ltcnurse1

Please keep us updated on your job. I too will graduate in May and have the same questions. I am not a "traditional student" either. I came to this section to do just that read and see what peoples thoughts were on starting directly out of school on the onc floor or to do med surg first. The comment on the smile is wonderful. I know what you mean. I guess my biggest passion for working this field is to help perserve life for those that we are able to and for those we can not, to make it as long and meanigful as possible. For the ones who are nearing the end to make it as painless, and comfortable as possible along with providing the emotional support to the family. To still give the patient respect and dignity. anyways....good luck with the new position!!!!

My instructors told us that to keep in mind that you were still in the game the more questions that were asked of you! So it doesn't mean you failed, just that it needed to ask more questions to decide on your ability. Think Positive!!! I wish you the best!

I am so sad to hear of the incident with the other CNA and resident. You did the correct thing by reporting it, but it definetly needs to be taken a bit further. These clients are left in our care to make good judgments for them and SAFETY is always first! This client is not in a safe environment at all. It hits close to me as my grandmother is an Alzheimers patient too. I too live in Indiana and attend college in Illinois (I am on the border too.) You most certainly did the right thing. I will keep this in my mind when we all have those rough days... I am sorry that you had this terrible experience, but I am glad you shared because if any of us "newbies" are in that situation too we will know what to do too... Just remember we are the Patient Advocate!!! We are too look out for them and to take care of them! This makes me want to go do the best I can do.. Please keep us informed of how this turns out! Good luck with nursing.

My nursing school also recommended a cheepie.. I have a hard time hearing and bought a littman. I bought the dual head. The reason for the dual head is the small bell is for peds, and higher frequency, and large for adult. I believe though with Littman's some anyways. That you can use only 1 bell and get the same response only by the different type of pressure applied. For nursing school dual head is a must. and just one that you can hear out of for blood pressures, lung sounds basic heart sounds, and to check bruits with. Good Luck and I hope that this helped you...