MochaFiend

Thanks. I spoke to the PA, she was just trying to help. She has a light patient load because she's new. All MA's and the LPN just run with it.

The medication was drawn without my knowledge and not in my presence. The syringe is not and has never been labeled. I work in primary care, not a hospital. So, I'm drawing and pulling medication and vaccines on my own. I have no problem administering medications (injections) if it was pre-filled by the laboratory, pharmacy, or by another MA in front of me. BUT, these cases involve me finding a syringe filled with unknown medication, not labeled and I'm supposed to waltz in and administer it to get the patient out the door.... I think not. Does that help?

Ugh!!!! That video is irrelevant to my post and I'm trying to get it off - Sorry!!!!

That's an absolute NO! I have a few MA's in my pod at work, my Physician Assistant and perhaps even my boss at odds with me. My PA has in the past two weeks (I've only been here for two weeks) on about three occasions drawn up medications for me to administer. I don't administer that loaded syringe, it goes straight to the sharps container and I prepare the injection by myself, from start to finish. I do this even if the vial (solu medrol) is a single dose. I told the PA politely to "please don't draw injections for me to administer because I've been taught to not administer medication or injections that I, myself have not prepared" The PA's response: "I was just trying to save time" Me "I understand, and I appreciate it. But, I cannot administer medication that I've not prepared myself" Another MA: "Seriously, Jessica?" Me: "Seriously" The PA went on to the next patient. The MA went to another pod to gossip about what I just told her and the PA. I spoke with the office supervisor, a LPN, who told me "It's at your discretion. I was taught the same thing. But... It's at your discretion." The hell? I wouldn't even let my very best friend draw anything for me to administer. I know I'm "asking to get fired". But, this is my butt. My signature. I look like the bad guy because I know not a soul would take care of me if it were my name on the line, even as a RMA if there were to be a lawsuit.... Am I stupid, crazy, wise?? What would you do? [video=youtube_share;gLj7fj-3L78] Thanks....

I've been attempting my pre reqs for BSN and I've not done as well, hardly a dent in the required courses. I'm currently working as a RMA and I love it! But, to get into a leadership role: Clinical Manager - I thought about going the LPN route since a lot (if not all) clinical managers are LPN or have their associates RN degrees. Are LPN's being phased out? I do my best work in outpatient care as a RMA and that is where my experience has been since 2004 (Navy - Primary Care, Cardiac, Pulmonary Medicine).. I just feel like... I.... Should just get an associates in nursing or LPN because I'm not prepared for BSN. Why? Tie investment and more importantly getting into the program. I'm in my early 30's... I hope LPN is not going away. Because, I feel like as far as time is concerned that this would be the best route because I love my job and where I work. I just want to grow into clinical management. I don't know if this helps, but I'm in metro Atlanta, GA. Thanks in advance!!

Not really, but it wouldn't hurt to have one in the locker. I got mine from allheart.com, and I love it! Great acoustics, light weight, and budget friendly! Prestige Medical Clinical Lite Stethoscope | allheart.com

Oh, one more thing. Don't wear perfumes or scented lotion. That's a no-no in the hospital and in patient care in general due to allergies, etc.

Congratulations!! It's okay to be scared. The most important thing is to be open to learning new things within your scope of practice as a Nurse Tech. No matter how bad of a day you are having, or how nervous you are, you ARE IMPORTANT. As a "nurse tech", Patient Care Tech, CNA... You will have the same tasks and responsibilities as those with training. I assume that there is a training program for PCT at the hospital? I had a few weeks of training for PCT at the hospital I worked at after my enlistment, even with patient care experience. *Wear comfortable shoes, I'm a fan of Asics and New Balance. *Don't carry your phone, leave it in your locker. *Carry a couple of pens with you, black is best and have spares in your locker (to jot down patient assignments, notes i.e. glucose checks) You will learn how to remove a foley catheter and an iv. You may also, depending on your facility, be trained to draw blood. In that case, get familiar with order of draw: Here;s a website to order a neat cheat sheet that you can wear on your badge reel: Order of Draw Badges or on Amazon. It would not hurt to take a sheet of printer paper or a notebook sheet, fold it into fours and stick that in your pocket for patient assignment notes, things to help when doing turn over. I worked as a PCT in MICU and for some odd reason, we did not meet with on coming or off going techs to go over patient assignments when compared to my experience as a tech in Med Surg... Weird, I know. I floated to PCU a couple of times, but I do not recall the process or experiences on PCU. Be available on the floor! Don't hide out in the break room, restroom, or off the unit.. Yes, techs do this - they get fired. Upon the start of your shift, introduce yourself to the nurses caring for the patients that you are assigned. This is something you may want to do.... ASAP, but be mindful. The nurses need to know who you are, but they also spend a fair amount of time getting report and assessing their patients. Some have to travel with their patients asap, so be available and ask your nurse and patient (s) if they need anything. The nurse may be so busy, he or she will be thankful for your initiative because there is always something to be done or someone who needs something. The same goes for your patients. This is not a glamorous job. There will be bed baths, your will be cleaning or assist in cleaning patients and positioning patients. You might have to take out the trash from your patient rooms. No patient, family, member, nurse, or doctor wants to walk into their love one's/patient's room to have trash over flowing. ALWAYS wear glove. ALWAYS wash your hands. It would not hurt to have an extra set of scrubs in your locker. I've been puked on... Drink a lot of water, coffee is my vice - but stay hydrated! If you work nights, the cafeteria is not open. Have snacks in the locker : meal bars, fruit, nuts, something fast. Gum :) Chapstick... Hair ties if your hair is long!! Tylenol, tums, motrin... Have those in your bag or locker. Get a lunch bag and bring food from home because the cafeteria isn't cheap and not always great. I can't think of anything else.... I'm sorry that this is so long, but it will help you!

Ah, I remember working nights as an ER Tech. Wear comfortable shoes (Asics work for me), have a back up pair of scrubs in your locker *just in case. You'll be obtaining vital signs, *carry at least 2-3 pens! Be prepared to draw blood *know your order of draw, you can also order a handy badge Order of Draw - Memory Guides for Phlebotomists, performing blood sugar checks, assisting with transporting patients to imaging or to the floor (your hospital may have transport teams for that), restocking patient rooms with supplies (in between patients -when time allows), helping the nurse with patient positioning as needed, fetching extra gowns, towels, and sheets as needed. Brush up on EKG lead placement incase you have to do EKG's. It's going to be fast and furious and beware of full moons! Okay, there might be "slow times" after 4am (I worked nights). Never ever - EVER say "It's a slow day/night" or that you're "bored". Drink tons of water and have some meal bars in your locker because the cafeteria isn't open 24/7 - trust me! Oh, pick up a lunch bag too! Put your name on it and bring stuff from home *just in case. I know that was long. You may not need to assist with transporting because most hospitals have a transport staff specifically to keep you in the ER doing your job by helping those nurses and doc's take care of those in need. It may seem overwhelming, because it is. But soon enough you'll know exactly what your position entails and how to make it all work out after a few shifts. Don't be afraid to ask for help and ask plenty of questions. You'll meet great nurses and doctors and just as many (hopefully less) of not so great ones. Congratulations!

Oh, yes, you're not alone! As a Corpsman in the Navy (medic), a PCT, and Registered MA, I still have the same fear as you when it comes to sticking patients. With time and experience, i wasn't so nervous and had no problem. However, I'm just now starting pre reqs for my BSN and I can tell you that it will pass.

Hello, I'm currently a pre nursing student. I've been passionate about becoming a nurse since before the third grade. Fast forward forever later, 5 years in the Navy (4 as a Hospital Corpsman), ED Tech, PCT (in MICU), and RMA - it's safe to say I have some healthcare experience. But, I'm also a caregiver for my husband whom suffers severe migraines and in some cases ocular migraines. When he's in pain and I can't make it better, I'm stressed and upset AND praying for the pain to subside. I give him his medication as 'scribed by our doctor, help with water, hold the can for him to heave into... You get the point. I don't know if it's just worse on me when he's in crisis because I'm his wife? Because, I'd feel the same way about anyone in my family or even you. I feel anxiety because I don't have control of the situation because he'll be in a fetal position, and crying for 45 minutes to an hour before the medication, generic Zomig, kicks in. I don't know if I'd be a good nurse because I feel pretty stressed out when I can't help. When I feel unsure and unable to help, I begin to panic. This is not good for me when nurses have to be calm in the madness or else someone gets hurt or something goes wrong. I do not know what to do, but I'm thinking that I can't be a nurse.

Those sound really nice

This is the bulk of it and believe me, this is a great foot in the door into patient care! It's hard work, you will be exhausted and at times you'll feel under appreciated. But, this is a very important job and now is the time to start considering good shoes!!! Your back and your feet will thank you for it! I loved my Asics, but I also wear New Balance. Congrats on your new job!!!

Thank goodness!!!! I'm at the beginning of the journey that you've just completed (pre nursing). Very excited for you!

Blunt, I like it! This is very true though. So many folks at the university I attend are majoring in nursing, but it's the math and science courses that make or break them. Many become english, business, or some other major or drop out. It's the non-sugar coated truth. Refreshingly honest, and that's important.