Nursing: The Options are Endless

With all of the opportunity and diversity in the nursing profession today, it's important to get an early start on thinking about which path you want to chose when you reach that long-awaited title "Nurse". I know I have found my calling in Nursing, but I have to admit that I have not yet found discovered where I want to focus my attention and really begin to develop my skill.
I have been to countless job fairs, received all of the literature, and have poured over it for hours. Even though this hasn't yet given me that "AHA!" moment, I would strongly encourage everyone to take the chance to get out there and really see what is being offered by employers all over this country, as well as in the US.
Practicum experiences are so valuable in providing the exposure to the actual environment, but to me, it is like a process of elimination. With my current job, I receive diverse assignments, giving me exposure to areas in the community and in the hospital, yet I feel there is still so much out there to learn and to explore!
I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the choices and the decisions, but not for a second do I regret entering the wonderful field of nursing!
If you have not already been linked to this site through your educational institution, go to this link to check out lots of great jobs all across Ontario. You can also find out more about The New Grad Initiative, which is another reason to start looking for that dream job early!
https://www.hfojobs.ca/Default.aspx

What's Your Biggest Fear?

I would like to start a more interactive communication between established nurses and those who are fresh out of school! Not everyone knows exactly what's out there, what area they would like to enter into, or what avenues to pursue, and speaking with those who have been through all the challenges of a new graduate and a new nurse can be an enlightening and constructive thing! I would like to know what is the biggest fear for those who are finishing their last year of school and preparing to enter the workforce? Although myself and many of my colleagues are rather new to nursing profession, I hope we can provide some insight as to what you can expect for this wonderful world that is nursing!

So You've Graduated...Now What?

So you've suffered through two years of sleepless nights, stressful exams, and endless essays.. Think your life is going to get easier once you walk out of that last day of registration?? Think again! That's when all the fun really starts. Take it from someone who is still waiting for her registration (yes, and it's almost December!)so she can get out there and put all that newfound knowledge to good use! I can tell you that I did not expect this process to be so long, confusing, and frustrating, and if I can, I'd love to be able to save someone else the hassles I could have saved myself had I known what I was in for! Here is my "so-you've-graduated-now-what" guide to survival:

1. Invest in some good resources for studying for the CPNRE!! There are resources available through the CNO website, as well as written material specific to the CPNRE that contains hundreds of excellent questions similar to what you'll see on the test. Definitely worth it!

2. Pay attention to deadlines!! The CNO doesn't mess around when it comes to getting things in on time, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get all that documentation in.. and take mailing and processing days into consideration!

3. If all your friends are receiving their specific exam info in the mail (specifying which location you'll be writing), and you don't get yours, don't panic! Call the CNO, ensure that you're registered to write, where, and when, and be there. I didn't get these papers, and thought it was going to be a headache, but the line for those without documentation is MUCH shorter! It actually saved me a lot of time! :)

4. Be patient! You thought you were going to die of anticipation when your teacher took a week and a half to return those test marks? Get ready for the wait of a life time.. They estimate 4-6 weeks for the results, but anticipate 6!!

5. In the meantime, a TEMPORARY LICENSE is the way to go!!! Here is where I made my biggest mistake. It isn't cheap, but if you work out the cost against the pay, you'll be paying for that license pretty quickly! Without it, you could be waiting until, well, December, to start working as an RPN

6. Get your police check as soon as possible!! It's necessary for a lot of things, and it's best to always just have a current CPIC on hand. Also, when you go to the police station, request extra copies (as many as you can get!!), they're usually free
and will definitely come in handy (needed for temporary and initial registration - original copies!)

7. Be on the ball! I know it's hard not to, but check the mail everyday! When you receive your documentation, send it in ASAP, of fax if possible.. the quicker the better!

8. Get on the phone! Call the CNO, check where you are in the process, and ensure that you're up-to-date with the documentation that you were supposed to submit.. they're not going to notify you if something is missing or insufficient, so it's best to stay on the safe side!

9. Once you've sent away for your initial registration and it has seemed like you've been waiting forever (but it's actually only been a couple weeks!), call the CNO, ask them if they've processed your information and if you have received a registration number yet. You are able to work as long as you've got that magic number!

10. Find a healthy way to vent all the frustrations that you're going to encounter along the way!

Check out the CNO's fact sheet for the CNPRE
http://www.cno.org/docs/reg/45030_fsNatlexam.pdf

Is technology helping or hindering when it comes to overcoming communication barriers in health care?

Technology is growing by such leaps and bounds, in all areas of life, and it’s obvious to see that this technology is changing the way we live. To many people, technology is a thing of convenience, something that simplifies and organizes. In health care, technology is revolutionizing the way many things are done, from charting to assessing, and certainly, how we communicate with each other and our patients. I believe that technology has the potential to take us where we never thought possible, and to improve communication in health care in a way that benefits all. Although, I think that we, as nurses, must keep in mind one important thing: There is no technology that can replicate a kind touch, a warm smile, or a thoughtful word.

The Evolution of the New Grad Nurse

So it might be slightly exaggerated, but I think we've probably all felt like the new grad nurse in this video and have wanted to just RUN AWAY! Being a student is scary, especially in a job that carries so much responsibility, but with time, I hope we'll all learn to be smart, confident nurses! As students and new grads, we have to keep in mind that everyone has been in our place, at one time. With time comes experience, and with experience comes confidence! You will survive!

What It's All About..

Welcome fellow bloggers! As a new-grad Practical Nurse and a first year student of the RPN to BScN bridging program at UOIT, I thought it would be fun to communicate with other new-grad nurses, as well as current students, about the experiences (the good as well as the bad!), concerns, questions, and even fears, that we all have as new comers to the profession.

As new graduates and students, I’m sure most of my readers will be familiar with learning plans and goals, and reflective practice. Hopeful it was all going to end with that last day of placement? Sorry to disappoint, but I’ve come to realize that planning and reflecting never ends! This blog is a place where nurses and soon-to-be nurses can share thoughts and ideas, reflect on experiences, and speak to others who have been in the same white nursing shoes!