Second Med-Surg Shift...Woot!!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Today, I worked in the step-down unit, where patients are sent directly after ICU. What a sweet day! I only had 6 patients to medicate, but it was a great day because the RNs were really impressed with me! In spite of still working through the EMAR (electronic MAR used to pick up orders and charting medication administration), I was on top of my medications, fingersticks and patient care. By the afternoon, there were several code browns-one was a woman whose potassium was 7.0 and needed kayexolate 30g (or is it mg?) twice, and another woman who had several seizures and after each one, she was a complete brown out. No CNAs to assist, but the nurses were great! We helped each other...no one was abandoned. Each time they pooped, we cleaned and did excellent skin care. And, to think, I almost didn't go, because yesterday, I got my period and day two is usually a HEAVY day. But, I didn't want to ruin my reputation early, so, I padded up, brought extra clothes and made it my business to go to the bathroom every hour.

The charge nurse told me that he is going to request for me every chance he gets, because he felt that I was such a help to the unit and they felt that they had a great team. As tired as I was, I felt like I was on a high...and yes, I am proud to be a NURSE. I kept the patients in tune with what was happening, made them comfortable, and even did a bit of cupping and clapping to get some phlegm up for a poor patient (did a darned good job, too!). There was a code (didn't get too involved, because for one, there were several nurses from ICU that came running over, and two, the charge nurse told me that it was okay, just hand them the ambu-bag and some flushes and keep giving the rest of the medications). He told me later that he still felt it was a help because in most cases, after these codes, they still have to give the routine medications and do patient care. At least with me, they didn't have to worry about catching up later.

Yes, I am patting myself on the back...I am rocking it!

[suzy253, RN]

Excellent!!! Good for you!

[Jules A, MSN]

You go girl!

[kstec, LPN]

Where do you live? I'm just wondering, because the hospitals around where I live wouldn't touch a LPN with a ten foot pole. When I originally started my pre-reqs for the LPN program LPN's were still in he hospitals, and my plan was to do a year atleast on med/surg, but due to the chaning in the nurse practice act here in Illinois, we really can't do anything anymore in the hospitals, so they just eliminated them. I'm so glad you have a great 2nd med/surg shift. Maybe one day here in Illinois LPN's will be good enough to work in the hospitals again. My thought is that it's their loss. Again congrats and best of luck!!!!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Where do you live? I'm just wondering, because the hospitals around where I live wouldn't touch a LPN with a ten foot pole. When I originally started my pre-reqs for the LPN program LPN's were still in he hospitals, and my plan was to do a year atleast on med/surg, but due to the chaning in the nurse practice act here in Illinois, we really can't do anything anymore in the hospitals, so they just eliminated them. I'm so glad you have a great 2nd med/surg shift. Maybe one day here in Illinois LPN's will be good enough to work in the hospitals again. My thought is that it's their loss. Again congrats and best of luck!!!!

I live in New York. At this time, LPNs are still used in hospitals in my area. I have heard that some of the private hospitals don't use them like they used to, but my immediate area still does. Also, I work for a city hospital, who sponsored my education and leave with pay to complete an LPN program, so, they were obligated to hire me.

I do think that the shift may change again towards the LPNs working in hospitals if the shortage continues. I believe that acute care can still use us. My primary job is working in a clinic, but I decided to gain the med-surg experience at the place I work in, so, I signed up for the agency we use and when I go upstairs to med-surg, I am actually getting paid even more money there than I do on my regular job ($28 per hour). Good luck! I read your posts and believe that you are dedicated, bright LPN that deserves what you want. Any hospital would be lucky to have you.