Nurses, Student Nurses and Pre-Req takers - Page 5

[goodygumdrops]

Originally Posted by lactivistmama

goodygumdrops- I am with you!! I am EXHAUSTED and finding it really hard to concentrate! I have my IBCLC exam on Monday, a history exam to study for and an A&P exam to do (which I have put on hold until after Monday!) I need caffeine LOL!!

Good luck on Monday I hope to sit in 2011.

[Rosehip]

Hi ladies. I just started my first RN job. And I have to say, I really dislike it. My last eight weeks of nursing school was spent full time in a trauma ICU (they took surgical overflow as well). I LOVED it. I loved the collaboration between docs, nurses, respiratory, wound care, etc. I loved the fact that the patients were seriously ill, but for many of them there was great hope for a return to health and function. I loved the opportunity to really delve into my patients' medical histories, get to understand, in depth their conditions, understand the meds, the treatments, etc. I loved helping with bedside procedures, etc.

Unfortunately, that hospital was not hiring. I got offered two jobs at different places - at a stepdown unit that is 15 minutes away and a MICU that is a hellish commute (an hour and 10 minutes). I took the stepdown b/c of the commute. I'm not in a position to move now, so the commute killed it for me.

For the first 6 weeks, I'm on a med-surg unit. I've just finished my first week. I really don't like it. I'm on an oncology floor, and a lot of the patients are dying long, drawn out deaths - hospital to nursing home & back, demented, bed-bound, lots of pain, families who won't accept their impending death, etc. My preceptor seems like she couldn't care less if I vanished off the face of the earth. All the nurses have to take turns training new nurses, and it was her turn. She made clear she wasn't psyched about it. She snaps at me if I ask a question twice (ex: I asked her a second time where to find doc's orders in the computer, and she snapped that she had told me the day before). She gets annoyed if I want to double check certain things that she thinks are unnecessary (pt was getting magnesium supplement, I wanted to check lab values first - she said the docs wouldn't have ordered it if her mag levels weren't low, I wanted to check last BP & pulse on a pt getting a beta blocker). I dislike the nurse, but I honestly don't like the work either. I'm not sure it will be too much better once I get to the stepdown. The floor has a very high nurse turnover rate.

I don't know what my question is. I'm just very discouraged, and wondering if it will get better. I really loved the intellectual challenge of TICU I was in, and just don't see that here. Maybe I made a mistake choosing this job rather than the hellish commute one. I just don't know...

Any thoughts?

[sugarmoon]

Hugs, Rosehip. No answers from me though...I'm 3/4 through A&P 1, as my first step towards my RN..I've got a long way to go before I'm in a position to worry about positions. Your preceptor sounds awful, can you grit your teeth for 6 weeks? Work on making friends w/ some other co-workers for a little unofficial help getting adjusted to the place?

[purplevega]

Originally Posted by Rosehip

Hi ladies. I just started my first RN job. And I have to say, I really dislike it. My last eight weeks of nursing school was spent full time in a trauma ICU (they took surgical overflow as well). I LOVED it. I loved the collaboration between docs, nurses, respiratory, wound care, etc. I loved the fact that the patients were seriously ill, but for many of them there was great hope for a return to health and function. I loved the opportunity to really delve into my patients' medical histories, get to understand, in depth their conditions, understand the meds, the treatments, etc. I loved helping with bedside procedures, etc.

Unfortunately, that hospital was not hiring. I got offered two jobs at different places - at a stepdown unit that is 15 minutes away and a MICU that is a hellish commute (an hour and 10 minutes). I took the stepdown b/c of the commute. I'm not in a position to move now, so the commute killed it for me.

For the first 6 weeks, I'm on a med-surg unit. I've just finished my first week. I really don't like it. I'm on an oncology floor, and a lot of the patients are dying long, drawn out deaths - hospital to nursing home & back, demented, bed-bound, lots of pain, families who won't accept their impending death, etc. My preceptor seems like she couldn't care less if I vanished off the face of the earth. All the nurses have to take turns training new nurses, and it was her turn. She made clear she wasn't psyched about it. She snaps at me if I ask a question twice (ex: I asked her a second time where to find doc's orders in the computer, and she snapped that she had told me the day before). She gets annoyed if I want to double check certain things that she thinks are unnecessary (pt was getting magnesium supplement, I wanted to check lab values first - she said the docs wouldn't have ordered it if her mag levels weren't low, I wanted to check last BP & pulse on a pt getting a beta blocker). I dislike the nurse, but I honestly don't like the work either. I'm not sure it will be too much better once I get to the stepdown. The floor has a very high nurse turnover rate.

I don't know what my question is. I'm just very discouraged, and wondering if it will get better. I really loved the intellectual challenge of TICU I was in, and just don't see that here. Maybe I made a mistake choosing this job rather than the hellish commute one. I just don't know...

Any thoughts?

Don't worry about your grumpy preceptor. You are doing the right thing my checking those values. You know you are CYA and making sure to care for the pt in the correct manner. just keep chuging ahead. I am sure it will get better.

Kim

[Night_Nurse]

Rosehip, can you go to your nurse manager and explain the difficulty you are having with your preceptor in a nice way? It doesn't seem fair to you and her bad attitude shouldn't be your problem. You should check the lab values if 1 - you feel more comfortable doing so and 2- especially if it's hospital policy.
It sounds unhappy for you and I'm sorry. But maybe if your nrs. mgr. knew you were thinking of going elsewhere because of this preceptor she might be willing to re-assign you. FWIW, I hated my very first nursing job and only stayed for about 6 months.

Even though the facility you liked isn't currently hiring, call that manager and tell her that you loved your time there and to please let you know when a position becomes available. Tell her you are flexible with days and shifts and that should help too. If you haven't heard from her in 3 or 4 months, call her again. It can't hurt anything.

[geekgolightly]

If there is a culture within the hospital in which you were hired to support nursing, then ask for another preceptor while on the onc unit.

It sounds as if you are built for trauma. You need to continue to diligently find a trauma job, even if it's only on a floor rather than a unit. The job market is not what it used to be (obviously!)

I'm moving out of state, and I am likely going to have to take a job I don't want and I have six years of experience on various units including two in critical care, I have certifications out the ying yang and I still can't be picky. There is a bit of sucking it up you'll have to do, unfortunately, but count yourself lucky in as that you have a very clear goal, and know how good it can be.

And like a PP said, definitely try and keep in touch with ANYONE from the trauma ICU wherein you precepted to get a toe in the door.

New hires often don't work out, esp in ICU, where we tend to spit out those who aren't going to cut it, rather quickly. A job may come up in a month ot two. Keep an eye out!

[Rosehip]

Thanks for the kind words Sugarmoon and good luck in your classes!

Thanks Purplevega - it's good to hear some confirmation that I'm not out of my gourd!

Nightnurse - it's actually very helpful to hear that you hated your first job, but that eventually (it seems) you found situations that worked better for you!

Geekgolightly I really, really did love trauma! I'm going to email the TICU crew tonight, actually. I consider myself very fortunate to 1) have a job right now and 2) to have had the awesome TICU experience that I did, so I at least know that there are things I really enjoy out there as possibilities.

Today was slightly better. Though I'm hopelessly slow & constantly asking everyone how to do things, where to find things, etc., I at least finally got my own log on for the computer system so I don't have to ask my preceptor every time I need to document. I am also getting a little more assertive with her. When she gives me a curt "the usual way" in response to my question about how to do something, today I was very clear that I had never done it before, so there was no usual way to me. I also expressed to her my frustration at being so slow in case she thinks I'm just a slacker who doesn't care. I'm going to keep plugging away for another few shifts before talking to any of the powers that be. I've also actually had the rather good luck to have had, each day, a patient who is pleasantly demented. They remind me to live in the moment a bit, and the patients and I have a few laughs. One of them likes to sing show tunes while on the bedpan. I hope no one thinks I'm being tacky or crass, but she really lifts my spirits!

[FaithfulOne]

Hello Fellow Pre-Nurses, RN & LPN's,

I am just at the deciding where to go to school phases and whether or not I should spend the next year tallying up my scores for pref. admission to a BSN program (so taking all pre-req's, some extras, volunteering etc)...and possibly be put on a list for an bi-annual entrance opportunity.
OR
Take a busy 1 yr LPN course, get a job p/t and try to continue with the BSN program which I will presumably gain midway access too having my LPN license.

Anyone BTDT?

My head is trying to make a wise decision...

[hopefulfaith]

Originally Posted by Rosehip

Today was slightly better. Though I'm hopelessly slow & constantly asking everyone how to do things, where to find things, etc., I at least finally got my own log on for the computer system so I don't have to ask my preceptor every time I need to document. I am also getting a little more assertive with her. When she gives me a curt "the usual way" in response to my question about how to do something, today I was very clear that I had never done it before, so there was no usual way to me. I also expressed to her my frustration at being so slow in case she thinks I'm just a slacker who doesn't care. I'm going to keep plugging away for another few shifts before talking to any of the powers that be. I've also actually had the rather good luck to have had, each day, a patient who is pleasantly demented. They remind me to live in the moment a bit, and the patients and I have a few laughs. One of them likes to sing show tunes while on the bedpan. I hope no one thinks I'm being tacky or crass, but she really lifts my spirits!

Your post made me smile. What a great way of looking at things.

I'm not exactly where I want to be in my career at the moment, either, but I keep trying to think that every step I'm taking right now is putting me closer to being the type of nurse I -will- be when the time is right. When you learn things, I've discovered, nothing is lost. I am using skills I learned 12 years ago and thought I'd never use again, least of all in the nursing setting I'm working in right now.

Keep your head up. When the time is right, TICU will happen.

[IndigoKoi]

ooohh! I just found this thread- I'll be going into my second/last year of nursing school this fall. I'm actually excited! I miss all my classmates and I can't wait to start working. I'll be in class during the week and then doing preceptorship in an L&D unit on the weekends. I can't wait!!! Long term goal is to be a CNM. I saw the OP talking about being a holistic NP, did you know there is an organization for holistic nurses? I totally didn't know that until the other week! http://www.ahna.org/

[ilanaRose]

...

Hello just wanted to introduce myself. I am just finishing up my application to a MEPN program this year, applying to the CNM/NP track. Just got a divorce, moved back in with my parents, and am a single mama with sole custody of my 1-yr-old... I currently volunteer with labor and delivery a couple hours a week, work as a postpartum doula occasionally in the evenings, and watch another baby along with my son a couple days a week... I am always busy doing something, as I'm sure many of you can relate to... I am also applying to regular RN schools as back-ups if I don't get into a masters entry program... I need to take some extra prereqs this fall since different schools have different requirements (doesn't that suck?!)-- I need to take chemistry and microbiology... anyone know a good online chemistry course that is transferrable to most nursing schools?

[purplevega]

So I need to get my butt in gear. Been off from RN school for 3 months and we start up again in 3 weeks. I had panic when I opened my books last night. Could not even read 2 pages before I closed the book. I felt overwhelmed.

I can't believe I am getting overwhelmed from the book. I kinda wish we did not have this break. After 2 years of nonstop school it was nice, but now I feel normal and almost don't want to go back.

I do love school but need to transition back. Anyone else dealing with this after summer break?

Kim

[purplevega]

Originally Posted by ilanaRose

I need to take chemistry and microbiology... anyone know a good online chemistry course that is transferrable to most nursing schools?

Both of these classes had a lab that had to be taken on campus by my school. Check to make sure your program does not require a lab.

Kim

[Bluebird9]

v

Edited by Bluebird9 - 11/27/11 at 10:06am

[~savah~]

Bumping with a question. I read somewhere that the nursing field is getting a little more competitive and the demand isn't as great as it was a few years ago. So I guess my question is would it be worth it to get my adn degree or should I try to get a bsn instead? Thanks for your thoughts and opinions.

[geekgolightly]

Originally Posted by ~savah~

Bumping with a question. I read somewhere that the nursing field is getting a little more competitive and the demand isn't as great as it was a few years ago. So I guess my question is would it be worth it to get my rn degree or should I try to get a bsn instead? Thanks for your thoughts and opinions.

honestly, it depends on your finances. it's true that BSN's have a leg up, but during your rotations you can develop a relationship and show your interest which is a good way to get on in a unit. also working as a tech or student nurse in a hospital wherein you wish to start your career is a really good in. you do not *need* a BSN, so, if that would cause undo financial stress, go the ADN route first.

[~savah~]

Thanks for you answer. I can afford either program right now, it is actually the commute that would be an issue more than anything. The adn program is about an hour away and the bsn is more like an hour and a half. Has anyone here ever done a adn to bsn bridge program?

[lactivistmama]

HI! I am jumping in here with a question
Is there any online module that I can take to understand them and the interpretation better? I get the basics but am struggling a little

[*Eva*]

Had my first day of CNA clinicals today (we need to be a CNA to get into the nursing program at my school). I already knew this, but I can say with 100% certainty now that I never want to go into Geriatrics. Definitely not my cup of tea.

[Gator-mom]

Hello, all!

I'm in my second semester of my BSN program right now, and also just got off of an almost 4 month break!

Originally Posted by purplevega

So I need to get my butt in gear. Been off from RN school for 3 months and we start up again in 3 weeks. I had panic when I opened my books last night. Could not even read 2 pages before I closed the book. I felt overwhelmed.

I can't believe I am getting overwhelmed from the book. I kinda wish we did not have this break. After 2 years of nonstop school it was nice, but now I feel normal and almost don't want to go back.

I do love school but need to transition back. Anyone else dealing with this after summer break?

Kim

I have heard soooo many people at school say this! I feel a little the same, but then again, I am so grateful that I had some free time to spend with Ds. Also, my dh is a full time student, and I was actually able to help him with his math homework on his break without feeling like I should have been doing something else!

We are doing Med/Surg this semester and it is our first semester in an actual hospital. I feel good about my placement though. We got a hospital that is a little low key, but gets a good variety. But the best part, is the RN's there love students! So I'm not feeling so worried about being a burden this semester!

I have one other complication this year, which is that my biological clock started ticking again, and I can't ignore it. Ds is going to be 4 this March, and it suddenly dawned on me that I want to have another one before he gets much older! So here we are, actually, TTC in my second year of nursing school. I'll be getting the same LOOOONG break next summer, so the plan is that the baby would be born over summer break. Hopefully it all works out to plan with no big bumps, other than dealing with exhaustion and pregnancy fog while in school. I'm pretty damned determined to get it all, so I'm not really worried about not making it. But just hope my body doesn't throw any curve balls at me in the process!

Good luck everyone and have a great year!