NurseLauraM

Ok so you want to challenge youself... the "most challenging" type of nursing, as judged by most, is not necessarily the best option. What type of setting do you want to ultimately end up in?

Not acute care. Not primary care unless you are in an area where people are generally very healthy (e.g. private practice in a rich suburb). In my experiencing the following might be worth exploring: - Dermatology - Weight loss clinic - Retail health - Allergy clinic - Orthopedics - Sleep clinic

The health science bachelor's won't give you any clinical skills, so I would not bother with that unless you want to go into public health or something of that sort. Medical assistants usually work outpatient and CNAs in the hospital. If you want to work outpatient I would become an MA, otherwise go for the CNA. Good luck!

I'm just going to be blunt here. If your judgement is so poor that you think it is appropriate to compare the Holocaust to your (most likely) paid "stress leave", then you were probably the problem.

I have seen a lot of interesting and concerning (and some downright hilarious) posts about errors in healthcare on here lately. Two particularly concerning trends are the posts about RNs who are afraid to question a provider, and providers who believe "RNs should just keep their mouths shut" instead of making suggestions providers. These trends are nothing new, and the latter obviously contributes to the former. However, as someone who has worked as an FNP, outpatient RN, substitute school nurse, EMT, and medical receptionist, I think it is important to point out that mistakes and near-misses occur across all levels off healthcare. Here are some examples: - As a receptionist, I prevented a colleague from making an egregious HIPAA violation - An an RN, I have seen colleagues send incorrect labs, and make dangerous med errors (haven't we all witnessed that?) - As an RN, I gave a wrong dose after taking a verbal order (still makes me cringe). The physician caught it in my documentation... unfortunately after I gave the dose. - As an NP, I have seen a well-respected physician colleague with 30 years of experience order STAT labs on the wrong patient. A nurse caught the error. - As an NP, I have seen another physician colleague send order to an RN for the wrong medication when her dictation software recorded "methotrexate" as "metoprolol" (which I am still pretty shocked by... darn technology!). A nurse caught the error. - As an NP, I recently learned, through mistake, that prescribing cyclobenzaprine to a patient on tramadol is a huge no-no, thanks to a very vigilant pharmacist. It's embarrassing to be caught making a mistake. Yet, we all know how deep and widespread the damage from a medical error can be. So, next time you question a provider or colleague's order, don't feel guilty; though they don't show it, most are actually thankful to have their butts saved. And for those who are too smug to admit being wrong, say thank you to your butt-saving colleagues every once in a while! That's all, sorry for the rant.

Ugh I deal with this in primary care too sometimes. I actually refused to do a physical on a patient once because he was so inappropriate, not only hitting on me, but asking where I live, what my hours are, and so on. Nobody else was available to do his physical on that day so I just documented why I didn't do it and told him he had to come back for a full physical on another day with another provider, knowing full well that he wasn't likely to come back. I don't feel the least bit guilty. Now if the person has dementia or an intellectual disability or something like that I am more forgiving. However, blatant sexual harassment (or any kind of harassment) is inexcusable. It's not my fault if someone gets sub-par care because they couldn't behave appropriately with a female provider. You can sexually harass women and be president apparently, but you can't sexually harass women and be my patient!

I have serious doubt that the OP reported her colleague because she was actually worried about patient safety. Sounds to me like her colleagues share common lifestyles and interests (e.g. "partying"), and perhaps spend time together outside of work. I suspect she feels left out and is seeking vengeance.

What was the procedure? How did you do it and how did the LPN do it? This post is far too vague.

I'm an NP and was never tested in RN school, NP school, or for a job. However, I have not smoked since high school because I always knew it was a possibility, which is clear from what others are saying on this post. I don't think marijuana should be as vilified as it is and I do not believe the drug testing is fair. Someone can smoke crack and pass a drug test a week (or less?) later yet someone who smoked MJ a month ago may test positive. Who would you rather have as your nurse? Unfortunately, though, our opinions don't matter. The bottom line is, fair or not, you may be tested. I suggest you stop at least one month prior to the beginning school, and become accustomed to the fact that you will probably face this issue for the rest of your career.

I get that it's frustrating when each preceptor has a different way of doing things. You learn one thing from one instructor and then you go to the next one and they tell you that you're doing something (whether it's giving injections, making a bed, etc.) wrong, and they tell you to do it their way instead. It is aggravating because you are made to feel like you're doing something incorrectly, when you are really just doing it the only way you've been taught... but you just have to suck it up. Smile and say, "oh ok, thanks for showing me, I'll do it that way next time". And then do it their way next time. It's really not a big deal. There are many different ways of doing the same thing and everyone believes their method is the best way. If your preceptor uses a technique you do not like, or that is not "the correct standard", just keep that thought to yourself. Don't forget, your preceptor has the power to pass/fail you. In other words, don't bite the hand that feeds! When you are out on your own you can do things the way you like. On another note, OP, can you please give us some examples of her "not following standards"? Unless you have some concrete evidence of her doing something that is actually harmful to patients, I don't see why the dean should care that your preceptor doesn't perform exactly 'by the book'.

I'm for whatever woks with the least amount of side effects. The calories in/out approach sounds nice because it sounds so simple, but it's really not for everyone. I think that approach is especially difficult for those who are extremely obese, because there are so many other factors involved than just self-control that make weight loss very challenging. After all, you have to have a great deal of self control to succeed after bariatric surgery. If obese individuals all lacked self-control then bariatric surgery would not work for them either, and would likely be dangerous. I do not believe bariatric surgery is the easy way out. But I have to wonder why, even if it was "easy", people have a problem with that. I mean, if there were an easy way to lose weight (and I don't think that there is at this point), why would it be so bad to use it? Why punish people who are overweight unnecessarily? Do any of you have any personal experience with the pharmaceutical approach? Contrave seems pretty promising, with few side effects.

An FNP will only give you more opportunities if you're willing to see a broader population than women's health. It seems like a women's health NP program would be a better fit for you

Ever thought of being a school nurse? I'm not one but it sounds like it could potentially be a good fit for you. Maybe post in the school nursing forum for feedback? I worked outpatient as an RN (and now as an NP) and loved it. It would satisfy a lot of your requirements with regards to your schedule and preferences, especially if in a pediatric office. Most of my "real-life" friends and family are not in the medical profession and work 9-5, M-F jobs. It's nice to be able to meet up with them after work, spend weekends together, etc. I also had a coworker who did home care with a developmentally disabled child. She LOVED the job and eventually went full time with it. It sounded like a lot of work at times (of course, all nursing is), but it seemed very rewarding for her. She even went on family trips with them. Home care definitely isn't for everyone but who knows, maybe you'd love it. By the way, she was paid very well (same as inpatient nurses in my area).

Find some support, as suggested, to address the low self-esteem and depression. In the meantime, I assume you need a job ASAP, so I would recommend "fake it until you make it". One way to do this could be to describe yourself to the interviewer in terms of what others tell you. For example, you could say "well people often tell me I'm very energetic and driven, which will help me achieve X, Y, Z in this position". You might not see yourself that way, but you don't have to share that. With regards to being "found out", I completely understand the fear. We all sell ourselves as best we can in an interview and if we do it well and get the job, the initial excitement is often followed by the thought, "oh crap, now what if I'm terrible at the job", or "what if I don't live up to expectations", etc. This is normal to an extent. My solution? Fake it like you did in the interview. I'm relatively new at my job and am not always happy and confident at work, but I sure pretend to be! Slowly my "pretending" is being replaced with true confidence. This doesn't mean don't ask for help when you need it. Just appear confident and calm when doing so, no matter how scared and frazzled you may really be. Getting therapy or treatment, if needed, for depression will also help the "real you" and the "fake you" reconcile. I've been there too! It's hard, but it is possible to address your depression at the same time you are starting a new job. I started on antidepressants soon after starting my RN job. In a perfect world, it would be nice to address just one of these things at a time. However, sometimes you also need to pay the bills ASAP! Best of luck :)

Even if this statement were true, it does not mean the reverse is correct. In what scenario is an incompetent nurse a good nurse? I realize I am being a bit harsh. Did you really expect to post about failing 14 times and have nothing but kind, encouraging responses? There is absolutely nothing shameful about admitting defeat. Plenty of us have given up on dreams before becoming nurses. For example, I wanted to be a veterinarian at one point, but it was not realistic for me. Everyone fails at something at least once in their life.

If this post is even real... Stop taking the NCLEX. I believe there are different forms of intelligence, and I would like to think there is a career out there for you in which you will succeed. It seems to me you do not have the level of critical thinking required to be a nurse. I don't believe in any god. However, if one did exist, it would not be in his or her best interest to allow a seriously incompetent person become a nurse.

Something is not right here! Only 4 people passed the course? Is your school accredited?

I don't quite understand the "tactile learning" thing when the bulk of your exams are on paper. I understand that it is difficult to read about a procedure and do it cold, without being able to handle the equipment, practice on classmates, etc. first. However, what sort of "tactile" learning would you recommend for mastering NCLEX-style exam questions? If by "tactile" learning you mean "learn by doing", aren't you getting that in clinical?

Primary care has always paid the least. Average general practitioner salary for both NPs and MDs is less than in specialties. That doesn't mean an FNP salary needs to be excessively low (someone recently posted saying they are an NP making 60,000 a year... yikes.) However, in general, primary care will always pay less than specialty. I'm a relatively new FNP and, while I could have worked in a specialty setting and made more, I prefer the primary care setting. I have so much variety in my work day. In one day I might put in an IUD, do a pediatric physical, do a home visit to a geriatric patient, and treat someone with bipolar (we take on a lot of psych because the wait list is over a year to see a psychiatrist here). I see the appeal of specialty care as well, and the extra money would be welcome, but I don't like any one particular area of medicine so much that I want to do it exclusively. I guess I'm the "jack of all trades, master of none" type

I can attest to the fact that PP offers services aside from abortion. I went there as a teenager for plan B (which is not abortion) and STI testing after the condom broke the first time I had sex (you can imagine how panicked I was). I also got my OCPs from them for a number of years. They made it affordable for me, even without using health insurance. Growing up in a very small town where the pharmacist knew my sister, and my PCP was very close to my mother, I felt my care was much more confidential at the PP a couple towns over.

So the reason you can't pay cash is because at the time that your downpayment is due your funds will be limited (due to the nature of your business)? If so, could you take out the loan and then pay it off within a year or so? That way you will minimize the amount you have to spend on interest. Also, if you are taking out a loan that you expect to pay back within a short period, it would be wise to take one with a low interest rate, regardless of whether it is fixed or variable. On the other hand, if you plan to spread your repayment out over a number of years you should absolutely get one with a fixed interest rate, as some private loans can get up towards 20% without warning. Are you able to take out federal loans? You should be able to for graduate school, but if you already have a BS, you may have trouble getting a second BS (the BSN) covered.

Do you have a financial advisor? They can be expensive, but not as costly as the possibility of mismanaging the large piles of money you seem to be handling. It sounds like you could afford one too. Here's a link to a decent article about it When Is It Time To Hire A Financial Advisor? - Money Under 3� I've only taken out federal loans so I can't help you pick a private lender. However, I've recently seen a lot of negative articles circulating about Navient so you may want to avoid them. Edit: I see now that crazydoglady suggested the same (to get a financial advisor). Sorry for being repetitive but... please do!

I understand your frustration, being so close! Would your school count A&P credit from a community college? If so, you could take just the one class at a community college this summer, get the B- and then apply to the nursing program.

Bring a professional-looking portfolio with your resume, references, copy of your license, etc. and have it handy. They usually have this stuff printed, but sometimes they forget or they lose it. A quick google search of "common interview questions" or "interview questions for nurses" will help you anticipate what they might ask. Read them and think about your responses (if you can, try and practice with someone who can give you feedback if you can). Also be prepared to answer the "where else have you applied?" question. That one caught me off guard the first time. It's sort of like when you go on a date and they say "so, are you seeing anyone else?" You could actually probably make a lot of comparisons between interviews and dates. I think there is a Seinfeld bit on it.

In my experience I have found one of two things to be helpful: 1) "Kill them with kindness" - don't be fake or over the top, but just be polite and professional in every interaction. Take whatever helpful advice your preceptor has and ignore the other shenanigans. People gossip in every workplace setting (especially about newbies) and, while that doesn't make it ok, you'll do yourself a big favor just to ignore it. They'll eventually get bored and move onto something else, as long as you don't feed into it. 2) If you have an issue with someone that you really can't ignore, always talk to them first (respectfully). I understand that you were probably afraid to confront the preceptor in this situation, but in the future consider that there may be social consequences of going over someone's head to their superior first. I had an NP preceptor in school who seemed really nasty at first. She seemed to hate me right off the bat. Then as that first day went on, I realized she was like that with her patients too. I thought maybe she was just a mean person, but then later in the day she broke down crying. She told me her boyfriend had just broken up with her the night before. Throughout the semester she opened up to me more and I discovered she was going through a really tough time. I say this to illustrate that there is almost always a reason someone is acting unpleasant, and it may have nothing to do with you. There are very few people who are born mean. Try not to take everything personally and always react with kindness and professionalism.