writrix

There are three major phenotypes (sub-types) of humans: Caucasian, African, Asian. This comment -- no offense intended -- is just not true. These categories are false, and come from the 19th century or even before that. Where do Native Americans come in? Middle Easterners -- both Arab and non-Arab? What about people from India -- alone, probably the most diverse continent in the world? Get these categories out of your head. "Race" doesn't even exist except for what society creates. As for the PC / non-PC debate -- please, let's just drop that term, and focus on how we treat other people. If we are censoring ourselves, then we need to take a good honest look at why. Why is it so hard to be respectful in how we speak to and about others -- regardless of what we think?

Thanks to all for answering! The replies are all really helpful.

Hi, I've got one more year of nursing school, and currently am planning on working for two years in med/surg before deciding what to do next. I understand there are two camps -- the "old fashioned" folks who think what I'm planning is a "must" for most nurses -- especially those like me with no previous clinical background. Then there are those who think that's irrelevant, and you should just go directly into what interests you -- like critical care or labor and delivery, etc. On the "pro" side, the general argument is that you get a wide array of medical conditions to work with when you do med/surg first, and you really learn the "fundamentals" of nursing. On the "con" side, I've heard people say if you really know what you want, why waste time doing something else. Any other insights into this debate?

Greetings, I have just finished my first year in nursing school, and have accepted a 6-week summer internship at a neuro unit. For my sake, and for that of the preceptor who will be working with me, I want to be as prepared as possible. Here's the deal: my school doesn't do a med/surg rotation until the second year, and we've have very limited opportunities thus far to practice any clinical skills. On the plus side, I've been getting good grades, and have ordered a copy of the textbook on neuro nursing recommended on this site with the intention of reading through it. I also will be reviewing my assesment skills and making darned sure I remember those cranial nerves before I walk in the door. What would you expect from an intern if you were a preceptor, and how could your intern help you out the most? What skills would you make sure he/ she would leave with? Thanks a million in advance...

I'm an agnostic / possible atheist, too, but I think it's CRITICAL to understand the huge psychological benefit people get from religious faith or practice -- that can have huge implications in terms of patients' overall health and wellness. I personally practice Buddhist-style mindfulness / awareness, which does not require any sort of belief, but it makes an obvious difference in my stress level, ability to interact with others more compassionately, and overall sense of purpose and direction -- invaluable in nursing school. So I assume that people with faith have similar benefits, and you absolutely cannot diminish the physical component of that.

Just to confirm - I just witnessed a lady partsl birth from a mother with herpes (not active) in my last clinical rotation. Everyone was healthy and happy!

Keep those suggestions coming -- I had a big, hearty breakfast the morning I really lost consciousness (as opposed to just getting woozy). Knew it was coming on, tried to focus on the cheerful poster on one side of the room, etc. BAM! I didn't even have time to get the cold sweats... Thanks to everyone so far for posting!

OK - so, here I am in the second semester, doing great grade-wise, loving what I do, and I've just discovered that I faint (or come close to fainting) when I see puncture-like stuff -- like, say, when I gave my first Hep B shot to an infant, or when I saw a PAP smear accidentally draw blood. I am determined to get over this, but I don't know how. I KNOW other folks have had to deal with this, and gotten through it. So -- please don't ask me why I'm in nursing school -- but any suggestions about fighting the vasovagal reaction would be VERY welcome! Many thanks in advance to all --

Actually, as a student in a BSN program, I was told in class that it was very important to regularly get involved with bed making, bed pans, etc. because (1) it is supposed to be a good way to check in on patients, and (2) it builds teamwork with the other people you're working with. And, frankly, I can't imagine anyone going to nursing school, no matter what the degree, and thinking they can (or should) avoid bodily functions. But, I guess it happens. Gosh, I hope I don't have to work with the cocky types after I graduate...!!

The replies to your question are all good. I used to be in the same situation -- difficulty making friends and generating conversation topics. But the key lies in asking questions. This applies whether you're in a patient's room or at a cocktail party. Truth is, people generally love to talk about themselves. They like the attention. And you can learn a lot! If you're worried about a question being too insensitive, just ask something lighter, and wait until you get to know the person better.