COL in a particular area does effect pay.

I don't know that RNs dislike LPNs. I am an RN in Ohio and I am concerned about the LPNs in the LTC facilities that we service. We are looking at adding med techs in our state, so I am concerned about our LPNs (without their IV certification). They will find themselves squeezed out of jobs possibly. Since (until the last year) LPNs graduated without the IV cert and had to obtain it on their own. These classes are difficult to find anymore since the LPN programs have started including it in their curriculum for new grads. ( I am organizing IV cert classes at our facility to help all these nurses stay marketable) As for the hospitals, so many people are so horribly sick if they are in the hospitals, and therefore require IVs (since insurance is so quick to send you home otherwise). Which make it tricky to have too many LPNs, because without the certification they cannot do IVs. Even with the certification, they can still do little to nothing with central lines (except dressing changes and site checks). They cannot touch a PCA or even stop an infusion into a central line, even when they have assessed a complication. So part of the problem in Ohio, is the restrictions of the LPN. I don't believe it has anything to do with anything else. I know many an LPN that are excellent nurses.

Went to lunch with a fellow CNA (this was years ago, before my license). The other CNA was a very dedicated lady, very mature and caring. the best CNA you could ask for. We come down the hall and see a diabetic resident sitting in her geri chair. She has "chocolate" all over her face, just chewing away. So this other CNA runs over (gloveless) and does a fast finger sweep and suddenly realizes this is not chocolate. Disgusting, poor woman (CNA) could tolerate anything and had never missed a day of work. She went home sick that day.

I found that outside of the hospital pays better in my situation. It is much more than I made before I was in nursing. However, I must say that with daily exposures to biohazards, holding lives in your hands with your decisions, no we don't make enough. Which is probably why there is a shortage. Who wants to work in a biohazard nightmare, short staffed and huge pressures and not be compensated accordingly. (not to mention the attitudes you have to put up with at times) Let's fix the nursing shortage by actually getting the compensation in line with the responsibilities.

Personally, I had a 2 year old and a 4 year old (once I was through my pre-reqs) and was in the program. I found two other (excellent students) with kids the same age. We formed a study group and alternated places to study. The kids kept each other entertained and we got to study. It worked out wonderfully. The girls are still friends with these kids (6 years later). My children are very studious and driven. I think it actually had a good effect on them in that respect. They have a huge respect for continuing education beyond high school and I feel they are better for what we all worked for together. It made them realize "it's not always all about me" which can be a hard concept for children. They are loving/giving children who are amazed at fellow classmates behavior (they find themselves rather frustrated with the brats in the class). They matured very well because I had expectations from them because I was so distracted with school. I wouldn't have changed a minute of it. Keep your daughter included when possible, and give her a positive experience when it isn't possible to include. It most definitely can be done. You will find a way that works best for your family. Also in an attempt to utilize all possible time, I had a 45 minute commute to school, I would record my professor's lecture for A & P and would listen to it in the car. Great way to use otherwise wasted time. Good luck!!