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I'm in the military...so unfortunately you can't just tell them you won't do something...they won't have any of that. My floor is comprised of MOSTLY new nurses with the exception of a few seasoned nurses who are captains (4 of them)...and 2 of the 4 work on night shift...so their options are somewhat limited for preceptors....which is the reason I'm in the position I'm in. I do agree with you on preceptors as mentors...with lots of experience...but then I remember working with a fairly new nurse when I first got here....and I did have a good experience...and did learn a lot from her....I just wish I had options. I think it will be a good learning experience...but I think it's probably gonna stress me out more than anything! Thanks for your reply!

Hello Everyone! I am a new nurse...with a little over 1 yrs worth of experience on a med-surg unit. Anyway...I have a question for all the seasoned preceptors out there. I was wondering if any of you have any tips/websites to look at as far as how to be a good preceptor and what things to teach...that kind of stuff. I know how NOT to be (simply d/t past experiences in nursing school) But I guess I was wondering what has helped you with precepting (your first time). To be honest...I NEVER wanted to be a preceptor...and I actually asked to be used as a last resort...but apparently they like me. So...yes I'm flattered but I do not feel ready to precept (as I'm still learning myself) and honestly don't know if I have the PATIENCE for it. I guess I just like to have control over my patients...to know that things are getting done...this is going to be hard for me. And as much as I would like to...refusing is not an option...any advice out there for me???? Thanks and have a good night!

The Air Force mandates that everyone get the Flu shot...I think it's the right thing to do overall...even if it causes you some mild symptoms. Since the flu can be transmitted BEFORE symptoms arise...then you may be transmitting without realizing to those with much weaker immune systems than your own....this may be a life or death situation for the frail elderly or small babies...It takes a second, a moment of pain (or not if you meet the criteria for the FLUMIST) and can save lives....VACCINATION is the way to go :)

Ok...This is a random question for you all and I'm not sure if this was the best forum to post in...but anyway...here goes. Life is a bit difficult these days for me. First off..I'm in the AF and stationed about 9 hours away from home...really not too far, but I don't get home NEARLY as much as I'd like. Anyhow..I was wondering if any of you guys have been in this situation and how you've coped. My dad...Who's 56 yo is a very stubborn man who I love dearly. He has Diabetes (diagnosed when I was probably in the 8th grade...and I'm 23 now) and pretty much ever since I can remember, he's been non-compliant as far as diet/exercise/blood sugar monitoring goes. He pretty much eats whatever he wants...regardless of the sugar/carb content..and takes a bunch of meds to control not only his blood sugar, but his BP and cholesterol too. His Doctor has wanted to put him on insulin for a few years now....but he refuses...He has neuropathy in his feet (over the summer he was wearing a pair of shoes that were too tight he didn't feel this and ended up with a "shoe bite"and badly infected ankle. After that he got nervous and began taking his blood sugar daily and attempted to watch his diet...but now that we're in October...he's back to his old routine. The other day he said to me..."The doctor wants me to see a kidney specialist and go for a lung MRI...but don't worry...I'm fine" (he smoked for many years too...and has bad asthma) Anyway...knowing this...while I'm 9 hours from home kills me. It kills me more because...as a nurse...I've seen what can happen. I try so hard to get him to see my point of view. It's so hard for me to accept the fact that my dad has just given up. It so selfish to me...yet I love him so much. It worries me to think how my mom will do if god forbid something happens to him. He keeps telling me "Only the good die young...I'm gonna be around forever". He's always saying he's fine...but never confronts his health issues. (his whole family is pretty much diabetic/overweight...I believe his mom actually had her leg amputated secondary to diabetes) Guess the bottom line is...Knowing the consequences of poorly managed health issues....I'm DYING inside...I feel like I'm wasting precious time with him being in the AF and 9 hrs from home. Any advice or uplifting comments are appreciated....and sorry I babbled for so long....have a good night~

wow....it's so amazing to talk about how things have changed...i can't wait 'till i can look back on all of the changes through the years...i have just one year under my belt thus far...so i can't contribute :) thanks for all the amazing details!!!

I think that depends on which state you are in...and which hospital you have your clinicals in. I remember when I was in nursing school....we weren't allowed to push ANYTHING at one of the hospitals...yet another one let us push meds....so I think it varies from hospital to hospital.

Just got done watching "Hitch" (which is a great/funny movie by the way) Lots of good quotes in there too....here's one I liked... Alex Hitch Hitchens ..."Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away."

Yep...but you have to get it approved first....A bunch of nurses I know are moonlighting these days....

HAHAHA that's hysterical!! :)

great idea...i'm quote obsessed:)...will have to dig some out.....and post em:)

Very true..and the staffing is GREAT...because there's no sick leave....so nurses aren't calling in all of the time.

Every AF nurse straight out of college(Bachelors) starts out as a 2Lt....If a nurse comes in with yrs of experience as a nurse/higher education...then she will come in with higher rank depending on the experience/educational level....AF officer rank from bottom to top is 2Lt, 1Lt, Capt, Maj, Lt Col, Col, Brig gen, Maj Gen, Lt Gen, and Gen. :)

Hello Everyone.. I'm an AF nurse...came in straight out of nursing school. I'm a 2nd lieutenant (0-1).....every AF nurse starts out there...To be honest..I've never seen physicians come in as Lieutenants....all the dr's I've seen have been Capt and up...not sure if that is just at my base (since this is my first duty station) or not...Hope this helps....anymore questions...let me know!

Hey Everyone!! Active duty AF nurse here....Came in right out of nursing school (have been in for a little over a year so far)...and now working med/surg in an AF hospital. I'm enjoying myself--there are definitely a lot of perks. Not sure if I'm going to stay in for the long haul...but I do want to travel abroad. I'm hoping to be based next in either Italy or Germany, get lots of traveling done, and then continue as a civilian. Good luck to everyone in thier careers!

I'm working nights these days too...Anyway...I personally workout AFTER I sleep. By the time the 13th hour rolls around...I seriously am ready to fall asleep...to be honest, that 15 min drive home from work is usually the longest 15 mins of my life. I have to stay on my cell phone, and prop my head up with my arm against the window so that I don't start nodding off. Love the 12 hr shifts...but they really take a lot out of me. Don't risk it...get some sleep before working out....Re-ENERGIZE...you'lll have a better workout in the end!