Published Mar 29, 2001
LORA
13 Posts
Thank you to all you nice people who replied to my first posting. I will not apologise about the arguing bit. But I will apologise for making a general asumption on Americans. Surely there are decent ones out there somewhere!(only joking).
Anyway if there is still anyone out there willing to respond to my postings I would like your opinion on the so called 'super nurses'. I am a mature student (27) studying for my degree in Nursing. I am feeling rather dis-heartened with my training. I feel I am training for an office job rather than nursing. I agree education is the way forward, but what about basic care? I feel nervous about clinical placements, because what if someone asked me to take blood pressure? I'd have to say that I have had a 5 minute lesson on blood pressure. Toileting patients I have had plenty of practice as I have been a carer for a number of years, but what about the younger ones who have never done this before? We are writing essays constantly. what is in these essays do not count apparently. If they are referenced and written in a professional manor that is what matters. Why did I choose a degree programme? Strangly enough I was turned down to do a diploma!
The government is getting rid of ENs in this country. We have a major nurse shortage due to pay rates etc. I still feel I want to nurse, but I do not want to run an office.
Q.
2,259 Posts
Lora,
What do you mean by "super nurses?"
theboss
73 Posts
just a little encouragement!! knowledge comes with hands on experience learned from all aspects of nursing,no one walks out of school and knows it all !!! when you are in the clinical setting find someone you feel you can learn from and ask a whole lot of questions , watch them and have them show you everything you can..and when you get out on your own do the same...and remember the only dumb question is the unasked one! if your not sure of something ask ,believe me everyone has been there!!!!!!!! dont give up. we need good nurses in the world..i hope this helps..oh ya join us on ( nursing in your state )im sorry i didnt say in your part of the world...you may here some great stuff there!!!!, lol i didnt take it personal !!!bye
[This message has been edited by theboss (edited March 30, 2001).]
THANK YOU
Originally posted by theboss:just a little encouragement!! knowledge comes with hands on experience learned from all aspects of nursing,no one walks out of school and knows it all !!! when you are in the clinical setting find someone you feel you can learn from and ask a whole lot of questions , watch them and have them show you everything you can..and when you get out on your own do the same...and remember the only dumb question is the unasked one! if your not sure of something ask ,believe me everyone has been there!!!!!!!! dont give up. we need good nurses in the world..i hope this helps..oh ya join us on ( nursing in your state )im sorry i didnt say in your part of the world...you may here some great stuff there!!!!, lol i didnt take it personal !!!bye [This message has been edited by theboss (edited March 30, 2001).]
Mijourney
1,301 Posts
Hi Lora. Another take on your post is that nurses are expected to take care of all things. This includes administrative work as well as patient care. This is another reason why so many nurses are frustrated with patient loads and complain about the inadequate pay. I agree with theboss that you don't need to be afraid to ask questions about patient care. I think that you should be proactive about your training and let your instructors know and see that you intend to have a good grasp of basic knowledge and skills before you graduate. Best wishes.
mustangsheba
499 Posts
Lora: Sounds like you will have to ask a bunch of questions once you get out there - just like I do after 19 years as an RN. Get a sphygmomanometer and practice for an hour or so at a family gathering; know what references you will need to take with you when you start a new job; don't be afraid to say "I don't understand how this works, can you help me." You will be amazed at how many times the "Policy and Procedures" is looked at by seasoned nurses because they know we can't be expected to remember every little thing. Don't think of how much you have to know; think of how much you're going to learn each day. You'll be fine. Best wishes!
Thank you for your sound advice.
Originally posted by mustangsheba:Lora: Sounds like you will have to ask a bunch of questions once you get out there - just like I do after 19 years as an RN. Get a sphygmomanometer and practice for an hour or so at a family gathering; know what references you will need to take with you when you start a new job; don't be afraid to say "I don't understand how this works, can you help me." You will be amazed at how many times the "Policy and Procedures" is looked at by seasoned nurses because they know we can't be expected to remember every little thing. Don't think of how much you have to know; think of how much you're going to learn each day. You'll be fine. Best wishes!