ChipJe

The offer for performance improvement (by the nursing board) would prevent public disciplinary action. If it's not too late for that. I just cant believe that I need a lawyer for a training exercise that involved zero patients. It's crazy. I was hoping to find out what could possibly happen if I leave it to the board to decide without any intervention. I feel like I've been stepped on by an 800 lb gorilla. In my eyes, of course, I feel like I've done nothing wrong.

I'll try to explain this as best I can. I am a new nurse. I've been a working RN since February at a rehab facility. Technically, that was not my fist job. Right out of nursing school, I was hired by a major hospital in Ohio. I went through orientation, drug testing, physicals without any trouble. Next was the PBDS assessment. Performance based development system - where we were asked to provide a medical diagnosis to a set of conditions: video scenarios with some backing vitals, conditions, etc. I was to understand that the test was to tailor my training. When I did not pass it, I was terminated and was told to go out, get some experience and re-apply. Behind the scenes, the hospital in question reported us (all that did not pass the PBDS) to the board of nursing, saying that we did not practice in a safe manner and are subject to disciplinary action. Seriously? So I was offered a shot at doing some extra study in the manner of CEU's to improve my ability. My ability to practice outside my scope (in my viewpoint - we do not do medical diagnoses). As part of this offer, my license would not be view-able online as active for one year. All because I was hired by this particular hospital. I want to know what "possible disciplinary action" constitutes - I cannot get anyone to tell me what that is. I did not harm anyone, I did not steal medications, I did not commit any torts, negligent actions, or have any dependency issues. I go to work every day and help people recover. And I am good at it. My residents love me and what I do for them. I was an engineer for 20 years before deciding to make the career change and it's working. Things would be great if I had not applied at that particular hospital. Do I submit to the performance improvement program or should I let the board decide my fate without knowing the potential outcome? I just want it all to go away but that does not seem to be a possibility.

I would flat-out refuse to take it based on what I know now. They ask you to practice out of your scope to complete this assessment.

I agree, nursing is not for you. I just finished nursing school, passed the NCLEX and got a good job 5 weeks later. The jobs are out there. I will begin in 3 more weeks - finally!! I cant wait to get started. I've been working in engineering for 20 years and I am completely unfulfilled. I can do the work but I need more than monetary satisfaction. I saw the "I'm in this for the money" types in school and they did not last - they could not do the work required to be a nurse, or did not want to. I cannot imagine a greater satisfaction than helping someone to heal, feel better, cope, etc. - whatever they need. I have few delusions about it; I realize that it will not be easy but it is something that I WANT to do and I have always wanted to do it. You must have the right mentality to be a nurse, the same way that you need to have the correct mentality to be an engineer, or a police officer, or a teacher. MEN dont go into nursing? It just sounds like you're frustrated and I can understand that - this is not turning out to be what you wanted. I'm sure you will find your calling eventually. I started this when I was 47. Good luck to you.

I learned IV starts in my ADN program. At clinicals, the staff nurses would seek us out when an IV needed to be inserted. The patients were really great too. I had a lady that let me try it on her twice, she insisted. I did have one patient with large protruding veins- he was an easy start. I know it will take practice at work to get the knack.

I hope so! And you're welcome!

After I had the phone interview, they said they would move my application into the 'active' area for new nurses. It was about a week later that I received an email from the Talent Acquisition Team that directed me to 3 openings for new nurses. I responded with my preferences and told them when I was available for an interview and they set it up. In talking to a few nurses there, I found out that it is a good time to be interviewing. Last year at this time, there was no hiring going on. I do hope this helps, I am anxious to get started myself. Good luck to you! I heard they like volunteer work too. I joined the county Medical Reserve Corps and I just had a flu shot clinic. Yay! The first time I actually used my license and got a bit of experience too! See if your county has a volunteer only Medical Reserve Corps or MRC. They were instituted by President Bush after 9-11 to help organize and mobilize medical volunteers. Charles

I hope to make it that far. I got my RN officially last month, I had a new-grad phone interview and I went to two in-person interviews yesterday. I had what I thought was a really good interview and I left with a good impression. I hope to get a position there on main campus. If so, I will take the PBDS assessment to find out where I'm currently at, so they know where my strengths and weaknesses are. The Clinic's new grad program helps get you going without throwing you to the wolves right away. Most of the other area hospitals want experienced nurses only. Where are we supposed to acquire the experience?? Great job by the Clinic! I think you want to go in with what you know so they can assist you with what you need to know.

I graduated in May and I just passed the NCLEX 4 days ago. I fit in well on the floor as a student and I am ready to begin my second career in the hospital. After 20 years of sitting in front of a computer with almost zero human contact (I'm an engineer), I have found my calling - I just could not take it any longer. The time spent in clinicals was great. There is no better reward for me than helping someone to heal or feel better or cope. I cannot believe it took me this long to find it. I was so incredibly happy that I was able to pass boards so quickly. I want to get started! I was treated well by everyone and accepted as a contributing part of the staff. I am looking to get into the ICU or ED.