Christina1973

Good morning! I am seeking information / opinions regarding MSN programs (online). I have also posted this on the CARING listserv, but am seeking the wisdom of my allnurses colleagues, as well. My preference would be to find a program that has a Nurs...

I was recently asked to write a "Day in the life" post for a new blog site. It just went live this week. I saw this topic and figured I would post it in case it is of any assistance to those considering making a move in this direction. I hope you w...

Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, MI

I'll retire when I expire!

I love using Twitter and am there more than anywhere else in "cyberspace". I follow, and am followed by, numerous professionals with whom I have shared interests: OR nursing, health information technology, clinical informatics, nursing education, to ...

My experience (and facility) agree with Angela's post, with the exception of casual Fridays. No casual days here as a rule. I keep a lab coat around for when I am spending time in clinical areas; it easily replaces a jacket and looks professional.

Is there any drawback to the Excelsior program not being CCNE accredited? I understood that CCNE was a "must" to have for nursing programs. I'm shopping for an MSN program myself, so am very interested in the response on this topic. Thanks!

I've been following this on the CARING ListServ. I am so dismayed at the lack of nursing representation. Thanks for keeping everyone informed!

Just wanted to mention that there is a good chance that ANIA and CARING are going to merge in 2009. Not that that should impact your decision, just an FYI.

Hang in there....I'm sending good vibes for a successful, minimally stressful experience!

I am a long-time Palm user, but have recently switched over to the Palm Treo with Windows Mobile. It was nice to combine my phone and PDA; it synchs with my work Outlook email and calendar, and has everything I need it to have. Just my two cents. It...

I am also a member, for pretty much the reasons so eloquently stated by Angela. I hope you join! Criss

I am putting on my asbestos scrubs and giving my opinion on this subject. I went straight into the OR upon my graduation from nursing school (diploma program...I'm old). There was never any question that doing that wasn't best. I learned the OR from ...

I tend to view things by how I would want my loved ones cared for if they were the patient. I want that room/sterile field monitored. The high physical, emotional, and financial cost of a surgical site infection is not worth the risk. And now with th...

Good for you in seeking a CNOR! I purchased the training materials from AORN, which included a book, a reference list, and a CD with practice exam questions. I swear some of those practice questions were actually on the test! How fortunate you are th...

I had a similar problem when I started in the OR (a million years back). I experimented with cloth hats, bouffant disposable hats, and every combination thereof. I finally found that my hair did the best if I kept it relatively short and didn't put ...

Short answer? NO Long answer? I am a Diploma graduate (Class of 1973) who graduated with a BSN two years ago at the age of 54. This fall I will be starting on my MSN. I will finish up when I am 58. Am I too old? Who cares? :) ~Criss

Thanks, Angela, for the SINI blog link. I am attending via the SINI webcast and will enjoy the blog site, as well. Of course there is nothing like being at one of these events in person, with the availability of meeting folks, seeing exhibits, etc. I...

I'm pretty darned excited about the new Clinical Informatics position I just accepted and figure I will be coming here to learn as I get acclimated to my work. I have wanted to move into the Informatics field for a long time and, at last, will be doi...

Thank you so much for the comments, Brown and Azor! It's good to know, Brown, that you have found the move to IS a positive career move. I am counting on having the same feeling! Challenges? Bring 'em on. I'm an OR nurse...I can take it. :) Safe holi...

I have tried tons of different shoes in my 30+ years of OR nursing but I have found my dream shoe - Quarks. They come in a variety of colors (I have two pair..white and navy) and they are the lightest shoe I have ever worn. (Note: I have no financial...

My mother complained of a metallic taste in her mouth and was found to have end stage renal disease. She's in her 9th year on dialysis and doing amazingly well. Keep in mind there were other symptoms that went along with that metallic taste issue - ...

Thank you both for the welcome. I really appreciate the tips you gave me, Angela....great advice included there! I am so looking forward to the new challenges I face, though I am eager to try to really make a positive difference. CESCVORRN - congrats...

Another thing to remember is that, by only working "on call", you might find it difficult to keep your competencies up-to-date. We require folks to work a certain amount of their hours during regularly scheduled work time so they can keep their skill...

I would also love to discuss some issues with this group. 30+ years experience in the OR, currently OR and Central Supply Nursing Director. Challenged with productivity measures, turnover times (as always), "hand-off" communication JCAHO patient safe...