Calling all nurses! (Or nurses-to-be)

[katiedid36]

I start clasess on Thursday for my ADN. I had been sitting on a waitlist for 2 years. All the while taking all my co-reqs. I can't believe it is finally here. I know its going to be a long haul for the next 2 years but I am so excited to finally start!

 

[Kellydelly]

You are scaring me! lol. I graduated in May and just accepted a position across the country I start in a few weeks! In my area new grads are not hired at ALL right now (actually got turned away from 2 nursing career fairs at the door, no new grads let IN the door) So I am relocating for this job. I feel like I know NOTHING from school and I am terrified! Any advice for me? Anything I should look up or read before I start? Any advice on preparing my body for a 12 hour shift? How long was your training? Did you think it was sufficient?

This BTW was a super expensive job search, having to interview at my expense out of state, moving the fam across the country, and having to buy all new shoes/uniforms etc. If it doesnt work out, I will be out a lot of cash. And my home is up for sale, but where I live, this is what needs to be done to be a nurse. I can prob come back to the area in a few years once I ahve experience, but I am thinking I may enjoy the new area and want to stay.

I'm the wrong person to be talking to about starting nursing right now . What type of unit will you be working on? The things I would study are drug calcs, ekg strips, and some common meds (assuming you have the same sort of orientation exams I had). The rest is all on the job training ! I would do pilates to get your core strong so you can carry yourself for 12 hrs. I now have a sore sacral-ileac joint (started hurting about 8 wks into this job), sore feet, and my lower back aches too. I need to schedule a twice weekly massage and find a good chiropractor. I don't think I'm old enough to feel this decrepit! (just turned 39 last weekend). I need to start doing crunches or something. I thought I had good posture but working is really throwing me out of whack! I started off feeling pretty fresh, excited, and not intimidated. Now I feel put out, stretched too far, and tired. Hopefully your facility is properly staffed and you will have a better experience.

 

[Jaime4004]

I've been working as an RN for almost five months now and I'm stressed to the max ! When I was in nursing school I had no idea how much life would be sucked out of me working fulltime. I have four school-aged kids (6-10) who barely recognize me as their Mom after what they've been through the last 2.5 yrs with my school and now my job . So how do other nurses balance their jobs and family life? I currently work nights, four shifts a week (trying to get to three 12s) and it's kicking my butt. I have no energy for anyone or anything when I am home, half awake. Nursing school did not prepare me at all for what this job is like . I am not working on a unit I would have chosen (post-surgical and bariatric surgery pts), but it could be worse. I think I have to stick around in my current job for at least a year before I can try and move to a better hospital/job. The hospitals around me do hire some new grads, but there are so many schools putting out new nurses that the market is saturated with unemployed nurses. I originally wanted to be a nurse to supplement our income (thought it would help fund our retirement, vacations, orthodontics, etc), I don't necessarily have to work (it pays for extras and covers the gap between dh's old salary and his new one after being unemployed 9 months) so it is hard to struggle right now with putting my kids second fiddle just to make a paycheck (okay so we are better off with my paycheck, but if I wasn't working we would survive). I don't know whether to drop to part time or suck it up and wait for a better schedule and hope that when the kids go back to school things will go more smoothly around the house, I can get proper sleep without worrying about them getting into something, and that my work days (nights) will drop to three. I know some new nurses would love to be in my shoes, but the other new hires on the unit feel just as stressed as me, so I can't be that much of a princess . Please tell me this gets better and I will figure out how to manage my new career/life!

I worked as a nurse practitioner up until my 2nd was born. Actually, til he was about 7 or 8 mos old. Then I realized that I just missed most of the first 2 years of my daughters life and decided to quit. Since then, i've been working weekends as an RN, and have added the 3rd child. I've been so much happier being with them all week long. It worked out for us because I work per diem (more money but no sick time/vacation time or benefits) and most of my full-time salary had been going to pay for 2 kids in daycare full-time. Luckily for you, within a year or two you'll have all kids of experience and probably your pick of jobs and hours!

 

[npmommie]

a post from AllNurses.com

Those who get it - get it, Those who don't - Never Will.


This post is dedicated to all those non-nurse's, pre-nurse's, still-in-school-but-not-yet-clinical-time nursing students, inappropriate families, non-compliant patients, and the public at large.

To all it may concern:

Do NOT tell a nurse that his/her job is easy. It is brutal physical, mental, and emotionally EXHAUSTING work. I have heard you saying that you could do it - just passing pills and then sitting down reading a magazine.

Let me tell you this.

My job is more complex than any job you have or ever will have. I am responsible for people's lives. I am on the top of my game at all times.

Your job is sitting at a desk for 8 hours with a 1 hour lunch break. I have you beat. I have a 12 hour shift with 30 minutes for lunch (if I am lucky).

Why if I am lucky? Let me tell you why - its because I have 6 highly complex cardiac (that means heart) patients that are on the verge of having a major hear attack at any given moment while I am on duty.

No, the doctor is not there telling me what to do. Most of the time, its the NURSES who provide the care and tell the doctors what to do. Nurse's are the one's who see the patient deteroiate and inplement lifesaving interventions before the doctor arrives.

To those angry, ****** off visitors:

Get your hands off your hips. Uncross your arms from your chest. Do not raise your voice to me. Do not give me angry dirty looks from the doorway.

If I have never met you before, why do you assume I know who your infirm relative is? And since I don't know, why do you get a nasty attitude with me?

There is a right way and a wrong way to ask for something. Use manners. "May I and Please" go a long way.

Keep in mind that any threat you make towards me will result in the security department escorting you out, the police will be involved and you will not be able to set foot near me ever again.

Make sure that you clean up after your visit with whomever.

To the world as a whole:

Leave me alone when I am off duty. I do not care in the least about your eczema or your runny nose. I am not going to give you any medical advise other than common sense (tissues, handwashing, make an appointment with your MD). NO, I can't and won't "score" you free narcotics from my work. No, nurse's are not sleeping around with the doctors or having sex on duty. No, male nurses are not all gay. No, we are not angels of mercy. No, nurses are not idiots or handmaidens.

Yes, nursing it a versatile profession - its not limited to hospitals. Yes, nursing is "rewarding" (but most nurses this day and age do not go into it due to altruism alone its split 50/50 with income durablity and altruism).

In summary - there is more to nursing and nurse than you will ever know.

Those who are nurses or know anything about the profession of nursing will understand some of this.

 

[xCourxCorex]

Back to nursing school! I started classes last week (August 30th...ouch!) and had my clinical orientation for Maternity rotation yesterday! I'm very nervous about this semester because of my class load (Maternity, Pedi, Pathophys, Geriatrics and Statistics) but we get 6 weeks each of Maternity and Pedi rotations and I'm really looking forward to those!

Good luck to everyone starting up again or for the first time Let's have another great year of nursing school stress haha

 

[katiedid36]

I'm finally in! I had been on a waitlist for 2 years. This is my 3rd week of class. Had my first lab last night. I am so excited.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I'm back in school at a Community College and taking pre-requisite classes.
It's been about 20 yrs since the last time I was in college, so I am taking it slow. I have Nutrition and Composition classes. I never thought that there's so much to learn in Nutrition class. It's overwhelming. There's tons of reading and much to absorb and to retain. I had to drop Stress Management class due to lacking of time to study. I just need to get back in the groove. Between my children's studies and my 3 yr old son and my studies, I think two classes for now is good enough. Maybe this Winter, I can take three classes, we'll see. At least I'm back in school.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I'm finally in! I had been on a waitlist for 2 years. This is my 3rd week of class. Had my first lab last night. I am so excited.

Good for you! I see you're in Michigan. Which college or University are you attending?

 

[dakcp2001]

How are all you fresh new grads doing? I am feeling like I am drowning. Anyone else?

 

[Beka]

How are all you fresh new grads doing? I am feeling like I am drowning. Anyone else?

No, but I HATE night shift. It was also recently announced that our hospital is no longer giving raises, if your unit keeps costs down, then you get a bonus, or something like that. I was able to handle days. And the girl who they kept on days is drowning. I don't get it. She doesn't have kids either. Ugh.

 

[LovableGluttons]

No, but I HATE night shift. It was also recently announced that our hospital is no longer giving raises, if your unit keeps costs down, then you get a bonus, or something like that. I was able to handle days. And the girl who they kept on days is drowning. I don't get it. She doesn't have kids either. Ugh.

I feel for you. I worked twelve hour nights from 1990 until 2008 until I left hospitals and went hospice. I didn't have my first child until 1996 so that was all they knew. My husband was active duty Air Force until 2007 so we moved every few years until he retired. Experienced RN+new hospital=night shift.

Those day shift nurses never leave!

Before I had kids, I just lived vampire hours even on my days off.

 

[Beka]

I feel for you. I worked twelve hour nights from 1990 until 2008 until I left hospitals and went hospice. I didn't have my first child until 1996 so that was all they knew. My husband was active duty Air Force until 2007 so we moved every few years until he retired. Experienced RN+new hospital=night shift.

Those day shift nurses never leave!

Before I had kids, I just lived vampire hours even on my days off.

We've had 2 day shift nurses leave in the last MONTH! I wish to GOD they would decide to fill those positions. I work on a surgical floor, & came in one shift & there were FOUR OB nurses working the floor. God love them, but they were as lost as I could have been if I had gone to their floor (Lovenox in the deltoid anyone?), so they can't tell me that there's no need for more day nurses. Plus, the aides don't like the new grad on days, but I can get along with them.

 

[LovableGluttons]

We've had 2 day shift nurses leave in the last MONTH! I wish to GOD they would decide to fill those positions. I work on a surgical floor, & came in one shift & there were FOUR OB nurses working the floor. God love them, but they were as lost as I could have been if I had gone to their floor (Lovenox in the deltoid anyone?), so they can't tell me that there's no need for more day nurses. Plus, the aides don't like the new grad on days, but I can get along with them.

OMG Lovenox there? Didn't they think to ask someone where it goes before just giving it?

I had a float come to the ER and give a suppository with the foil still on.

Did the Lovenox patient do OK, no hematoma on their arm?

 

[Disneylover79]

All I can do is sit here with my mouth wide open and DF asking WHAT!?!?!?

That is what happens when someone if afraid to admit they have no clue what they are doing. I must stress..PLEASE do NOT be afraid to ASK questions!!!!!

 

[WheresFigment?]

I am just finishing my application for an accelerated BSN program now.

If I get in, I'll start in May and be done July 2012.

I am a bit terrified I won't get in-- a lot of the community programs had really stringent requirements. I already have a BS in Biochemistry that I got in 2009. I have heard that it is rare for a science major to pursue nursing so I am hopeful that might help me get in.

Of course, once I get in I'll be terrified I won't get a job. The economy is so bad and I'm hearing from everyone that new grads can't get hired, so I'm a little scared right now.

This is something I really want to do but if I can't get hired I will have just spent a lot of money and be unable to work anywhere. It's a little scary.

 

[Judy from Boise]

As soon as they economy recovers there will be a huge exodus of nurses....time is on your side!

Hang in there everyone!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

And the girl who they kept on days is drowning. I don't get it. She doesn't have kids either. Ugh.

lol, there is usually better supervision and support on days than on nights for new nurses who are struggling. It's probably good news for you.

Hang in there to all the new grads.

 

[emh1129]

I haven't checked in here in quite a while.. how's everyone doing?

We just had exam # 3, so just one exam left & then the final on 12/9. Then lots of NCLEX review.
Just now as I was prepping for tomorrow's clinical, I realized I only have 5 more clinical days left! Wow.. seemed like it would never end and then all of a sudden- it's almost over!
And only 39 days until graduation/pinning! Wow.. I think it won't really hit me until that time that it's finally over.. and I can breathe that sigh of relief. And probably cry

Good luck to those of you who are just beginning your journey and to those of you who are also nearing the end & looking for that amazing job!
And for those of you who are somewhere in the middle-- just keep swimming, just keep swimming

 

[emh1129]

I am sincerely hoping that the time between now and December 2011 fly by!! (My ultimate goal is to take a celebratory WDW trip in January 2012, but I will have to see how finances are by then since I am quitting my job to focus on school.)

You will be amazed at how fast it really will fly by.
And I hope you get to take that celebratory trip.

I talked with my husband just last month and said to him something like "You know, I'm thinking that we should cancel our January trip.. we need to save for the house we want to buy next summer, our car insurance bill will be coming in late January.. etc" and he said to me "We've been talking about taking this celebratory trip the entire time you've been in nursing school-- it's for ALL of us to celebrate finally being done with nursing school. We're going on this trip!" So that settled it.

Money has been tight.. DH has been the only one working and it's been tough, I won't lie.. but I kept saying it was a relatively short-term sacrifice (finances and stress) for a long-term gain, both in finances and obtaining a job that I will love!

So, we're staying at a value, free dining plan.. pinching pennies to be able to do it.. but we're going. And we're going to be thankful and just happy to be with each other for a full 8 days.. with no care plans, books, or papers looming above my head
And with a new job, it will be a while before I can take a vacation, anyway, so with all of that said, we're throwing caution to the wind and will celebrate

 

[emh1129]

a post from AllNurses.com

Those who get it - get it, Those who don't - Never Will.


This post is dedicated to all those non-nurse's, pre-nurse's, still-in-school-but-not-yet-clinical-time nursing students, inappropriate families, non-compliant patients, and the public at large.

To all it may concern:

Do NOT tell a nurse that his/her job is easy. It is brutal physical, mental, and emotionally EXHAUSTING work. I have heard you saying that you could do it - just passing pills and then sitting down reading a magazine.

Let me tell you this.

My job is more complex than any job you have or ever will have. I am responsible for people's lives. I am on the top of my game at all times.

Your job is sitting at a desk for 8 hours with a 1 hour lunch break. I have you beat. I have a 12 hour shift with 30 minutes for lunch (if I am lucky).

Why if I am lucky? Let me tell you why - its because I have 6 highly complex cardiac (that means heart) patients that are on the verge of having a major hear attack at any given moment while I am on duty.

No, the doctor is not there telling me what to do. Most of the time, its the NURSES who provide the care and tell the doctors what to do. Nurse's are the one's who see the patient deteroiate and inplement lifesaving interventions before the doctor arrives.

To those angry, ****** off visitors:

Get your hands off your hips. Uncross your arms from your chest. Do not raise your voice to me. Do not give me angry dirty looks from the doorway.

If I have never met you before, why do you assume I know who your infirm relative is? And since I don't know, why do you get a nasty attitude with me?

There is a right way and a wrong way to ask for something. Use manners. "May I and Please" go a long way.

Keep in mind that any threat you make towards me will result in the security department escorting you out, the police will be involved and you will not be able to set foot near me ever again.

Make sure that you clean up after your visit with whomever.

To the world as a whole:

Leave me alone when I am off duty. I do not care in the least about your eczema or your runny nose. I am not going to give you any medical advise other than common sense (tissues, handwashing, make an appointment with your MD). NO, I can't and won't "score" you free narcotics from my work. No, nurse's are not sleeping around with the doctors or having sex on duty. No, male nurses are not all gay. No, we are not angels of mercy. No, nurses are not idiots or handmaidens.

Yes, nursing it a versatile profession - its not limited to hospitals. Yes, nursing is "rewarding" (but most nurses this day and age do not go into it due to altruism alone its split 50/50 with income durablity and altruism).

In summary - there is more to nursing and nurse than you will ever know.

Those who are nurses or know anything about the profession of nursing will understand some of this.

Love it!