So you’re the new guy on the block, eh? Suddenly you’re the smallest fish in this enormous pond. As a new graduate in a new job (or even an experienced nurse in a new job), these feelings are normal. That fear, that nervousness, and that excitement are all quickly put to the test on the night shift. Often, those “graveyard” hours fall to the low nurse on the IV pole. Now that you’ve got your schedule, how do you adjust? Colleen...  Read More »

Eighty Clark College students sat down in front of the NCLEX-RN® exam after the fall 2005 and winter 2006 sessions. Eighty passed it. Clark, located in Vancouver, WA, is one of the 33 nursing schools (out of 750 nationwide) to have a perfect pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, according to The Columbian (WA) News. Students praise the tough curriculum and state-of-the-art training equipment that helps them feel prepared for their lives as RNs. Clark admits 40 students...  Read More »

Picture yourself as a focused, diligent nursing student. You’re preparing for a career in the ER or maybe in the medical-surgical unit. You’re sitting down in front of a professor for the first time to discuss your clinical assignment. You’re intense, serious, and ready to go. Then, the professor brings out a teddy bear. A teddy bear? “At first, there was some apprehension,” says Amy Campbell, RN, BSN, with a contagious southern...  Read More »

Burnout is the state of being used up or a feeling of sheer exhaustion. It usually occurs after a nurse has given all he or she can readily provide. When our personal reserves are depleted, we may desperately want to get away from the needs and demands of others, yet inside we feel guilty that we don’t want to give any more. Anger or depression can result when a nurse feels there is no more left inside to give.   The risk of burnout is real and dangerous...  Read More »

Just starting out on your path toward nursing greatness? You are not alone. While the beginning of the journey may seem intimidating (and long), it also gives you a clear, unobstructed view of all the choices that lie ahead.  In which unit would you feel most comfortable? What’s the best way for you to relieve stress after a long, hard day? Where do you want to be in 10 years? These are all tough questions, but as the ancient saying (sort of) goes,...  Read More »

Equipped with a bachelor’s degree, but not sure where to turn? A new accelerated program offered by Beaumont Hospital and Michigan State University (MSU) can make you a nurse in only a year. Students in the program will do their clinical work at the hospital in Royal Oak and learn about theory in classes at MSU in East Lansing. The appetizing nature of the quick program will hopefully help enrollment, which in turn, will help to curb the growing shortage...  Read More »

It is a nurse’s responsibility to be informed on both the Nurse Practice Acts (NPAs) and Common Law for the state(s) in which he or she is licensed to practice. It is critical for students and nurses to be aware of the legal issues pertaining to the profession. Familiarity with the law and relevant court rulings helps in understanding the scope of practice and responsibilities that come with being a licensed caregiver, as well as providing insight on...  Read More »

Nursing school is no cake walk. There’s nothing easy about the classes, nothing easy about the studying, and nothing easy about the finals. After conquering all the stress that comes with it, you pass your boards, get a good job, and ride off into the nursing sunset, right? Well, not all the time. More and more nurses are making the fateful choice to return to academia. Below, one student shares her story with us. My name is Debbie Buchwach. I graduated...  Read More »

There’s nothing quite as relaxing after a hard week as a night at home in front of a favorite movie. Better yet, why not make it a healthcare movie? There are so many good ones out there, but we did our best to narrow it down to 10 must see-flicks if you are in the healthcare world. So, grab some friends, grab that special someone, or just grab a blanket, some popcorn, and a soda. Okay, Shh! We don’t want to miss the previews. Enjoy! Vital Signs...  Read More »

Circle April 1 on your calendar. No, it’s not because someone is planning to put a “Kick Me” sign on the back of your scrubs. And no, it’s not because fake, plastic snakes might jump out of a can of peanuts when you get home. This year, on April Fool’s Day, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) isn’t joking. That day, a new passing standard for the NCLEX-RN® will take effect. The new standard, -0.2100 logits...  Read More »