journeyy

Hi Amanda, What is a refresher nursing course? Where is it offered, how long does it take?

Hmmm....looks like I have lots to look forward to. funniest: in nursing school one of the students assisting a resident to the BR yelled 'look out she's gonna blow!', the student came out with feces from head to toe, it was even dripping from the ceiling! freakiest: LTC situation. Two residents in the room, both COMPLETELY bed bound. On my first night, I turned both residents, straightened up the room, returned to the nursing station 10 ft away. The charge nurse said 'now listen'. I could hear noises coming from the room. I went in and all the drawers were out of the dresser! Apparently one of the residents in the room believed herself to be possessed, she spoke in different voices. The charge nurse said that many times the room was put in total disarray with no apparent explanations. Lots of witnesses, and, I saw it twice more myself. Too scary for me. Telekinisis or not, I couldn't work with that resident anymore. It was standard policy that all care given to this woman was done by at least a team of two. Some initiation.

I graduated in dec 99', took boards for the first time in feb 01' and passed! I used Kaplan Review diskettes, NSNA NCLEX-RN review, 3rd edition, and, the Mosby assesstest. Good luck to you. No, I don't believe the classes are important.

In B.C. 21.40/hr for new grads

I was just thinking...usually when someone is aggressive, they do it without an audience. Many hospitals have security cameras. Perhaps there is proof on tape. And, so far as what I would do? I would treat it exactly like a stranger assault on the street and call the police immediately.

Retire?! I'm a new grad RN at 42. I'm hoping to put in at least 20 years or so.

I found an interesting nursing site designed by an Alaskan RN. His name is Kevin McFly. He offers nursing math problems each day for students, but, would probably be a wonderful source of information about Alaska. He also offers an Alaska screensaver. His mail address is : Math_a_day@nursing files.com or you could find him under www.nursingfiles.com. good luck

In many States, long-term care facilities offer training programs for CNA's. The programs are usually OJT and involve classroom as well as clinical. I was a CNA for four years before becoming an RN. I was trained (with pay) in a long-term care facility, and, required board testing at completion of the training. Being a CNA is hard work, but, rewarding. Personal care of the patients is your primary duty, ie.: bathing, feeding, transporting, and, yes, cleaning up accidents from incontinent patients (it's no easier on the patient than it is on you). Should you choose to do this, you will find yourself faced with many opportunities for learning. I found that treating my patients with the respect and dignity that I would wish to be treated with worked for me. I chose to go on with my education for many reasons. One problem CNA's frequently face is understaffing. I often had 25-30 patients (total care). That pretty much breaks down to endless rounds of clean-up with little time for interaction. The facility policies and nurses you work with can make a difference, so choose well. I often worked with RN's who wouldn't turn a hand to help in any way. I bring these experiences with me now as an RN. I consider nursing a team approach from housekeeping to the doctors and everyone in between. I treat everyone with respect and expect (and sometimes get!) the same in return. Good luck to you.

I worked for four years as a CNA, then two years as a mental health tech, went to nursing school and graduated with my AD, just passed the NCLEX-RN, and, will soon begin my first job as a nurse. I am going into this knowing that I am a member of a team for patient care. The doctors, nurses, unit secretaries, techs, dietary, even housekeeping will all play a role in the care of my patients. I want to learn all that I can, from everyone that I can, so that I can give the best care possible and do my job most effectively. I'm hoping that the people I work with will invest a bit of time in helping me to find my way so that I can be an effective team member. That small investment will pay off for them and I can then pass on my knowledge to the next new team member. Whether our title is CNA or PHd, I figure the best patient care will occur when we work together. There is strength in numbers and we're all supposed to be on the same side. (How much power and political strength would a FEDERAL union of nurses have?) Maybe someday I will have the opportunity to pursue a BSN. In the meantime, I just want to be the best AD, RN nurse/co-worker that I can be. You can support me and help me be a strong member of your team, or, you can chew me up and spit me out and go back to complaining about 'what's wrong with nursing'. YOU DECIDE. : )

I worked for four years as a CNA, then two years as a mental health tech, went to nursing school and graduated with my AD, just passed the NCLEX-RN, and, will soon begin my first job as a nurse. I am going into this knowing that I am a member of a team for patient care. The doctors, nurses, unit secretaries, techs, dietary, even housekeeping will all play a role in the care of my patients. I want to learn all that I can, from everyone that I can, so that I can give the best care possible and do my job most effectively. I'm hoping that the people I work with will invest a bit of time in helping me to find my way so that I can be an effective team member. That small investment will pay off for them and I can then pass on my knowledge to the next new team member. Whether our title is CNA or PHd, I figure the best patient care will occur when we work together. There is strength in numbers and we're all supposed to be on the same side. (How much power and political strength would a FEDERAL union of nurses have?) Maybe someday I will have the opportunity to pursue a BSN. In the meantime, I just want to be the best AD, RN nurse/co-worker that I can be. You can support me and help me be a strong member of your team, or, you can chew me up and spit me out and go back to complaining about 'what's wrong with nursing'. YOU DECIDE. : )

Hi, I am an RN relocating to Washington. I would like to communicate with other nurses from that area. thanks, journey

thanks for the info. I have a job lined up, just wanting to meet other nurses in the area to find out a bit about it.

Hi, I was also trained in CPI. I found it to be extremely effective in the Psych/Recovery setting. This method involves verbal de-escalation and uses physical restraint as a last resort. It teaches evasion techniques and a team approach to managing 'out of control' patients. Since policemen deal with this type of problem on a daily basis, I would think they would be a valuable resource for additional information. Most psych and alcohol rehab hospitals usually have a pretty effective program in place and may also be a good source of information. Good luck in your search.

Hi, I am a newly licensed RN. I am an American living/will be working in Canada. I haven't met many people yet. I am very interested in having some online nursing mentor/contacts, someone to help me find my way or even just someone to talk with from time to time. I cannot offer vacations to the Bahamas, so think about it before you reply..lol...Thanks.

Hi, Not exactly sure how it works in OK, but, it might be a really good idea to contact the OK Board of Nursing and find out. As a provider, or CNA, or whatever they choose to call you, it's always good to know what your liabilities and scope of practice are. In many states board testing is required for CNA, in others, nursing homes will train and certify you (for free! and, you get paid while you're training). Best of luck to you.