Stella-Ohio

No, roads are definetely roots here.

I'm not sure I would either. I would make that decision if/when it comes up. I too am not opposed to those workers and strongly feel they are not acting against the unions. Thanks for posting that about insurance companies......agree with that one also

:yeahthat: I have to agree. These nurses aren't out to take your job and few of us would turn down an opportunity to make huge sums of money to do what we normally due for much less. These nurses go through a lot to gain the opportunity by maintaining licensure and not knowing if there will be a strike until it actually happens and they get the 'go' from their agency (at which time they are on a plane within hours). Once they arrive they are taunted and called names by the staff. Few are left to orient them to the units and they are often extremely short staffed when all they are really doing is taking a huge risk to take care of your regular patients and trying to do a good job as you would like it to be done. The scabs are not your enemy. They want you to resolve your contract issues and get back to taking care of your patients WITH the benefit packages you deserve. In the meantime, they are trying not to have the patients suffer since they didn't agree to go on strike with their illnesses. So what they soaked your management. Management will soon realize it's cheaper to give in to you then to continue paying their agency bills.

once you pass it, are you done, or would another place rewuire you to do it again?

Even if an agency takes you on, the contracting hospitals often won't. I have had to be less selective about area due to only having 18 months experience. Many hospitals will not budge off of their 'experience requirement' by even a small amount.

I was shopping around for a company. A male recruiter called me and left a very positive message. When I called back he was on vacation and I was given to a different recruiter. She and I were like oil and water from the first conversation. She was very negative and I could tell she was not going to work for me. I tried to call the male back and give the company a fair chance. Go figure, the female called back ranting at me. Guess which company I am not doing business with since I can't even talk to whom I want?

There is another post on this subject. Basically it says go for it if the hospital has a good track record for precepting new grads into the ICU. I agree, there is no reason not to jump into the ICU if the hospital has a good program to get you started in the ICU. You are going to learn all you would learn in med/surg as far as the technical stuff and then a million times more. What you wont' learn to do is manage 8 patients at once. You will learn to handle fewer, but more closely. It is a different kind of time managment. But the nursing skills you will learn, well...........go to ICU.

Regarding students/young nurses checking off or teaching the skill, don't underestimate that they are learning as much from this as the person they are checking off. If you are open minded, you may find that this is a win/win situation. Everybody gets checked off on the skill when it's convenient and not sent to some boring class during their off/family time. Patient uti's indcidents should likely be reduced or at least the risk will. And as mentioned, a better understanding of teaching, better communication is all being addressed with a relative small task. It sounds like management did not blow a mole hill into a mountain with this one.

I'm interested in knowing the answer to this also, as I saw one person had signed with 4 travel companies. Is this necessary and/or confusing?

where is this 'eval of companies'? I'm looking for a travel job.

Another vote from me for straight to ICU.

No you don't have to get your med-surg experience or any floor experience right now. If you choose to later, you can do so when you apply for a new position (whether or not you choose med-surg then also). I would keep track of your hours you put in on the floors doing bedside nursing though as that may affect your pay rate should you choose to change positions. Wouldn't you rather get paid for your experience rather than starting out at rock bottom?

No need to make it a male nurse thing papawjohn, I do the same thing working nights and can accomplish any daytime task I need to. I don't frequently have an after work drink but when I do........very odd looks from any observer.

You are all fantastic. It was the pick me up I needed during a time of doubting. Tomorrow I am going to make certain with my manager that my work schedule can accomodate the school schedule (but with my DON behind the whole process - it shouldn't be a problem as this is being encouraged from the top down). It has been discussed briefly before but not the nitty gritty. Friday I will attend my program orientation and buy my books. I talked to my family matter of factly and explained. We agreed on one more year of less than perfect housekeeping, no real vacation, tight budgeting, quiet hours for studying etc. All the things that we have been doing for 3 years. I'm going to handle the overload the same way I handled the ADN program. It was hard to see the end but I could always focus ten weeks ahead to the end of the quarter. I have six, 8-week sessions and I will have my BSN. I can bite off littler pieces I can actually maintain control of. Again thanks everybody. I feel better just knowing I can come here for a little encouragement from others who have been there. No doubt I'll post again when I'm feeling buried. I also feel better having started to formulate a workable plan with the school days crossed off in my calendar. 377 DAYS TIL GRADUATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, thanks Daytonite. I'm going to sit and absorb this wealth of information for a bit when I get done thanking you for a well-thought response. I'm trying to figure out what my gut is telling me. I think my gut is telling me to drive on but my head is getting in the way. My gut also tells me to be very wary of delaying this because I'm afraid of the trap of not going back when I am (thought I was) motivated to do so. My motivation like yours it seems, is just because I want it. I would have some time before my science requirements became outdated, so that is not putting pressure on the decision. I wouldn't really be eligible for a supervisory position due to my 'new' status and yes do possess the maturity to think that would be a bad decision on everybody's part anyway as I truly believe that to supervise effectively, the best teacher is experience. So far I love my staff position anyway. Regarding that, due to recent turnover rates etc, I am one of few that are full time on our night shift. This is not a perpetual problem as the ones that all recently left did many years there and then sort of all at once moved on and a new influx is coming to the department. I have talked to those who left and they were not unhappy with the position, most left to seek better hours for their families etc. That has put me in the position that I have been selected to go to the hospital's training program for charge/preceptor. So it is a supervisory roll to some extent right out of the shoot, but not management. I love the idea of adding to my 'bag of tricks', education has always seemed like a good thing. I know I will get frustrated when I see something wrong and have little idea of what to do about it. The completion program is coming to our hospital as there are no Universities at that level in town, just the community college for nursing ADN. My employer offers a small amount of tuition reimbursement which can be applied towards any education so that is the extent to which they will pay for any of it. This program is new and is similar to this College's BSN program as a four year program. They are moving it off-site to our hospital as a matter of convenience to reach this area. (and to make money for themselves). The college itself is about a 40 minute drive down a desolate state road. The college is Ohio Northern University (Ada, Ohio) which is well respected in many fields particularly law. I think they've been around since the late 1800's, and this program is now accredited. I really couldn't say how much if any control our hospital had in the say of the curriculum. I know that our DON is very excited about the program. I formerly loved writing but my ADN program kind of killed that. It had been about 15 years since I had been in a college classroom. I had done well back then. I struggled with the research papers in my ADN program and the adjunct professor was of little assistance. I scraped by. I can still write one heck of an essay but the rules of more formal papers elude me. I really think this is a shortcoming and would not keep me from seeking the degree as it is something I would like to overcome and feel confident about as you do. Lastly, I am by nature, one of those annoying 'why' people to begin with. So, I have alot to think about. Thank you for arming with me with a little more information.

I would like to hear from RN's who have gone on to complete their BSN programs. This is not a thread meant to rehash which degree is better. I am a new graduate (December 04) of my RN program and currently working as a staff nurse on a Med-Surg floor (only since July 05). I have taken classes towards my BSN as it has always been my goal to complete at least that extra step. Now that it is time to register for Fall classes and take a huge jump towards my BSN, I guess I'm getting cold feet. I am questioning, should I wait a year or two etc.?? I realize nobody can answer these questions for me, but perhaps you could share your experiences. The BSN completion program I have been accepted into is a full time program held at my hospital. One day per week, all day, for an entire calendar year with credit loads ranging from 12-14 in eight week sessions. They even let me waive the 'experience' requirement due to the interview process, life experience, motivation etc. They do not offer a part time option. I work 3 12 hour shifts per week (7p-7a). I have two teenagers, one who will graduate from high school next June. My hospital would offer a 75 cent/hr pay raise immediately upon graduation but that is not the only motivator I have. I can not explain fully why I want to complete this extra level, it's just what I think I want. The only decision I have made towards MSN is that I won't discount that as a later option, but not immediately. Could you, that are BSN's, explain to me what additional opportunities or personal fulfillment came with achieving this next step in your education? Tell me some of your motivators. Advise me on taking on too much too fast? If I take a break, what are my chances of returning as so many don't. Is this course load at the junior/senior level too much while working full time (taking into consideration that I don't usually struggle with learning). I know that part of the problem is that the people around me (family) etc, don't understand as I have achieved RN and am working for a good wage so why would I continue to torture myself with no immediate goal/return on that investment. I really like the program I have selected regarding the content/write up of each course. It is a bit expensive but attainable. It will no doubt be a lot of work etc. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance for your replies.

It is possible that 'mom' may be wrong, but that is not generally the case. I think it is good advice to be told to listen to one's parents with few exceptions (VERY VERY FEW). There are plenty of career choices out there, and this doesn't sound like a case of broken ties so communication is key so that it doesn't turn out with a lot of hard feelings. I grew up believing I would go on to college until my dad said, he wasn't paying for tuition just so that I would end up married and with children like my older sister had (she had never chosen college to begin with). It took me until I am nearly 40 to get a degree. My dad wasn't wrong, he was just from a different era. I've done a lit of interesting things in the meantime and I appreciate my degree now even more. If two people with such a close relationship are at opposite ends of this issue, then it's worth it to work out a resolution.

I am an old new nurse also. I graduated last December and waited until June to apply for NCLEX. It wasn't that I was scared or anything, It just wasn't the right time immediately after school (which was a bear due to the way they treated students). The school was really not geared up for us old new nurses, not kind on younger ones either, but they admitted they were set up to 'break' the new nurse in to the environment. Basically that meant your schedule got messed with all the time, No flexibility or options for anything. Really a bear for someone with a family, and I have always worked shift work, rarely needed extra time off etc, but the school made it nearly impossible to have a family and go to school. So I waited, and worked as a CNA for awhile longer. My nerves were settled, I was more relaxed and I went and passed my NCLEX and slid seamlessly into my new position on the same floor that I had been a CNA. For all the hype that graduating and getting your license is suppose to be, it's more like a huge relief than a big celebratory event which leaves you with that 'now what?' feeling.

In a court.......innocent means.........no guilty The school is being ridiculous. I can go file charges on any number of people for any number of things.....they will go to court and be found not guilty. There is a very big difference between being charged and being found guilty/convicted. You need to get a copy of the report that the school is using against you and see exactly what it says that is being misinterpreted and go from there. Don't assume you know what it SHOULD say. After learning that information, then you must decide how to proceed. Is getting the record expunged in order (doesn't seem right in a 'not guilty' case). In the case of 'dismissed', perhaps you do need to. You may need to seek the advice of an attorney, but it sounds like you should be albe to make these things effectively go away.

First of all, if you were not convicted then, no fault/no foul. If you went to court and you were found guilty and had to pay a fine/do a few days in jail whatever......then that is your conviction. Your State Board of Nursing (and possibly even their website) will be able to provide a list of the convictions that are going to keep you out of being eligible for a license. Even if your conviction type is listed, all is not lost. The court allows one to make a minimum mistake as long as it is not your habit to get into drunken brawls. Contact the court that convicted you and find out what process it would take to have the conviction expunged. You may need to hire an attorney. The nominal cost of that is well worth it to be able to say , for the rest of your life, that you have no convictions on your record as an expungment makes it so that you no longer have to claim the offense. It is a little more technical then all of that, but there is an overview. I would definetely check into this is I were you. By the way.......many of us have been convicted of some minor offense in our younger days. You are not alone.

Usually when the whole world leaves you stranded, it's your family you still have. Tough decision. I wouldn't just go against what your mother says and I would advise against a confrontational meeting. Mom, potentially has some valid concerns for your future. You owe it to her to hear her out even if you don't agree. Some of her concerns may be mute at this point but some may be valid. It is possible that she see's qualities in you that you yourself don't see yet. In the meantime, you can do some things to help allieviate her concerns and ultimately your own that may pop up. In high school is a perfect opportunity to take on volunteer activities. You won't be nursing but you will be in the environment and be able to get many different opinions and some guidance. You could also delay your entrance into Nursing School by a year and get your CNA license. You would be working right in the grunt of things with the nurses, be exposed to the total environment you believe you want to work in, and also keep mom updated on the ups/downs of the whole profession as you see it and your own personality. In the meantime you can set some money back to help pay expenses. There is nothing wrong with taking an extra year to get things together. Nursing school can be tough and another year of maturity will go a long way towards reaching your goals and convincing your mother. It is possible too that as a CNA your hospital will have tuition reimbursement programs that you will be working towards meeting the eligibility requirements for as well as scholarship opportunities not available to the whole community. She no doubt believes she has your best interest in mind but the reasons she feels so strongly are unclear. Those reasons need explored. It is true that ultimately the decision is yours and you can figure out how to fund your education, but don't do so without hearing her out. Very few people are still at the same career they started out in. Mom is not obligated to pay your college tuition, and if she chooses to do so in whole or part that is a big plus towards getting you started in your adult life. If she chooses not to, you are a step back towards that goal so I see no harm in slowing down a bit and doing your 'homework' towards convincing her this is right for you. Take your time, look into the general education requirements your nursing program will have and begin by taking those classes part time while working in a hospital. There are ways to meet your dreams but don't have a power struggle with your family over it. Having their support in the long run will ultimately help you succeed in everything.

You are just now into the window of getting used to your backwards clock in you were able to adjust. It takes at least 3 months to adapt (and that's just an average I read somewhere). I have the opposite problem. I've worked nights for 10 years. Struggled through day shift school, then worked nights for 7 months before starting Orientation in July (on days). It's killing me, as when the sun goes down and I am awake and when it comes up, I go to sleep. It really just takes time to adjust to nights. Even when not working, since you are not adjusted to the swap, you should stay up late (til 3 or 4 at least). Also, the white noise fan is a good idea. Turn the ringers to the phone off and explain to your friends and family to not call until after 4 pm. You may have to explain that their 11 am call is similar to you calling them at 3 am. If you have to be available by phone in case the kids get sick at school or something, then find a friend or family member to be the contact. I am very protective of my cell phone number. Urgent calls (ie the school's contact list) does not include that number as they are told to call my sister who will then call my cell phone number to wake me if deemed necessary. All other calls get answered by the answering machine at home. I agree with Student 4ever, whatever is going on during the day is not part of your life (at least for awhile). Learn to do your banking on the way home from work or right before closing, find an all night grocery store to use on your nights off, schedule any appointments for the first or last one of the day, etc etc. After so many years on nights, the people around me are trained (even the mailman who knows to leave packages but not ring the bell when he does so). I can pretty much get up during the day and do whatever I have to do and go right back to sleep. But it took time, lots of time. And now once adjusted, I can't switch back.

We started one patient on it before discharge. But one of our staff reports that her husband is totally under control with Byetta and no problems. Byetta's come in a prefilled 'pen', and dosing was not a problem.

There is another thread on this site that I believe said that patients preferred to know who was whom (instead of asking the house keeper for pain meds etc) and that they best solved that issue with better name tags. The color coded system doesn't seem to work.

I'm not young, showing off, newly married or likely to forget I'm married. I don't need to prove to anyone that I'm married. I'm not 'in to' jewelry. Quite frankly, a very special man bought me a very special set of rings. I want to wear them, he wants me to wear them, I enjoy wearing them, and I'm going to wear them. My wedding set is quite simple consisting of a nice solitaire and band. The solitaire has had it's setting altered to lower the stone without altering the appearance a great deal. It was affordable to have the setting lowered so that it did not stick up high (it now sticks up low). In fact I had this done years before becoming a nurse. I wanted a traditional looking set without the height to begin with. The 'crud' my rings may carry is routinely cleaned, very often professionally. This is the same crud that is under our short natural fingernails (even when they are also cleaned). I hope nobody expects us to go to the vetinarian and get declawed. My rings are routinely checked by the jeweler (who knows I am a glove wearing nurse). No matter how I may lose the stone, it is insured provided it has had it's inspection at least every 6 months. As stated above, I take it in routinely and far more often than every 6 months. I pass the jewelry store routinely enroute to other locations and it only takes them about 10 minutes to check it over. My homeowners insurance also covers my wedding set regardless of the above inspections. All jewelry is covered this way by my homeowners policy which would include me dropping it in a sink or linen bag at work. If I lost a ring or the diamond, yes I would be upset. I also know that this is important enough to me and my husband that it is a risk we are willing to encounter even if insurance did not cover the loss. (and yes, he wears his as proudly as the day I gave it to him). I have never torn a pair of gloves on my rings. On the other side, to those for whom taking their rings off is not an issue, that is their choice. I support their decision. Its just not the right decision for every person in every unit. For people who have visible crud in their rings then I rather imagine they have quite the bacteria fest going on in there. I'd challenge you to look at other areas of their hygeine/maintenance as well (a good place to start to double check this is their shoes or the hinge of their scissors and another is the clip of a clipboard if they carry one or the junction of the tubing and bell of a stethoscope). That's not to say they are going to jump right out of you as being cruddy people but if you look closely, there may be a lack of paying attention to minute details (like making an effot to keep their jewelry gleaming),which is likely to show up elsewhere. Fastidious and meticulous is usually not hit and miss. If it is, I bet a small mention of the problem would correct it. The next thing I would challege one to do is swab your rings in a microbiology class and incubate in a petri dish. Create a second swab from anywhere on your hands. The results may be similar as they were in our micro class. I believe the ring issue to be a personal, religious and cultural based decision that comes with a responsibility.