So today I got a call from Janice, who obviously works for a credit control company. She left me a voice message, "Hi (my first name goes here), this is Janice calling in regards to a personal business matter."
Immediatly I thought, "How the hell did Janice get my cell phone number? And why is she calling me by my first name." Just because I owe her company money doesn't mean she knows me (or does it).
I decided to call Janice back. I mean I would like to speak with her about my PERSONAL business matter. The extension she left me lead me straight to her desk.
Janice: Hello (business name here) Janice speaking.
Mrs. Robinson: Hello Janice, this is Mrs. Robinson you left me a message this morning.
Janice: Oh, (my first name here) Robinson?
Mrs. Robinson: Yes. What is this in reference to?
Janice: So how is your day going so far?
Mrs. Robinson: It was fine until I received a message about a personal business matter.
Janice: (laughs) Well (my first name here), may I call you that?
Mrs. Robinson: No thanks.
Janice: (laughs) Well... (she goes on to tell me the amount I owe. Than begins to carry on a conversation with me. About whether or not I had children and so on.)
By this time in the conversation I didn't know whether I owed Janice's company money or if she was trying to sell me something. Well eventually "long winded" Janice got back to business.
Janice: So how will be you be paying today, credit card or check by phone?
Mrs. Robinson: Well Janice I enjoyed speaking with you. It's nice to have some adult conversation for a change. How about next time I call you?
Janice: Excuse me?
Mrs. Robinson: Next time I will call you, I have your number now.
Janice: Is this in regards to your payment? (Janice went from pleasant and friendly to business strict).
Mrs. Robinson: Sure why not. Have a wonderful day Janice.
Janice: (silent)
Mrs. Robinson: Goodbye now. Don't wait up for my call. It may be awhile. Thanks for everything. (I hang up the phone).
So if you work for a credit control company, I advise not using the "we are old friends" strategy. It NEVER works. But even though Janice didn't get her money, she did get a darn good conversation out of me.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Nursing 101
How many people are interested in the nursing field? I mean REALLY interested. I am quite curious about what motivates people to go into the career of nursing. Maybe there are so many caring people in the world that are dying to take care of others. Hmmm....
Currently being a student myself in the competitive educational world of nursing. I have encountered so many other prospective nursing students. This is the second community college I've attended and the outcome is the same; 18 out of 20 students major in nursing. Many are just like me with a license in practical nursing deciding to further their degree and make more money. I know personally at my job now (research) I am doing the exact same duties as a RN with much less pay. Of course I know that this is not the case in all medical companies. I have quite a bit of experience, and I know most places the RN has much more responsibilities than the LPN and the weight generally falls on her (or him).
With the economy in a horrendous downfall people are changing careers. They feel that the nursing field will be the most secure field to get into. I don't know about that. With the economy in a horrendous downfall I think becoming a mortician is the most secure field to get into, but I am no expert. Although I am no expert (and have done zero research at this point) I imagine suicide and homicide rates will increase dramatically. People going to the hospital will decrease dramatically, because they can't afford it. Now that is scary. Imagine more deaths than births.
Wait, I feel like we've gotten off of the subject here. Nursing. What can I say about it. Long hours, stressful situations, working weekends and holidays. Sounds like the perfect career! So why are so many people choosing the field? The only thing I can conclude is money and job stability.
Nursing has millions of opportunities. You do not have to work in a typical hospital setting, you can work in research, mental health, management, education and the list goes on and on. If you get a BS, MS, or NP you increase those options. These are the reasons people chose this career, because it can pretty much suit anyone that is interested in health care.
Unfortunately for many it may take several years just to get into a program. The schools are competitive and the prerequisites necessary are strenuous and difficult. Like any other science degree, you have to be well rounded in math and science to even consider this career. Once you apply to a college and get accepted, it doesn't guarantee you a degree in Registered Nursing. You will have to maintain you grades in all subjects, especially biology and math. The better your GPA the greater your chances. I think that is wonderful, I mean you will be putting other people lives in your hands once you have a license. Biology is definitely the foundation for anyone interested in the world of medicine, so of course you should be expected to do exceptional in the subject.
Makes you think, with so many people deciding to chose nursing, how many had any idea how hard the requirements would be. At this point I am maintaining a 4.0 GPA, but not without being stressed out. My first semester I had a 3.8, but I changed my study habits and it has worked out for me. Being a wife, mom, and an employee this task seems nearly impossible. Especially with classes like Microbiology and Calculus being on the schedule (and that is only half of my schedule). So I figure, if I can do it anyone can.
Now I will begin the process of petitioning. Petitioning is applying to different nursing programs at different colleges. You will have to send your transcripts, resume', and sometimes even letters of recommendations. You may even be interviewed. You cannot begin this process until you have completed the basic requirements. I have nearly completed all of the basic requirements and some electives. Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Calculus, three Psychology courses, Microbiology, Philosophy, Sociology, and a few others. Despite that, nursing programs have different requirements and it almost impossible to satisfy them all. This is a nerve-wrecking process.
So for those of you who love caring for others, this will be a rewarding field for you. For the rest of you who are motivated by money, trust me - you will earn every dime. At the same time nurses are needed. Please make sure that if you ever make it, be empathetic. You will be caring for REAL PEOPLE. I have worked with several people who've treated the patients like they were nuisances. You could be in their situation yourself one day, and I am a true believer in karma. So keep this in mind, a career is like a marriage, you will have to work hard to get there and even harder to stay there. So if you are considering, I wish you much luck and success. The field needs you.
Currently being a student myself in the competitive educational world of nursing. I have encountered so many other prospective nursing students. This is the second community college I've attended and the outcome is the same; 18 out of 20 students major in nursing. Many are just like me with a license in practical nursing deciding to further their degree and make more money. I know personally at my job now (research) I am doing the exact same duties as a RN with much less pay. Of course I know that this is not the case in all medical companies. I have quite a bit of experience, and I know most places the RN has much more responsibilities than the LPN and the weight generally falls on her (or him).
With the economy in a horrendous downfall people are changing careers. They feel that the nursing field will be the most secure field to get into. I don't know about that. With the economy in a horrendous downfall I think becoming a mortician is the most secure field to get into, but I am no expert. Although I am no expert (and have done zero research at this point) I imagine suicide and homicide rates will increase dramatically. People going to the hospital will decrease dramatically, because they can't afford it. Now that is scary. Imagine more deaths than births.
Wait, I feel like we've gotten off of the subject here. Nursing. What can I say about it. Long hours, stressful situations, working weekends and holidays. Sounds like the perfect career! So why are so many people choosing the field? The only thing I can conclude is money and job stability.
Nursing has millions of opportunities. You do not have to work in a typical hospital setting, you can work in research, mental health, management, education and the list goes on and on. If you get a BS, MS, or NP you increase those options. These are the reasons people chose this career, because it can pretty much suit anyone that is interested in health care.
Unfortunately for many it may take several years just to get into a program. The schools are competitive and the prerequisites necessary are strenuous and difficult. Like any other science degree, you have to be well rounded in math and science to even consider this career. Once you apply to a college and get accepted, it doesn't guarantee you a degree in Registered Nursing. You will have to maintain you grades in all subjects, especially biology and math. The better your GPA the greater your chances. I think that is wonderful, I mean you will be putting other people lives in your hands once you have a license. Biology is definitely the foundation for anyone interested in the world of medicine, so of course you should be expected to do exceptional in the subject.
Makes you think, with so many people deciding to chose nursing, how many had any idea how hard the requirements would be. At this point I am maintaining a 4.0 GPA, but not without being stressed out. My first semester I had a 3.8, but I changed my study habits and it has worked out for me. Being a wife, mom, and an employee this task seems nearly impossible. Especially with classes like Microbiology and Calculus being on the schedule (and that is only half of my schedule). So I figure, if I can do it anyone can.
Now I will begin the process of petitioning. Petitioning is applying to different nursing programs at different colleges. You will have to send your transcripts, resume', and sometimes even letters of recommendations. You may even be interviewed. You cannot begin this process until you have completed the basic requirements. I have nearly completed all of the basic requirements and some electives. Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Calculus, three Psychology courses, Microbiology, Philosophy, Sociology, and a few others. Despite that, nursing programs have different requirements and it almost impossible to satisfy them all. This is a nerve-wrecking process.
So for those of you who love caring for others, this will be a rewarding field for you. For the rest of you who are motivated by money, trust me - you will earn every dime. At the same time nurses are needed. Please make sure that if you ever make it, be empathetic. You will be caring for REAL PEOPLE. I have worked with several people who've treated the patients like they were nuisances. You could be in their situation yourself one day, and I am a true believer in karma. So keep this in mind, a career is like a marriage, you will have to work hard to get there and even harder to stay there. So if you are considering, I wish you much luck and success. The field needs you.
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