Nurse Crisis

So This Is Retirement?????????

2006-09-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all,

I know you're busy. So am I; but this is something that I need to share with you.

As you know, our primary website http://www.NurseCrisis.com is designed to do anything we can to alleviate the global nurse shortage.

And yet, I still have people asking me if that shortage is real, and as bad as we indicate.

Well, here's a quick quip to set the story straight.

I retired last February on a Friday------party, presents, food........the whole thing.

Three days later, MONDAY MORNING, I received a call from the corporate level of my previous employment asking if I would consider doing some "troubleshooting" and training at their various sites.

"Why not?" thought I. "I'm gonna have so much time on my hands, it'll be good to stay a little busy."

That was then.....this is now.

I'm just home from a busy day at the office........helping a new social worker with her orientation. (I've averaged way more than one day a week back in harness......and could spend a lot more time if I wanted)

When I got home there was a message from someone named Travis. He wanted to know if I was interested in any of the nursing positions he had available---locally or nation-wide.

His is about the third or fourth such call that I have received in the last few months. I won't be returning any of these calls; so please feel free.

Travis
1-800-856-5457 ext 2082

I will post any additional calls I receive. Tell 'em Gayle sent you.

Tonite Fred and I will have to rework next month's schedule. We're gonna get away for a few days and enjoy the fall colors in Tennessee and North Carolina. I love it when we can combine work and pleasure. Two of the legal cases I have been reviewing are coming to trial in October; and I am being called as an expert witness in both.

You guessed it. One's near Knoxville, Tennessee.........the other just outside Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

So, a couple of quick points. (1) the nurse shortage is REAL. And, (2)stay in shape. You'll need all of your strength if you plan to retire as a nurse.

All the best,

Gayle and Fred

Hey Guys. I'm Baaaaaaack!

2006-05-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

Wow. Don't let anyone tell you that the transition to retirement is a natural or an easy one.

My career and family kept me running at 90 miles an hour for the last 30 years.I guess I was a little uncertain as to what I would do with all the "extra time"; so when I was asked to do a little "trouble shooting" for my former employer and a little legal consulting for a former supervisor, I thought "why not? I'll have all that extra time on my hands".

Take it from me, "There is no such thing as 'extra time'------especially when there are gardens to be tended, grand kids to be tusssled, and a husband to be "husbanded"

.My time is full; my schedule is crazier that it has ever been; Spring has sprung here in South Carolina..........AND LIFE IS GOOD.

So good in fact, that Fred and I plan to resume activity here at http://nursecrisis.com/ , http://nursecrisis.blogspot.com/ , and http ://www.nursecrisis.com/forum .

Our website, blog and forum have been sadly neglected as we attempted to reset the priorities for our new found freedom.

Well, we missed you........AND WE'RE BACK---TO STAY, THIS TIME.A quick "thank you" to Jennifer Scott. She reminded us that a website, posted on the Internet has something of a life of it's own; and that people will continue to visit.

Some have questions..........some have answers.

Jennifer's input is especially appreciated.

Being somewhat of a "cyber-dinosaur" myself, I haven't been able to offer much to our visitors who had questions about online nurses' training.

Jennifer has completed her BSN on line and is now working toward her FNP. She shares all of this experience through two separate blogs. She wrote:

I did my online BSN through Florida State University and am currently doing it online for the FNP..

I highly recommend it to others. I have been able to continue to work full time with minimal trouble.http://www.fsu.edu/ Hope this helped..

Cheers from http://www.arnp.blogspot.com/ The Nurse Practitioner's Place and www.blogcharm.com/npnews Nurse Practitioner News

Thanks Jennifer...........and, congratulations on your daughter's wedding.

Now, the rest of you. Please visit out website. Now that I am retired, I can readily admit that I DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING. Your input and your experiences will be appreciated by all of us.

In one of her emails, Jennifer pointed out that noone ever truly retires from nursing. It's more of a calling than a career; so it is very important that I continue contributing whatever I can to the profession.

It's good to be back; and I so look forward to "cyber-izing" with you.

Hey Guys. I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaack!

2006-05-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

Wow. Don't let anyone tell you that the transition to retirement is a natural or an easy one.My career and family kept me running at 90 miles an hour for the last 30 years.

I guess I was a little uncertain as to what I would do with all the "extra time"; so when I was asked to do a little "trouble shooting" for my former employer and a little legal consulting for a former supervisor, I thought "why not? I'll have all that extra time on my hands".

Take it from me, "There is no such thing as 'extra time'------especially when there are gardens to be tended, grand kids to be tusssled, and a husband to be "husbanded".

My time is full; my schedule is crazier that it has ever been; Spring has sprung here in South Carolina..........AND LIFE IS GOOD.So good in fact, that Fred and I plan to resume activity here at http://nursecrisis.com/ , http://nursecrisis.blogspot.com/ , and http ://www.nursecrisis.com/forum .

Our website, blog and forum have been sadly neglected as we attempted to reset the priorities for our new found freedom.

Well, we missed you........AND WE'RE BACK---TO STAY, THIS TIME.

A quick "thank you" to Jennifer Scott. She reminded us that a website, posted on the Internet has something of a life of it's own; and that people will continue to visit.Some have questions..........some have answers.

Jennifer's input is especially appreciated.

Being somewhat of a "cyber-dinosaur" myself, I haven't been able to offer much to our visitors who had questions about online nurses' training.

Jennifer has completed her BSN on line and is now working toward her FNP. She shares all of this experience through two separate blogs.

She wrote:

I did my online BSN through Florida State University and am currently doing it online for the FNP.. I highly recommend it to others. I have been able to continue to work full time with minimal trouble.http://www.fsu.edu/Hope this helped..

Cheers from http://www.arnp.blogspot.com/ The Nurse Practitioner's Place and www.blogcharm.com/npnews Nurse Practitioner News.

Thanks Jennifer...........and, congratulations on your daughter's wedding.

Now, the rest of you. Please visit our website. Now that I am retired, I can readily admit that I DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING. Your input and your experiences will be appreciated by all of us.

In one of her emails, Jennifer pointed out that noone ever truly retires from nursing. It's more of a calling than a career; so it is very important that I continue contributing whatever I can to the profession.

It's good to be back; and I so look forward to "cyber-izing" with you.

NEED SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT?

2005-12-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

The Media Missed this one!!!!

Please read this, then send it to everybody you know. They'll thank you as they forward this to others as well.

Subject: Denzel Washington, and Brooks Army Medical Center

Don't know whether you heard about this but Denzel Washington and his family visited the troops at Brook Army Medical Center, in San Antonio,Texas (BAMC) the other day. This is where soldiers who have been evacuated from Germany come to be hospitalized in the United States, especially burn victims.

There are some buildings there called Fisher Houses. The Fisher House is a Hotel where soldiers' families can stay, for little or no charge, while their soldier is staying in the Hospital.

BAMC has quite a few of these houses on base, but as you can imagine, they are almost filled most of the time.

While Denzel Washington was visiting BAMC, they gave him a tour of one of the Fisher Houses. He asked how much one of them would cost to build. He took his check book out and wrote a check for the full amount right there on the spot.

The soldiers overseas were amazed to hear this story and want to get the word out to the American public, because it warmed their hearts to hear it.

The question I have is why does: Alec Baldwin, Madonna, Sean Penn and other Hollywood types make front page news with their anti-everything America crap and Denzel Washington's Patriotism doesn't even make page 3 in the Metro section of any newspaper except the Local newspaper in San Antonio.

A true American and friend to all in uniform! This needs as wide a distribution as we can create.

GOD BLESS YOU DENZEL FOR YOUR PATRIOTISM

What does "experience required" really mean?

2005-12-02T07:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a question from a nursing student in Illinois. Thanks Deana.

Hi, I am a 27 year old mother of 2 small children, both under the age of 3. I really really want to be a registered nurse. I am going to go to my local community college for the courses.

My question is probably tri-fold. How do I find out if it is an accredited nursing program. (Rend Lake Community College, Ina, Illinois?)

I have been on other sites that people state they havent been able to pass the RN board exam. Is there foriegn material on this test or are these other people just not studying???

Is it possible to study for the test seperate from the curriculum>>I would hate to waste 2 yrs of studying and passing the courses and then find myself unable to pass the last exam.

Are there books for just the Licensing Test??

And finally, I think, Is it possible to work as an LPN after the first year. Or is it more beneficial to just school right through.

Most RN jobs that I have researched require at least a year of experience. Is LPN experience applicable or is the experience for an RN exclusive to the title??

Thank you for taking the time to read my rambling and varied questions.... Deana

Hey Deana,Sorry for this delayed response. I have begun training my replacement (43 working days till I retire).Throw in Thanksgiving, and birthdays for my son and grandson and I found it very easy to get behind in most of my projects.The answers to your questions can be found very easily right where you are.

I recommend contacting your State Board of Nursing first. Ask them for the status of your school.Then go to your schools administration. Ask to see the percentage of their grads who pass the Nursing Board exams on the first try.( Keep in mind that Nurse Exam is a tough one; lots of people everywhere have to take it more than once.)Ask them what percentage of their grads are currently employed in nursing, their approximate starting salaries, etc.

Then talk to a couple of those grads; there should be a number of them working right in your area.

Visit a couple of local health care facilities. They will tell you in a heart beat how they regard your current school.And don't be surprised if you are offered a job upon passing your Board exam.

This Nurse Shortage is real. Prove it to yourself-----it will make the rigors of studying more meaningful.

There are a number of books available to help you prepare for the exam. I just did a quick search at Amazon.com and found 70 such books listed. Your local library will help; as will any local bookstore.

You are already aware of the students in your classes who are the most serious about their studies. Suggest a "study group". Four or five of you working together will accomplish wonders.

As long as your personal situation permits, I recommend that you stay in school till you complete your RN training. You'll be working soon enough.

If you go back and re-read those job ads that you mention which "require experience", you'll find that what they really mean is "experience PREFERRED". Right now, nurses are in such demand that your RN license is as close to a job guarantee as you are likely to find anywhere.

For example, I am no longer in a hiring position; but if I were, I would be interviewing all of the nursing students that I could find, and asking them to come back to see me IMMEDIATELY UPON GRADUATION.

You are definitely on the right track. Please let me know of your progress.

All the best,Gayle

PS We have recently added a FORUM http://nursecrisis.com/forum and a BLOG http://nursecrisis.blogspot.com/ . And Fred and I will keep the main website http://nursecrisis.com as "interactive" as possible. We hope that you will visit us regularly. Please feel free to add your comments and questions. Thanks for choosing nursing.

Welcome to the "NEW" new Forum

2005-11-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

Hey Friends,

In response to your many suggestions, we've made some much needed changes.

The website http://www.nursecrisis.com has been totally updated and re-styled. So far the comments have been positive and gratifying. Believe me, with my limited computer skills, it was a major project. Please keep your comments coming. We'll learn this process one step at a time.

I wasn't real happy with the original forum setup----so with the help of our web host we've replaced the old with a completely new format. It's virtually ad free and offers a whole slew of new features.

Once again, SOMEBODY has to be first; so don't be shy about starting things off. The new URL is http://www.nursecrisis.com/forum Let's have some fun with this thing and see how much information we can share. I'll be adding new categories as the questions and suggestions come in.

That's gonna be it for today. It's Sunday and I have some grandkids who need a little attention.

Till next time,

Gayle

Welcome to our new FORUM????

2005-11-10T12:55:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Some will call it laziness.

Some will see it as as one "veteran" nurse's attempt to experience more fully this amazing "cyber world" we all now inhabit.

Hopefully, many of you will understand it to be exactly what it is intended to be: A lazy "veteran" nurse's attempt to keep up with the encouraging flood of questions that arrive daily from our website http://www.nursecrisis.com

It's not easy to admit after 30 years as an RN that I DON'T know it all. I'm getting a daily dose of reality from young people all over the world who are considering nursing as a career.

They want to know about things like "online nursing degrees" and nursing specialty fields that didn't even exist when I started. Hell, Bill Gates was still in grade school when I got my RN license.

The new forum http://www.1-2-free-forums.com/mf/nursecrisiscom.html is my attempt to draw on the wisdom and experience of all medical personnell, all over the world, from all ages and backgrounds.

I'll be retiring very soon so I will miss out on the worst of the pending nurse shortage crisis. The rest of you, however, are about to become more pressured, more overworked and better paid.

The best hope we have is to encourage a flood of new nurses.

(The forum is open to one and all. I will ask that doctors and members of the administration identify themselves as such. You already wreak enough havoc in the lives of the nursing profession. The last thing you need is any help from me.)

The forum is brand new----as of five minutes ago; so please don't worry about being the "first to post". Somebody has to be "it".

That address again, is: http://www.1-2-free-forums.com/mf/nursecrisiscom.html

On behalf of all the aspiring nurses in the world, I thank you in advance for any contributions you can make.

I look forward to "speaking" with you.

Gayle Hoffman, RN

DECISIONS........DECISIONS

2005-11-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

Hello, I was up in the air for my studies as a nurse in the the Legal Nursing or the the Nurse Anesthestist and I think that I want to move more towards the Anesthestist and I wanted to know the pay salary after graduating and also is there a high demand of them? I also wanted to know the time frame in which I am looking for to finish school for both above mentioned careers. Thank You kindly for your time! Lynn from NJ

Hey Lynn,
Google and I did a quick search for "Nurse Anesthetist Salaries" and came up with some numbers that should get your attention. Below you will find the URL and the info that came up first. There are literally hundreds more sites which offer similar insight. If you haven't done so already, I suggest that you and Google become fast friends.

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_compresult_national_HC07000007.html
The median expected salary for a typical Certified Nurse Anesthetist in the United States is $127,752. This basic market pricing report was prepared using our Certified Compensation Professionals' analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies.

The second part of your question is a bit more difficult. You didn't mention how far along in your studies you are; whether you plan to attend school full or part-time; and what kind of a student you are.

Lots of people these days become RNs first and work for a while till they decide on future options. Full time, you can become an RN in as little as two years. Figure at least two more for a Bachelors Degree. By then you'll know your schedule, finances, personal situations, etc.

Medicine is one field where you could actually spend the rest of your life "in school".

Pick a school----or schools. Contact and/or visit each and talk to the counselors.

Talk to some real nurses, practicing in the "real world".

And then GO FOR IT!

All the best,

Gayle
PS Please visit often our Website: http://www.nursecrisis.com/
We're updating on an almost daily basis.
And please tell me what you would like to see included. The site is expanding based on our readers' suggestions.

LOOK OUT WORLD. HERE I COME!

2005-11-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

Hi!
I am a currently a senior at a Southern California private 4 year University. I am graduating in May with Business Major...I know very random especially that I have really had it put on my heart to want to become a nurse (and I am interested in being a nurse practitioner). I have always wanted to pursue a medical career and just decided to go for it after I graduate.

My question is, will I have to start alllll over and get another BA in Science? I was just wondering if there were any other schools that I could attend to maybe shorten the length of schooling I will have to attend. Your help is greatly appreciated!!! I really think I have found my passion and what I want to do with my life and now I just need some help figuring out how to get there!! Kayli

Hey Kayli,

What an excellent career path you are on. Congratulations!

If the school you currently attend offers a degree in nursing, you are half way home! Talk to your faculty advisor right now and discuss your plans.

If your current school is not an option, then contact and/or visit the school of your choice. And be assured of a warm WELCOME.

You will already have completed many of the "pre-requisites".

Becoming a nurse practitioner will require additional training; but, when you realize the benefits, you'll see the advantages to you personally and to the medical field in general.

If you can locate a practicing nurse practitioner in your area and get him or her to stand still long enough to answer a few of your questions, you'll have a "real world" view of all the options available to you.

Re-read the article CAN NURSES BE ENTREPRENEURS? on our website at: http://www.nursecrisis.com/travel.html and you will appreciate your business degree even more.

From where I sit, your future in medicine looks very bright indeed.

Please keep me informed of your progress. There are, no doubt, others in a similar situation. Here's your chance to learn and teach at the same time.

All the best and thanks for choosing nursing,

Gayle

PS Please visit often our Website: http:www.nursecrisis.com

We're updating on an almost daily basis.

And please tell me what you would like to see included. The site is expanding based on our readers' suggestions.

I HAVE A BSN. NOW WHAT?

2005-11-08T07:07:00.000-05:00

Hey Gayle,
I understand that I can get a job after completing a Bachelor degree in Nursing. However, what careers can I enter freshly out of college with a nursing degree? For example, do I qualify to be a RN or a LVN?
What nursing jobs can I work for?
These questions would be greatly appreciated if answered.
Thank you
*Geri

Hey Geri,
Once you pass the State Board exam in whichever State you choose to practice, that BSN will open up practically the gamut of nursing possibilities.
Do you wish to teach? Are you interested in Administrative duties?
I could go on and on; but your best course of action right now would be to approach some potential employers. Tell them of your plans and your date of "availability".
You'll find out in a hurry just which options are available. And don't be surprised if you are offered a job on the spot!
Congratulations and thanks for choosing nursing.

All the best,
Gayle

PS Please visit often our Website: http://www.nursecrisis.com
We're updating on an almost daily basis.
And please tell me what you would like to see included.
The site is expanding based on our readers' suggestions.

ONE NURSE'S DILEMMA........

2005-11-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

Those of you who regularly visit our website at http://www.nursecrisis.com are already aware of my problem.

The newest page is devoted to answering all the questions I've been receiving about ONLINE NURSING DEGREES.

Since I have no "first hand" knowledge of the phenomena, ( remember, I completed nurse's school right after the invention of the light bulb) I thought it would be an easy matter to interview a few of our younger nurses and get the answers I needed from them.

Well, there are NO nurses in our facility who have any experience with online nurse training.

So I am asking for your help. If you have any personal experience with nurse training online,
won't you please take a few minutes and share those experiences with all of us.

The younger crowd needs to know-------and a lot of us "veterans" want to know what we missed.

CLICK HERE to Send Us Your Information About Your Experience Wiith Online Nursing Training
Thanks in advance.

Gayle

Georgia On My Mind

2005-11-07T07:36:00.000-05:00

What is the starting salary in Georgia for RN with 15 years experience? Thank you.

TI

Hey TI,

I try to keep these responses as "up close and personal" as I can so in this case the best I can do is to direct you to "the horse's mouth".

My career has been spent primarily in Florida and South Carolina----with a short stint in Illinois. For those states I could give you a pretty fair estimate; but, Georgia is no doubt different than anyplace in my experience

You didn't mention if your plans are to work in a hospital, long term care facility, doctor's office or some other facility-----and as you already know, those salaries vary quite a bit. Salaries will also be much higher in Atlanta, for example, than you will find in EAST NOWHERE, GA.

In nursing, as in most other fields, there's always a premium to be paid to secure the lifestyle you prefer.

My GOOGLE SEARCH for your answer yielded very little concrete info.

Here's the URL for the Georgia State Board of Nursing. http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/rn/ They will have the most up-to-date and accurate figures currently available----and don't be surprised if they also send you a list of employers who are lined up to hire you.

To paraphrase and update one of the more memorable advertising slogans from my youth: "Let your MOUSE do the walking".

All the best; and please keep us informed of your progress.

There may be other nurses reading this who are also interested in Georgia-----and, believe me, competition for jobs won't be an issue.

To your success,

Gayle

PS Please visit often our Website: http://www.nursecrisis.com We're updating on an almost daily basis.

And please tell me what you would like to see included at the site. The site is expanding based on our readers' suggestions.

Too Old to be a Nurse? I Should Say NOT!!

2005-11-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

HI Guys,

We're Back.

Hurricane Season is winding down and my husband's kid brother is out of the hospital.

We're receiving more and more questions at our website http://www.nursecrisis.com
so we'll be posting some of the most often received.

Check this blog regularly, won't you? Or visit the website if you prefer.

My career is winding down.......fewer than 100 days remaining and I will soon begin training my replacement.

It's a real joy to be able to share some of my " 30 years in the trenches" experience with prospective nurses. Who knows, I may even be able to continue to do my part by enouraging more people----young and old, male and female----to pursue a nursing career.

Just look at the statistics. It is predicted that very soon 44 states will be facing MAJOR NURSE SHORTAGES. The rest of the world is in pretty much the same shape.

Want to see the world........and make an excellent income while doing so? Then take a good hard look at what nursing has to offer.

Low wages and those silly white caps are a thing of the past.

Here's today's question and answer. Please feel free to comment here, or send me an email.

Dear Gayle, I am 27 years old I have three children ages 8, 3, and 4 months. I have just recently finished my schooling for medical assisting when my husband recieved a new job offer now he works days and is making more money so we can afford for me to go back to school for nursing. (something I've wanted to do since was little)
I am trying to find grants and scholarships to go back to school do you know where I can look?
Also do you think I am too old to be starting school?

Hey Brandy,
If you are too old to return to school at 27, I must have been a complete dinosaur at the tender age of 29. You'll probably find that your life experience, maturity and goal orientation will be a lot of help.

Just be prepared to be called "granny" by some of your younger classmates; but don't be surprised if half of the kids end up wanting to come to your house for the study groups and brainstorming sessions that go along with your nurse's training.

The scholarships back in the 70's were few and far between; so we skimped and saved and did the best we could.

Of course, that was before anyone could have predicted the now critical world-wide shortage of nurses. A quick Google search for "Nurse Scholarships" will provide you with a little over TWO MILLION places to look for financial assistance. And there are always a few more linked to on our website: http://www.nursecrisis.com

I'd recommend that you start with the school that you are planning to attend. You may be pleasantly surprised there. And they may suggest that you contact some potential future employers. The "payback" requirements are usually reasonable and a great way to get started.

There's no stronger incentive for study than to know that you will be instantly employable and employed.

If nursing has been a dream since childhood, you'll be able to accept the rigors of your study, not as a hardship to be endured, but rather as a dream coming true.

All the best,

Gayle

PS.... Please keep us informed of your progress. Your experience may help someone else; and isn't that really what nursing is all about?

2005-09-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

Hi Guys,

Sorry for this delayed post. We just happen to have family living in Florida, Mississippi and Texas. This has truly been a memorable hurricane season for our "clan"; and so far, with the exception of one garage and three weeks (so far) without power, we've come through unscathed.

I haven't time to add much today except to invite all of you to visit the latest updates at our website: http://www.nursecrisis.com

We've added a new article about "The Nurse as Entrpreneur" and a new question answered on page four of the Q&A section.

Stay safe and dry. We'll talk to you again as soon as we know for sure that our daughter, living in Houston is safe.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Till next time,

Gayle (113 days and counting till retirement)

What's a Nurse to Do?

2005-09-08T07:43:00.000-05:00

As a long time resident of the Gulf Coast---Pensacola and Ft. Walton Beach---my heart tells me that I should be on my way South to volunteer in any way I can.

As the only person in our unit who currently knows my job, I know that I would be putting myself and my residents in a bind by leaving. I work on a very strict time line---State and Federal reports must go out on time.

Whatever needed to be done in my absence would have to be completed either by a complete novice----or more likely by me upon my return. And I have found that when I get behind, I STAY behind for an extended, nerve-wracking 12 and 14 hour schedule.

So I have decided to stay here in South Carolina and send my prayers and whatever cash I can squeeze from the budget to the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Fred and I encourage you to do whatever is possible to aid in the re-building process that is going on all over the Gulf Coast.

Till next time,

Gayle

Death and Dying

2005-09-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Forgive what appears to be duplicate posts above. There are four pages of questions and answers so far on our website at http://www.nursecrisis.com These have been condensed to include the most frequently received questions-----and we wanted to be sure that you had access to them all.

The pronoun "we" is not being used editorially in this blog. My husband, Fred, and I will be collaborating on this blog. I've been an RN for 30 years--------and he has lived with an RN for almost half of that time. (Somehow he managed to hide till my three kids were grown and gone. How's that for timing?) Together we will try to bring you the best......and the worst of both worlds.

And yesterday was one of those "worst". In thirty years of nursing I have only had about 5 "patients". The thousands of other people I have cared for have become my "friends" within a few minutes of our first meeting.

Currently I am the MDS coordinator for a large extended care facility, so I no longer have as much direct contact with our people as I am used to; but, I do know the names and a little history of each of our residents.

Yesterday one of my friends died.......and it hurts. He was a little old man who had been in the throes of Alzheimer's the past three years. I doubt that he even knew my name; but, I just wasn't ready to let him go. I never am.

After all these years, I know that death is an inevitable part of living. My two years with Hospice certainly brought that lesson home. But it doesn't get any easier with time. After 30 years, I still die a little bit myself each time.

That's the down side. The upside is that my life is truly enriched with each new contact.

Good-bye, John. Thanks for being you.......and, of my life.

The Nurse Crisis Is Getting Worse........

2005-09-05T15:21:00.000-05:00

After 30 years as a registered nurse, my loving wife Gayle is about to hang up her stethescope for good.

Her own humble and probably conservative estimate is that it will take at least ten new nurses to replace her.

Her CV reads like a who's who and who does what across the nursing spectrum------everything from house supervisor to Hospice to psych nurse to long term care, etc.

When it comes to her patients she is relentless; when it comes to doctors she is totally irreverant; when it comes to administration.........well, let's not go there.

This blog will be dedicated to those of you who may be considering a career in nursing.

There's a companion web page set up at http://www.nursecrisis.com

This blog at that website will continue to grow and improve as more info becomes available........or until we have solved the nurse shortage problem.

We welcome your questions at fredandgayle@charter.net

We'll be talking to ya'.

2005-09-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

If You Want A Straight Answer......ASK A NURSE. This One Has over 30 years of experience.

Real Answers From A Real Nurse30 Years of Experience �I once heard an instructor say that a doctor treats a disease that a person happens to have, but a nurse treats a patient who just happens to have a disease.� Jenn, class of 2000, nursing, Golden West College HOME PAGE Click Here for More Salary Information Click Here for Nurse Practitioner Information Click Here to Find out if Travel Nursing is for You Click Here For Some Straight Answers--Page One Click Here For Some Straight Answers--Page Two C..

2005-09-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

If You Want A Straight Answer......ASK A NURSE. This One Has over 30 years of experience.

2005-09-05T14:31:00.000-05:00

If You Want A Straight Answer......ASK A NURSE. This One Has over 30 years of experience.

2005-09-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

If You Want A Straight Answer......ASK A NURSE. This One Has over 30 years of experience.

Real Answers From A Real Nurse30 Years of Experience �I once heard an instructor say that a doctor treats a disease that a person happens to have, but a nurse treats a patient who just happens to have a disease.� Jenn, class of 2000, nursing, Golden West College HOME PAGE Click Here for More Salary Information Click Here for Nurse Practitioner Information Click Here to Find out if Travel Nursing is for You Click Here For Some Straight Answers--Page Two Click Here For Some Straight Answers--Page Thre..

2005-09-05T14:01:00.000-05:00

Travel Nurses Combine Work and Travel.

Travel Nurses are Paid.......to See the World ...........And the Demand for Traveling Nurses Keeps Growing...

2005-09-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

Nurse Practitioners Needed .....NOW!

Nurse Practitioners Needed .....NOW!..

2005-09-05T13:31:00.000-05:00

There Has Never Been a Better Time to be a Nurse

There Has Never Been a Better Time..... .....To Be a Nurse..

2005-09-05T13:16:00.000-05:00

Could You Be A Nurse?

NURSES NEEDED..........NOW..