Tracy0924

I was in orientation for 10 weeks in psychiatric/med-surg as a new grad. Personally, I felt that it was enough for me, but management was very open with me and said that if I wanted more time, all I had to do was ask. I was grateful for that, because it helped my confidence level in that I wouldn't look like a big dumb-dumb if I said I wasn't ready. Be honest with your manager and always tell them if you aren't comfortable yet.

The demand has been super high at our institution for more psychiatric nurses, but that appears to be due to the high turnover rate.

The biggest problem I've seen is people ingesting the essential oils. You should never do that...they are NOT edible. Therapeutic grade, what does that even mean?

Like I said, if you already work at a hospital and have "an in" it makes more sense this way (ADN).

My understanding is that the CEP program IS a bit more competitive. 3.0 GPA is required for them to even look at your application. NAU is the best route if you do CEP as they require the least amount of pre-requisites. But, you will have classes during the summer as well as the regular semester. Personally, I find it's less stress if you just go ahead and do the associates and then get a job because most hospitals will pay for your BSN in Phoenix. The only thing you have to consider is that if you don't already work at a hospital, it may be tougher for you to get a job as an RN with an associates. Hope this helps someone in the slightest!

Thank you very much as well. At least I only did this in my practicum and not in reality. I'm glad I asked about this here!

Thank you so much for this response. In the scenario, I was taking over for another nurse. I will definitely take this knowledge with me. Very much appreciated!

Sure you can. You have the background (I don't know how people that have never worked in medical school pass these classes, I swear it), and you have the drive. You'll have days just like everyone else where you feel like throwing things and screaming. But, again like the successful students, you'll get through them and make it through the hoops. Hoop after hoop after hoop.

Hi all! Long time reader, first time sign up and post myself. Today I did my Block III practicum. I'm hoping someone can help me out here. The TPN bag on my acute biliary pancreatitis Sim-man did not match the order written by the physician. The physician order had famotidine checked but the bag did not have famotidine. I had no idea what to do so I just paused the TPN and said I would call the pharmacy after, but I never got the chance to call the pharmacy because I was so busy with everything else in the short 30 minutes that they give you. Was I right to pause it? A classmate told me it is dangerous to pause the TPN because of the glucose/insulin content. But, another classmate said I was right to pause it. (Side Note: It was also running at the wrong rate, but I verbalized that I would have changed the rate if the content in the bag was correct, so I should be good for that safety point.) Anyone have any comments on this? Appreciate any and all insight. Thanks! Tracy