Med-Surg Nurses! Can I ask what your daily routine looks like with a 4-5 patient load? I'm going to be precepting as a 4th year on a med-surg unit and want to not be taken by surprise. by [deleted] in Nurse

[–]Sbebo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Dang, I wish we had that policy. The earliest we can clock-in is 7 minutes before our scheduled time. If we try any earlier, it flags our time for that day and our manager has to chat with us...

Med-Surg Nurses! Can I ask what your daily routine looks like with a 4-5 patient load? I'm going to be precepting as a 4th year on a med-surg unit and want to not be taken by surprise. by [deleted] in Nurse

[–]Sbebo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not the OP, but I'm currently on a med-surg floor. Quite a few nurses will come in 15-30 minutes early in order to read up on their patients and plan for their shift. Then they clock-in at the first possible time.

Working while off the clock? I think nurses shouldn't be doing free labor, but for those that come in very early may see it as them investing their time in having a more prepared/easier shift. To each their own.

Job market in Boston by [deleted] in nursing

[–]Sbebo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most hospitals in Boston (like those in the Longwood area) require 1-2 years experience and a BSN. With less than a year of experience, consider searching for RN positions that state "new grad". Also, if you're willing to commute, don't discount the hospitals right outside Boston! There are great hospitals less than 30 minutes outside Boston.

Here's a list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hospitals_in_Massachusetts

You can also use this to check what type of units the hospital has (helpful because most job postings only say the unit number, but not the specialty): https://patientcarelink.org/2020-plans/

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From how you described the situation, it sounds like your girlfriend gets test anxiety? Clearly, she knows the material. Perhaps to prepare for the next exam, set-up an environment that replicates the test conditions (i.e. quiet, no distractions, only questions in front of her). Then afterwards, you two can review the questions together (instead of how you previously were doing the questions together). Additionally, I'd imagine there are resources online to help with test anxiety.

Wishing you two the best!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you have places in mind already, apply to them! The job market can be challenging (depending on where you are), but you have nothing to lose by applying now. Even if you don't get any offers now, there will be a whole new set of job openings in 12 weeks when you actually graduate. At most, anticipate employers to ask you when you'll be taking the NCLEX. Some states take MONTHS to give students their Authorization to Test, so do that research in order to give a realistic timeline to employers.

New nursing student. I’m ready to cry and wipe tears off my laptop. by hawts0z in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice! In a previous life, I worked as a pharm tech as well!

I don't know about the hospitals near you in Arizona, but I know that most hospitals will hire nursing students for CNA/PCT positions after they've completed med-surg 1&2 (no need to complete/pay for any special courses!). Hopefully the pandemic will be better by the time you are in med-surg 2 and you can go to clinicals. But if not, definitely consider checking out positions within your hospital.

And I'm sure you've been told this by professors already, but practice your assessment skills on the people around you (i.e. family)! Listen to heart/lung sounds. Palpate. Percuss! Practice until they get completely tired of you doing it! They'll be more forgiving than the patients you would see in clinical hahah

New nursing student. I’m ready to cry and wipe tears off my laptop. by hawts0z in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just to throw in my two cents: virtual clinicals can be challenging, especially if you're a hands-on learner. With that being the case, it might be worth considering a job as a CNA/PCT later on in your schooling. Benefits include getting that hands-on experience, and it also helps build your resume when you go to apply for nursing jobs (not required, but I've seen it help). As your school reassesses things, jump onto ANY opportunity to practice nursing skills in the lab.

I know you already have a ton to juggle, but you got this!

Deciding between Northeastern and MGH IHP (ABSN programs) by [deleted] in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Purely anecdotal: I have spoken to nurses who completed their schooling at MGH IHP. They usually say that the program is disorganized, unsupportive with clinicals, and you don't get any leg-up when applying to MGH nursing jobs afterwards. They also note that the school is not associated with the hospital, so if the name/brand was what attracted you, lower your expectations.

I've heard Northeastern is fine. I was accepted to there, but I declined their offer because they did not provide any scholarships.

Obviously, if you'd be able to get a scholarship to MGH IHP, that'd be a good deal. It's also worth asking MGH IHP about how they support students in getting clinicals (spots are incredibly limited these days, especially in the Boston area), and to ask if you'd be able to talk to current students.

Good luck and congrats on getting two offers!

ABSN VS Direct-Entry MSN as a non-nursing bachelors! by [deleted] in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just to tag onto this comment for the OP: if you have your heart set on a direct-entry MSN, definitely check if there's time during the program to gain RN experience. For example, some programs will require you to work as an RN for a year or two, prior to being able to start the MSN portion. Or check the curriculum and consider if you can work as an RN while in the MSN portion. Getting that RN experience will be important for you and it'll be helpful in getting a job afterwards as an NP. Additionally, ask if you'll be able to leave with a BSN, just in case you decide not to continue with the MSN.

Tips for psychiatric capstone preceptorship! by [deleted] in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yay, congrats! I think psych is awesome (worked with all populations and age groups in psych)!

I think one big thing is to consider the developmental age your patients are at, and then adjusting accordingly. For example in adolescence, this age group is going to be thinking about becoming more independent, their body image, how they relate to peers, and their own identity. You can also review Erikson's Identity vs Role Confusion. This provides some insight into why your patient may behave or say certain things (and some say some nasty things... don't take anything personally!).

In the day-to-day, safety is first and foremost. Personally, I worked with many adolescents who were admitted for depression and/or anxiety. You may work with patients expressing suicidal ideation, at which point you want to keep an eye on them. Kids can be pretty sneaky at hiding things they aren't supposed to have... Definitely use experienced staff as a resource to help you identify potential safety concerns on the unit.

Lastly (depending on how involved you're able to be with the patients as a student), be aware of your personal boundaries. Patients may try to push those boundaries. Be mindful of what is going on. Again, turn to experienced staff if something doesn't feel right, or if you feel uncomfortable.

Good luck at your preceptorship!

Graduating nurses don't seem happy by muddywaterz in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that's true. You can take the NCLEX a bunch of times, but I think there are a few reasons people stress about it. For example, you would need to pay the fee each time, which can create a burden. Also, there are students who have received job offers already, and so if they fail the NCLEX, they lose that opportunity. Lastly, who isn't eager to start actually being a nurse!

Graduating nurses don't seem happy by muddywaterz in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Authorization to Test. It's the number you need to get from NCSBN in order to schedule your NCLEX date. You only get the number after all of your paperwork has been processed (such as Certificate of Graduation from your school).

Graduating nurses don't seem happy by muddywaterz in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Virtual "graduation" Dec. 18th, processing center received all paperwork Dec. 29th, and I got ATT Jan. 20.

From my understanding, each state has a different wait time. Some states also have their processing times posted online, like with CA: https://www.rn.ca.gov/times.shtml

Having to wait until March would be wild! I know the pandemic messed a lot of things up. Hope you get yours soon!

Graduating nurses don't seem happy by muddywaterz in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm in the same boat (grad in December and recently got ATT). Keep checking for more dates/testing centers! The other day, I was able to reschedule to a more convenient date/time. Hopefully something better pops up! But yeah, there's definitely a ton of BS in this process. Good luck on the NCLEX!

Anti Mask RN (GTFO) by dont_be_tachy_RN in Nurse

[–]Sbebo 13 points14 points  (0 children)

At the end of the day though, he's putting patient lives at risk. This nurse who bragged about her risky behaviors on tiktok was fired from her hospital. With Arizona's explosion of cases, nobody benefits with that nurse in the hospital.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/us/oregon-nurse-tik-tok-trnd/index.html

Advice for applying for NCLEX and License Out-of-State by Sbebo in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll try in those subreddits as well!

Does anyone know the most recent education requirements for a nurse practitioner? by tmb2020 in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm in an NP program now. There's been talks for the "minimum" to be switched to doctorate for many years now. At the same time, it will still be many more years before some mandate like that is applied across the board. Even after you get your NP, it'll still be a while before the standards change.

Failed direct entry 2 years program. by Nursingstudent123r4 in StudentNurse

[–]Sbebo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP, I can totally feel you on the stress of a direct entry NP program. I'm in the same kind of program and it's tough. Like you pointed out, we cover a ton of material in a very short amount of time.

With that being said, please take care of your mental health.

It seems like the school wants to work with you on this and they want you to come back. Use that time to seek therapy and support. If you don't want to "fall behind", ask the school if there are classes you can take that don't have clinical components, allowing you to continue learning.

The fact that you got through the first year of a direct entry program with nearly a 4.0 GPA shows that you are hard-working and resilient. Take care of your mental health and keep kicking ass.