Three years ago, I made an incorrect decision. I'm trying to return to my career, but having difficulty finding a position. Should I get some help or just keep looking?
Question - Dear Donna, Three years ago, I made an incorrect decision to medicate a patient without an..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Burnt Out Caregiver, You would benefit from the services of an RN career coach. It may be time for you to get a fresh start in nursing on a different specialty path than what ... read more

I have been an LPN in pediatric homecare for many years. My new case manager is telling me something I've been doing routinely is illegal. I need some advice about this.
Question - Dear Donna, I have been practicing in pediatric homecare as an LPN for many years. I am in..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Frustrated and Confused, Matters such as taking phone orders by LPNs or RNs should be very clearly and explicitly written out in your agencies' policy and procedure manuals. I... read more

We are changing our model of care and meeting with resistance. Do you think 36 hours of cross training in a new and unfamiliar unit is appropriate?
Question - Dear Donna, We are changing our model of care to couplet care. The facility has been very ..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Meeting Resistance, Whether the change is perceived as good or not, no one likes change, especially when it is thrust upon them and not their choice. Change is necessary for g... read more

I successfully covered for my director while she was on leave. Now that she's back, all I am given is support tasks. Should I move on?
Question - Dear Donna, My director has worked in supervisory positions in many different areas at the..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Waiting for Recognition, While we all wish to be acknowledged for our experience and work, it doesn't always happen where, when and how we would like it to. This is the nature... read more

I took a break from school where I was working on my RN degree. Someone told me I could take the NCLEX to become an LPN until I can go back. Is this true?
Question - Dear Donna, I completed four semesters of an RN associate degree, but I want to take a bre..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Wants to Take LPN Exam, It depends which state you live in. Some states will allow this, while others will not. Your professors at your RN school should be able to answer this... read more

I retired from nursing and I let my license lapse. Is there a way for a retired nurse to still carry a license?
Question - Dear Donna, I retired from nursing and I let my license lapse. Is there a way for a retire..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Retired Nurse, You don't mention what state you held a license in. This is important because regulations vary. If you live in a state that does not require clinical hours for ... read more

I am interested in case management but I have no experience. Do I need to take a course and become certified?
Question - Dear Donna, I am interested in case management but I have no experience. I have been an OR..
Dear Donna replies- Dear Future Case Manager, You do not need to take a course in case management and you don't need to be certified to get started in the specialty. Any nurse can learn how to do it o... read more

I graduated three years ago and I have yet to find an RN position. Should I go back to school or take a refresher course?
Question - Dear Donna, I graduated three years ago with my ADN and I have yet to find an RN position...
Dear Donna replies- Dear Can't Find a Job, When what you're doing isn't working, especially after three years and 2,000 applications, it's time to try a new approach. You need to formulate and execute... read more