missprnqday

Here are some of things I have learned/realized as a CNA/student nurse: 1) I have learned that nobody has my back like I do 2) I am not going (nor should I) to be loyal to an employer that is not loyal to me. 3) Your place of work only looks out for themselves, and willing to toss you under the bus in a hot second, if need be. 4.) I work to live, not live to work. 5.) The higher you go in education, the more common sense you lose; this is very apparent with some instructors at my school and admin at my job. 6.) Finally, there are people out here who are truly hurting, therefore a small hello and smile really does go a long way because you never know what battles that person is fighting which leads me to my last point. 7.) There will be haters, regardless, especially when one is trying to further themselves in any aspect of their life. 8.) You are NOT at work to make friends. Your coworkers are not your friends, so do not be quick to put your business on blast (especially if you're new) being that it's messy and you end up being the topic of conversation. 9.) STAY FAR FAR AWAY FROM the drama, BS, and negativity. It's easy to get caught up in it, but hard to get away from. 10.) This your career, so sky's the limit. Do what makes you happy. 11.) Lastly (for real this time lol) always bring and keep a good vibe, even if you're not feeling it because no one wants to deal with a negative nancy.

Or "Is there anything else I can do for you?, I have the time." I usually don't mind asking if there's anything else I can do before leaving the room, but the "I have the time" phrase just kills me because NO I really don't have an eternity to be in your room. Reality, is I have more like 5 minutes

I currently have the NCLEXPN Saunders book which has been super helpful in studying for tests and final exams. I also utilize the NCLEXPN Mastery app as well in conjuction with the book.

I just also seen the other part of question, as far as advice is concerned (and I promise to keep this short). First, regarding the classroom. Make sure you pay attention to and know your school's policies inside and out. Very important so that way you will avoid running into unnecessary issues. Also, if you have test anxiety, get a hold of that ASAP because, unfortunately, that will not hold up as an excuse for poor performance in classes, lab, or clinical at all. See a doctor or speak with your school's counselors if need be to gain control over this. Second, stay far far far way from drama and confusion that goes on within your class or at clinical, which leads me to my third point. Carry yourself in a professional manner at all times, especially at your clinical sites. You are there for your patient care experience and learning. Do not get caught up in the employee drama. If something makes you uncomfortable, report it to your instructor in private. I say all this because you do not want be known as the classmate that's always caught up in some mess or just being plain messy/unprofessional because, then, no one will want to work with you or take you seriously. Lastly, take good care of yourself and surround yourself with positive people and energy because the nursing program is so taxing and takes up lots of energy and time.

Here's the following things that I recommend having for your nursing program: Nursing bag/tote/backpack (personally, I am more of a tote bag chick bc I like to be able carry and accomodate whatever all I need) Clipboard with the compartment thingy to secure pens, pencils, markers, notes, cheat sheets, care plans Additional paper to use to take down quick notes Nursing brain sheets which help you keep your patients and their scheduled tasks straight Stethescope. You can shop on allheart the online store which sells the littmans and other high-quality brands at an afforable price. I had to get one bc the ones provided my school were cheap and all I would hear is tubes rubbing together and friction. COMFORTABLE SHOES! Yes this is a MUST as you will be up and about on your feet. Invest in a good pair that comes with memory foam. I wasn't a fan of clogs until starting my program. I wear the Grey Anatomys softwalk clogs and its the best money spent! Compression socks Extra change of scrubs A watch Utilize a nursing app/additional resources. I use the NCLEXPN Mastery and epocrates (free version only, paid app is like 170 plus dollars) Your care plan book Hand sanitizer ( i carry this because the facility i do clinicals at doesn't have sanitizer pumps) Extra hair ties These are my must haves for clinical, but I'm sure there's more. Oh and I like to carry two bags, one for classes and one for clinical. This is to avoid forgetting something important and saves time from switching bag to bag. Hope this helps!☺

The only thing that ran thru my head the whole time reading this was, "Why were you even looking in this man's phone to start with?" As stated by many others, if nothing was suspected, let it go, unless it's real legit. Otherwise, asides from all that, last I checked, your patients should be your concern. None of us get paid top dollar to be playing Nancy Drew, snooping in our coworkers personal affairs.

THIS! I feel absolutely the same exact way! For myself, 2 16's, 4 8's, or 2 12's is the way to go!

There are two things that I DO NOT do: one, I don't work for pennies and two, I do not work for free! The protection of your license as a nurse takes precedence over taking a mandated clock out for a lunch when there's no other nurse to cover for you, just for the employer to be compliant with labor laws. For me, I value my time and I have worked way too hard to get to where I am, only for someone to not compensate me for my services rendered. We all got important things to do with our money and I refuse for my employer to pocket 30 mins or a hour of my pay for a break I did not have the opportunity to take.

I can definitely relate to how you feel. I have beat myself up over it time and time again. Life happened all in between for me. However, you cannot dwell on the past because that gets you nowhere in life, like ever. You are still young and have that plan in place. Follow it and stay the course! I remember going to school the first time. Took me 4 1/2 to 5 yrs to complete a non-nursing degree, only to be out for 3 years and still working as a CNA at my local hospital. Here I am now, getting ready to go back to school for the first time in 3 years for my LPN. For only being 21, you seem to have a great head on your shoulders and focused on your goals. I definitely wish I could say the same for myself at 21, was too busy partying, going out, and not staying focused. Not to mention the crap ton of debt I am in and having to pay that back. Keep your head up, stay focused, and continue to make school your priority with the end goal in mind!! Please don't get so down on yourself because life is all about living and learning. At the end of your day, you are your biggest competition. And BTW, I'm 26 as well! Ill be rooting for you as well!

In my neck of the woods, PCAs in acute care with no prior experience start out at $11/hr, and if you work the float pool, then it's $16/hr. No differential for working days (7a-7p) and shift diff kicks in at 7p with an extra 1.25 on the hour. Weekends 2.80

Since you mentioned only having availability from 7-5:30 through the week, there are places that have shift start times of 7am-3pm or a 6am-2pm. A lot of LTCs I know of are staffed on 8hr increments. You can do PT, FT, or PRN depending on what the requested need is. As far as experience is concerned, some places will hire regardless of experience or not, although it is preferred, but not a must. Lastly, as one other PP mentioned, there are very few places, if any, that will let you pick and choose your hours at free will. Best of luck to you!

Please, please, please don't feel so discouraged, especially this soon into your job as a CNA. I even remember feeling that same way you just described when I first started out as a CNA myself. It gets better with time for sure! Trust when I tell you. You will find your rhythm and what works for you and what doesn't. Don't be so quick to write yourself off from nursing altogether, especially if this is what you want to do. Hang in there

I think it goes both ways. Ultimately, when it comes down to it, it is common sense, personality, the will, and drive to learn is what will make one excel in this field.

Uhh..then what's the point in going to school for a nursing degree?? Only to pursue a management position. It is people like you who I do not wish to work for who try to come in and dictate everyone else's jobs with NO experience whatsoever. I don't think so.