Questions About Advanced Degree Track (MSN NP being replaced by DNP?)

I was recently accepted into a DE-MSN program that does not award a BSN before the MSN phase of the program. Students are required to obtain RN before moving forward in the program. I'm wondering, how important is having a BSN? My goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I am unclear as to whether or not I'll be able to practice as an NP once I graduate since the MSN track is supposedly being phased and if I'll simply be an MSN with an RN. If it is, I'm left wondering whether it's more wise to get a BSN and then enter into a DNP program. Read More

Unrecognizable without scrubs...

Has this ever happened to you? Are you or your friends unrecognizable outside of work? Read More

Changing Lives Exponentially

We are facing a very serious nursing shortage in coming years so what are we,the nurses now, going to do about it? I know what I am going to do. Let me tell you why I became a nurse and why I need your help The population is growing. We need to grow with it. Read More

Please be prepared for your interview...

We have been doing interviews for a new hospital that's opening so we are looking for 50 ED people. After the first day I was really surprised at the amount of people who were not prepared for their interview. We had some well qualified candidates who had no idea who my company even is..yes they were from out of town but I feel they should have at least Googled us...some candidates had no idea how to answer questions about weaknesses or situations when...so I have a few suggestions for you great people who are possibly looking for work. Read More

Nurses: Why do many of you do this?

I’ve been a registered nurse for two years now. Sometimes the nurses in my unit and I get together outside of work and chat. One day, the nurses were discussing about their patient encounters (non-medical related). I do not want to write what they discussed, but they were patient encounters that many people would describe as “gross.”

I believe patient confidentiality (even when patients’ names aren’t mentioned) should be respected during work as well as outside of work. I’m sure patients already feel embarrassed about their condition, and it ANNOYS me when nurses say they will not judge patients when giving them care, but then they go around and talk about their patients conditions. Read More

Broken Hearted. AKA: A Valentine's Story Sweet Enough to Rot Your Teeth

Warning: Proceed with caution! The following is so sickeningly sweet, so saccharine, that it will rot your teeth.

And I do mean rot 'em good. I am a cynic to the core of my soul and I think, for just one moment last night, I may have known how the Grinch felt with that sudden onset of cardiomegaly that occurs when he decides to return his spoils of victory (the fool).

Anyway...on with the tale. Read More

Can you work as a staff nurse as an NP?

I am very attracted to the education that NPs get. I want the knowledge but idk about the job itself. I just don't know if I want to leave bedside nursing forever. I am worried that if allowed- I would be liable for a physician error that went unnoticed. Can I become a staff nurse and continue working as a floor RN? Read More

Doctor texting order turned into a nightmare

I work in a sub acute care facility and we don't always have a doctor in house. Most of the doctors and nurse practitioners are texting orders to the nurses. We are also texting questions and lab information to the mds and nps. Today I had a patient with a blood sugar of 600 and paged the doctor and did not get a reply so I texted the doctor And she texted me back stating to get stat labs give additional insulin etc then she proceeded to text orders for three other patients... Read More!

Optimal Effects of Child Life Involvement in Pediatric Nursing

Caring for the pediatric population can be extremely demanding on the nurse at times. Incorporating multi-disciplinary care along with family centered care can be difficult and challenging, yet provides such a remarkable experience for the patient. A large part of this is the result of child life specialists. The child life specialist alleviates a great deal of pressure for the nurse as it allows for a crucial and trusting relationship to be formed between the child life specialist and patient. Forming this bond creates a “safe place” for the children and they even look forward to having their child life specialist attend procedures and exams with them. The patients, as well as their families and nurses, are often left feeling relieved and comforted experiencing less anxiety and fear. Child life along side of nursing encompasses a healing and healthy relationship between all. Read More...

Any Case Managers at United Health?

I'm wondering if I can get some input from anyone that works or has worked as a case manager at Unitedhealth group. I am interviewing for a cm position that involves field visits as well as telephone case management....and eventually it can be a work from home position. Any interview advice as well as information on details of the position would be greatly appreciated! Read More

Typical Raise Schedule

I am a new grad RN and was recently offered my first job (yay!) and I start orientation next week. I am located in a large, Midwest city with a competitive healthcare/nursing job market. I was hired as a staff RN on a 40(ish) bed Medical Intermediate Care Unit (similar to a Progressive Care Unit). I am starting on day shift (12 hr shifts) at $23.15/hr. Having been a poor student for so long I am totally happy with this wage and have no intent of trying to negotiate but am just curious what the typical schedule is for wage increases? Is it usually based on time worked at the organization or on performance? Also, are hospitals usually upfront with their raise policies or do they make you take a 'wait and see' approach? Read More