A Nurse Is A Nurse?!?

Tolos · Dec 1, 2008

Libra1, I am interested,where and how long did it take you to learn to text/write that way, did you intentionally write that piece that way or is it just a fluke? Pardon me. It took me a lot of effort to decode the words and understand what you have been going through. You are a great asset, remember that, and that is why you are floated that much. I just hope that you are making enough money that you deserve and regarded as precious.

Tolos · Dec 1, 2008

Justhere,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! ENJOY THE BABY.

Keepstanding, ASN, RN · Dec 1, 2008

vent: it seems i leave w0rk frustrated m0re n m0re frequently... decisi0ns that directly affect patient care n staff m0rale/satisfacti0n made by pe0ple that have n0 clue 0r true c0ncern ab0ut either 0f these issues! i have never had a pr0blem fl0ating t0 an0ther unit, i d0 h0wever have a pr0blem being floated f0r "0rientati0n" 0nly 2 disc0ver my "0rientati0n" w0uld be n0n-exsistant. i understand n d0 appreciate the need n imp0rtance 0f "cr0ss-training", especially during "l0w-census" times. h0wever, a nurse is a nurse is a nurse is n0t always the case. it is 0ne thing f0r me 2 fl0at to icu with0ut a pr0per 0rientati0n, as i have numer0us times- as my backgr0und includes critical care/intensive care nursing, tele/intermediate care nursing, i have even been kn0wn 2 h0ld my 0wn 0n a busy med/surg unit with0ut pr0per 0rientati0n; but ger0-psych is a way different type 0f nursing. i truely admire, respect n c0mmend the special pe0ple that care f0r the special needs 0f these special patients 0n a daily basis. thank u f0r letting me vent!

i can't bear to finish this post. the type is excrusciating on the eyes !

Trauma Columnist · Dec 1, 2008

I agree with OP: you must have orientation to units where you are required to float. Otherwise, it is both a logistical and legal nightmare!

snowdog85 · Dec 1, 2008

maybe it would be nicer if people focused on the issue and not so much on the text.

leosasha · Dec 2, 2008

I managed to get it read. Am wondering what special needs you are refering to?

futrarmyCRNA · Dec 2, 2008

Post in a well written professional way if you want a real response. This is not text tag in middle school.

leosasha · Dec 2, 2008

Was my response not, "real". I thought the texting issue had been resolved. My 1st job out of school was Gero-Psychiatry. Went on to Pych rehab for awhile then Acute before switching to medicine for awhile. Also have worked Child and adolescent Psychiatry. Currently I rotate between medicine and Psych on a seasonal basis. I am of the opinion that no nurse should be thrown into any psychiatric environment without an orientation. It can be dangerous for the patient and the nurse. Geriatric Psych patients are particuarly challenging in that they often have medical issues to deal with along with the Psychiatric. They are more prone to nutritional and hydration issues also. Falls are a never ending issue. Have seen a great deal of dementia patients. This population is very prone to be assaultive. Most of the units I have worked in with this population have also been grossly understaffed. It can be a streeful nightmare especially being just thrown in. I know of one hospital in my area that has a medical floor specifically for Psych patients because of it's specialty. Many nurses on medicine floors do not posess the Psych skills to obtain the best possible outcome for these patients.