Ultimate Nurse

Sexual Abuse Enlightenment for Teen and Nurs

2008-04-04T04:15:00.000-07:00

Upon finishing my last semester for my ASN degree, I had clinicals at a psychiatric hospital. I was assigned a teenage female patient who had made her second attempt at suicide by ingesting pills.

As I sat and talked with this teenager who had many problems including anxiety, depression, and trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) ... she seemed like a lost soul. She gave the dutiful answers, agreed to talk to me and talked somewhat openly about why she did what she did.

She stated that she was tired of always being made fun of at school because of being "almost bald"; she had moved around so much during her 13 years and did not have a stable home life, she had few friends who accepted her as she was and genuinely talked as if she were years older than her stated age.

She sat on the bed and looked down at her feet when she talked and stated she had previously tried hanging herself but was discovered before the last fateful moment. She had been in and out of "facilities" and "counseling" all of her life and just wanted to be a "normal girl".

Most of all, she wanted to feel pretty, be happy and look forward to waking up every day. She made good grades in school, but did not belong to any clubs or after school programs. She went home to help take care of her siblings.

After spending some time with her, I felt that she was holding something back - she hesitated to talk about certain parts of her life.

I asked her if there was anything that she wanted to share with me, anything that she just was tired of holding in and wanted to get off of her chest. She asked if I would sit next to her and just listen. I agreed and told her that whatever she chose to tell me that it would not be confidential as I was bound by law to report our discussion. She agreed and proceeded to talk to me. She stated that for some reason she felt comfortable with me.

She relayed that she had been being sexually abused by her mother's multiple boyfriends since age 6 and felt that she felt that she did not get to have a childhood. She felt as this changed her course in life, affected her self-esteem, pride and validity as a girl/woman. We sat and talked for more than our alloted time and she cried, I comforted, listened and assured her that nothing she had experienced was her fault and told her that telling her therapist would be the most therapeutic relief and life changing event that would help her emotionally, physically and mentally.

When our time was over I reported to my clincial leader and her therapist the story, name, dates of her alleged abuser and was astonished/proud to hear her therapist say that she had never relayed this information to anyone, in all of the years that she had been in therapy and that she must have felt a "connection" with me to share this information. This was what she was hoping for; a breakthrough for this beautiful young girl.

I truly felt "connected" to this young girl and this experience made such an impact on my life as a student, as a future nurse, as a mother, and just as a human being that I honestly believe she touched me more than I touched her. She changed my life - you see, the one thing that I could not and did not share with her was that I was sexually abused as a child and had never told a soul - not even my husband of 18 years.

I went home that night and cried a river of tears, sat and talked with my husband and even admitted this information to my wonderful in-laws and felt that day like I had gained a new perspective on my life, person, and self-esteem. Today, I have graduated with my ASN and am awaiting to take State Boards and hope to be able to touch someone else like I did with my patient.

This is the reason why I chose to become a nurse; the compassion, the understanding and sometimes just the hand holding and listening makes all of the other harried and crazy stuff just "stuff".

Tips For Student Nursing

2008-04-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

I looked at the Competition Title and thought... Hmmm I can't comment on this one and then all of a sudden I thought, 'What about all those out there pondering the idea of going nursing', so here are my tips for "Student Nursing/nurses".

Certainly this is based on my own experience, some has been great and some not so great, my philosophy is "take what you like, and leave the rest".

Firstly it feels fantastic to be able to write from my heart and my own feelings rather then having to quote, paraphrase, reference and worry about plarigism!!

First tip, learn how to write essays before going to nursing school, this will save a lot of heartache, sanity, paper, and middle of the night redo's! Know when one has written an assignment or essay that they are proud of and feel is a good peice of work, that the tutor wont necessarily agree! Note also that one tutor may like it and another may fail you. There is ment to be some kind of marking system in place. but this has proven wrong many times for myself and other class members. Tutor Z may give you a B, and tutor X may give you a D. My advice around this, is go to your tutor and get it proof read before handing it in!! If thats not an option, go to your campus education centre and get them to proof read it. And remember reference's, reference's and references!!!

My second tip would be to never pretend or say you 'know' something when you don't! Because it will always come round and bite you in the butt eventually, and it's truely easier to just say, "sorry, I don't know".

Make friends with your tutors! They are the God's while you are doing your degree, they pass or fail you, and Im sorry all you tutors out there, but they DO have favourites, I use to be so proud of standing my ground and speaking my truth and questioning questions, but this year I have learnt how to Kiss ****!! So not in my personality, but whatever it takes!

I love hearing all the first year students all motivated and excited, but it does sadden, but not suprise me when a week down the track I see frowns and tears, a month down the track 2 or 3 have left, 6 months down the track everybody is stressed and grumpty and tired from late nights of study! Hey but on the bright side! It is awesome meeting new friends ( great girls nights out)!! and learning all about the human body, and mind.

The best part is being with the patients and testing out your new found skills on practicum, a word of caution for practicum, beware of preceptors, make friends with preceptors, and agree with preceptors!! At least that was my experience I hear others who have wonderful preceptors, unfortunately I was not so lucky, however this all makes one stronger and wiser in becoming a nurse. Oh I almost forgot when you enrole or are accepted onto the nursing programe you must become an "angel", no being silly in public, definitely no drunken foolish pub crawls! No skinny dipping in the ocean! And a soft spoken voice is prefered.

I have had so many experiences in my short nursing career as a student nurse, yet I have learnt so much about human nature, and politics!! This has certainly made me a stronger more assertive person. I love what I am doing, and for those of you that are considering going nusing, GO FOR IT! It's not easy, but if you are passionate about becomming a nurse and helping others it is certainly worth the rollercoaster ride!!

P.s I love the way I have written this with no thought or concern of spelling, punctuation or proper paragraphs!

Becoming A Nurse

2008-04-04T04:12:00.000-07:00

I did not even finish high school I only had a general education diploma (G.E.D.) and I thought that I could not do anything. I had a lot of times when I was sick. I knew that I liked to care for people and things. That is when I thought about being a nurse. I thought that taking care of babies that a lot nurses would not be able to care for would be very rewarding and challenging. I enrolled into college even before my high school class graduated, to be a registered nurse.

I graduated from nursing school May 18, 2005. That was one of the proudest and most bittersweet days of my life.

I started my job at the NICU at a regional center teaching hospital that is 1 hour away from my home but I knew was right for me on May 25, 2005.

I took my boards August 15, 2005. I changed the date three times and nearly hyperventilated when I walked into the building. I was so scared to fail my boards and lose all that I had worked for and let many people down. But I passed with 75 questions and 44 minutes.

I have worked in a very busy (50 beds regional center) and ever growing and changing NICU, for the past almost 2 years, and I am always learning. The learning never stops and I was not only learning the clinical aspects but as a new RN I had to learn the unit, people, patients, and doctors. Therefore I had to be flexible and I always listened before speaking, to be honest I was scared to say the wrong thing. I learned that I should never feel stupid or think I look incompetent for asking for help. Sometimes I just needed to feel that I had the people there to make sure I was doing it right, and that next time I could do try to do it by myself.

There have been very hard times where I doubted myself and my skills and there still is times when I do. I had times were I thought to myself “what is scary is that other people believe that I can do this!” But then the things that scared me or that made me work really hard became easier and I got the thumbs up from my mentors. I learned that it is a must to have people that can back you up and support you.

I think that as I became better with the basic skills the other skills and changes were easier to accept, still very challenging but easier to accept and adapt to. I learned that everyone from the PCA’s to the Attendings and Nurse Managers are always learning and can make human mistakes just like me. Any mistakes made need to be accepted and learned from. I learned that I can always do better if I try but that I can only try my best.

I have found that everyone is scared that their patient will die or have something go wrong. I came to realize that being scared or having something go wrong can happen but you have to try to ensure it does not and be able to do the right actions if it does. Although that is not the worst thing emotionally that a nurse deals with I learned. The worst thing emotionally is when a patient needs to be able to be let go and is not able, and I was unable to do anything for that patient or the family. I thought I knew what nurses have to do and the things I was required to do but I did not, I now realize. I try to learn my weakness and learn from them and improve and I think that the best nurses never stop doing that. I have learned so much in my short time as a registered nurse in the NICU and have so much more to learn.

I think to myself after my almost 2 years as a registered nurse that everything got scarier as I went. Going to nursing school and walking into the classroom for the first time was scary and unnerving. Then going to clinical and walking into the patient’s room and the patient expecting me to know what I was doing was even scarier. Then graduating from nursing school and finding the job that I wanted, with the interviews and resume writing that was involved that also was scary and took courage that I did not know I had. When I started my first day on the unit I did not think I could go through with it and it was unbelievably scary. Then taking my boards was so scary I thought I was going to pass out when I got in the building, and that was after I had changed the test date three times. Then being off orientation and being "on my own" I thought I was unable to do it but I did. Then being considered not “new” and taking harder and more challenging assignments I thought I was not ready but I was. Everything was so scary and I thought that I did not have the skills but I did and I continue to gain confidence and nursing knowledge.

I did not think that I was going to be able to make anything out of myself I was unable to finish high school. Then I finished college and I thought well maybe I can be something. Now that I have been a registered nurse in a regional medical center in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit caring for the most fragile of patients I realize I am something. I am proud to say I am a nurse.

Tips for Human Nursing

2008-04-04T04:10:00.000-07:00

The list of things that I would share with new staff or those that may have forgotten why they became a nurse.

REALLY LISTEN AND REFLECT, THEN YOU WILL LEARN:
First of all I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to complete a grad initiative in acute care. This was an experience where I am paired with staff RN’s for six months and in a way be mentored by them. At the time, having a new RN with me every shift was somewhat stressful until I opened my eyes and realized that I was actually very fortunate for this change. Each shift the nurse I was with would start out by saying “I start my shift by…” and it was then that I realized these nurses were sharing with me their best practice and their experience. I finally came to the conclusion that I was lucky to be a recipient of so much knowledge. I then developed my own best practice and nature of nursing from these professionals.

TREAT PEOPLE HOW YOU WOULD WANT YOUR FAMILY TREATED:
As an ER RN you see a variety of patient populations. This can sometimes be very challenging when you are caring for someone that makes poor lifestyle decisions. In nursing they teach you not to be judgmental and treat everyone equal. But this should be taken one step further. Treat people how you would want a health care professional to treat you or your family. With this in mind, it is easier to remove yourself from your judgments and bias. Every person is human and deserves respect, care and dignity.

ITS THERE IF YOU WANT IT TO BE THERE, GOSSIP THAT IS:
Gossip seems to coincide with the nursing profession. At least from my experience it seems to be there if you are looking for it or starting it. Each nurse makes a conscious decision when contributing or refuting gossip. Everyone you work with deserves the benefit of the doubt. You never know what someone is dealing with outside of the workplace. So next time, before you start contributing to the gossip train, think twice, maybe that energy is better off somewhere else.

EMBRACE THE INTRODUCTION:
The first few minutes of meeting your patients are crucial. This interaction sets the tone for how the rest of the shift will go. If you can get eye level with your patient, introduce your self by name and find out what their expectations are things will go smoothly. These first few minutes makes a difference. It shows respect and initiation of rapport with people. It wouldn’t hurt to try and proof its effectiveness.

DON’T SAY IT:
“I’ll be back in a minute”. This phrase can be a real turn off to patients. A minute to you may feel like a minute. But in reality, it’s probably been five or ten minutes. In the meantime, you have probably answered call bells, been interrupted, finished off another task you working on or who knows what, while your patient is still waiting. The truth will go a long way. Let them know you will do what they need as soon as you can. Most patients have a pretty insightful idea to how busy you really are.

DO THE LITTLE THINGS:
Little things go a long way in the clinical setting. Brushing care, giving back care, warm blankets and tea can really have a positive impact on your patients experience. Time is a commodity for everyone, but these things don’t take long and make a world of a difference for those needing some human connection and attention.

DO THE BEST YOU CAN:
Lack of everything is probably a big concern for all departments. Staff, resources, time, room etc. These are system issues and they are long term issues. It is important that you go to work and do the best that you can. There is no point in going home guilty or feeling upset because you couldn’t do this or that. Just always keep in mind, that if you do the best you can with what is available, that is all you can do. Patients appreciate you doing what you can, not complaining about what you can't.

LEARN AND USE NAMES:
Being able to address people by them is a form of respect. It doesn’t take much time, especially if people are wearing name tags, but this one will go a long way in the workplace.

EVERYONE MATTERS:
Treat all those you work with, with respect. If it weren’t for the janitor, lab tech, volunteer, unit clerk, or student the setting wouldn’t be what it is. Clinical areas are a place for caring, healing, teaching and respect. It takes a large diverse group of people to care for patients. Everyone plays a role and deserves a smile or helping hand.

BE CREATIVE:
Textbook interventions may not work for everyone. Clinical settings are full of wonderfully creative scenarios. From call bell set ups, to oxygen placement to gown closures. It really can make a big difference if you find a unconventional but effective way to assist with caring for your patient.

What "REAL" Nursing Is All About

2008-04-04T04:07:00.000-07:00

First off I would like to say our clients, patients, and residents really on us for many things:

N-urses wear many hats
U-nderstand you don't know just how I feel
R-eliable (don't make promises you may not be able to keep)
S-ympathetic
I-ndividualize my situation from everyone else
N-oticing when something just isn't right
G-rabbing on to the fact that you should help me even if i'm not on your assignment or even if you are not the Can

I have been a LPN for about two years now and I love it. There is a few things that I have seen that makes my stomach turn. For instance how many times have you seen a co-worker walk pass a room with the lite on and look for the aide to answer it, or see a person that needs to be pulled up or adjusted-in bed and not offer help, but tell one cna to find another to help. I mean I can go on and on but I will stop here i'm pretty sure you get where i'm coming from. My whole reason for this article is not to bash nurses but to remind some what nursing is supposed to be.

1. Remember this if nothing else if the person is an elder they lived out there life whether good or bad let their last days in your care be remembered as positive.
2. If I am mean and angry every time you see me it has nothing to do with you it's just i'm mad I put myself in this position or can't grasp why this happened to me

Just remember our smiling faces on the worst day can make someone feel better even if for a moment even if they don't show it or say it.

Credentials Evaluation Service

2008-04-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

The CGFNS International Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) analyzes the credentials of multiple types and levels of healthcare professionals who are educated outside of the United States and who wish to pursue licensure or academic admission in the United States.

The CES report is advisory in nature and does not make specific placement recommendations. The process generally takes from 6 to 8 weeks after receipt of all required documentation and fees. Processing times may vary during periods of high volume.

The resulting CES report serves as a valuable tool for regulatory/licensing agencies, specialty certification authorities, academic institutions, immigration attorneys, prospective employers and others. It also helps qualified applicants demonstrate the merits of their credentials with regard to U.S. standards, facilitating their pursuit of educational or career opportunities in the United States. We suggest you contact the organization (the recipient) that asked to receive your CES Report and find out which type of report they require.

About the VisaScreen Program

2008-04-04T03:41:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires, under section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, internationally-educated healthcare professionals, such as:

Registered Nurses
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Physician Assistants
Clinical Laboratory Technicians (Medical Technicians)
Clinical Laboratory Scientists (Medical Laboratory Technologists)
Speech Language Pathologists
Speech Language Audiologists
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses

seeking temporary or permanent occupational visas as well as those who are seeking Trade NAFTA (TN) status, to first obtain a CGFNS/ICHP VisaScreen Certificate as part of the visa process. VisaScreen is administered by the International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) a division of CGFNS International

Florence Nightingale (1820 — 1910)

2008-03-31T00:41:00.000-07:00

Florence Nightingale was born on 12 May 1820 at the Villa La Columbaia in Florence; she was named after the city of her birth. Her father, William Edward Nightingale (1794-1874), was son of William Shore, a Sheffield banker. When Nightingale came of age on 21 February 1815 he inherited the Derbyshire estates at Lea Hurst and Woodend in Derbyshire from, and assumed the surname of Peter Nightingale, his mother's uncle. On 1 June 1818 he married Frances Smith, a strong supporter of the abolition of slavery. They had two daughters, Parthenope and Florence. "Parthe" was given the classical name of Naples where she was born.

Florence Nightingale was brought up at Lea Hall; in 1825 the family moved to Lea Hurst which Nightingale had just built. In 1826 he also bought Embley Park, in Hampshire and in1828 he became High Sheriff of the county. The family invariably spent the summer at Lea Hurst and the winter at Embley Park, occasionally visiting London. Florence Nightingale had a broad education and came to dislike the lack of opportunity for females in her social circle. She began to visit the poor but became very interested in looking after those who were ill. She visited hospitals in London and around the country to investigate possible occupations for women there. However, nursing was seen as employment that needed neither study nor intelligence; nurses were considered to be little less than prostitutes at that time.

Nightingale's hospital visits began in 1844 and continued for eleven years. She spent the winter and spring of 1849-50 in Egypt with family friends; on the journey from Paris she met two St. Vincent de Paul sisters who gave her an introduction to their convent at Alexandria. Nightingale saw that the disciplined and well-organised Sisters made better nurses than women in England. Between 31 July to 13 August 1850, Nightingale made her first visit to the Institute of Protestant Deaconesses at Kaiserswerth. The institute had been founded for the care of the destitute in 1833 and had grown into a training school for women teachers and nurses. Her visit convinced Nightingale of the possibilities of making nursing a vocation for ladies. In 1851 she spent four months at Kaiserswerth, training as a sick nurse. When she returned home, she undertook more visits to London hospitals; in the autumn of 1852 she inspected hospitals in Edinburgh and Dublin. In 1853 she accepted her first administrative post when she became superintendent of the Hospital for Invalid Gentlewomen.