3/19 What I learned this week: more about employment laws than anything else

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2016

I learned that nursing can be glamorous.

I've learned in the short 3 months of being at this job that I learn constantly every single day and that I really need to take up keeping a journal to stay on top of all of it.

I've learned I have a great chance of getting into the residency program at my hospital and I'm thrilled, scared and endlessly full of hope. Fingers crossed!

I've learned that community health nursing has the potential to be very fun but when taught by the wrong instructor it can kill dreams forever.

I've learned how amazingly well rotationplasty can work. :borg:

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 21, 2016

I learned that I am an alternate during our CBA agreement negotiations;

I have been relied on as a source of promoting nursing civility amongst staff and management, while being a unit rep alternate is very....interesting...

Superuser training starts next month-I am very excited to get started.

I need to find an ACLS class-STAT!

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Mar 21, 2016

I've learned that after a critical care drought I did not need to worry about losing my skills. I had a heart-day yesterday. I carried around several vials of adenosine because two people thought they'd surprise me with SVT in rates from 160-220. I think mine was 140 with the literal running I did.

Cath labs are a wunnerful thing. Very symptomatic chest pain, diaphoretic, the works....the cardiologist called us back and said she shouldn't have made it to the cath lab she had such a huge clot on her LAD. My team and I rocked that STEMI. I'm so proud to have been a part of that.

I've also learned that I'm proud that I still have what it takes but I am ready to move forward. 56 more days until grad school is done. Soon I will be studying for the boards. My goal is to take them end of May or June.

Waiting for new projects (with job offers attached) to come to fruition is painful. Especially when the head of the 5year project is out sick with a terminal illness.

Being back with my first preceptor has given me confidence because he trusts me even more and has let me do more independent work. I am amazed at how much I've grown.

Farawyn · Mar 21, 2016

ixchel aka ee-Shell: I love you.

I've gotten some flack from some posters crawling out of the woodwork who don't seem to know how deep this place goes for so many of us. To those posters I say, look around. There are amazing people here. Thank you for the shout out, but our little core group, which RULES (you, D, Ood and Shadow) plus my GIRLS (and guys :blink: ) have saved my sanity during this past year more than you can know.

ixchel, despite your young years, you always teach me and make me look schtuff up. Another poster here in another thread said we are here to learn from each other. I said I was here for my friends. I owe her an apology, because I do both.

I've learned that not everyone trusts nurses, and it kind of hurts.

I've learned that English Canada does not like French Canada. This is anecdotal.

BTW, have you seen Canada's PM? Good lord.

Image from http://images.indianexpress.com/2015/10/canada.jpg.

I learned Jahi... *smh*

I've learned that I don't need a CT scan to Dx a concussion. The SOUND of 2 lax helmets clashing is enough. Chase me away all you want, other team's AT, I know I'm right.

I've learned you guys need a witness for insulin now, and that bugs me out.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Mar 21, 2016

I start work/orientation tomorrow & I am legitly nervous. I am super depressed & anxious. All I want to do is stay home. I haven't left the house in awhile & I don't know what is going on. I just want to be normal & have the energy to go to work!

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2016

I hope that your time off is approved, ixchel! They're cutting it kind of close, aren't they?

I've become much better at answering SATA questions. I've scored high A's on my past 2 Critical Care exams, which is encouraging.

Clay-colored stool indicates that bile isn't being excreted by the liver, commonly in hepatitis.

Asterixis and fetor hepaticus can result from increased ammonia levels and, consequently, encephalopathy.

I've learned that, while my future is uncertain, I'm fully convinced that everything will work out.

I've rediscovered British talk shows - Richard Ayoade is my favorite Brit comedian.

I have so many friends and family supporting me and offering to recommend me to certain facilities. I am thankful for these wonderful people.

Farawyn · Mar 21, 2016

I start work/orientation tomorrow & I am legitly nervous. I am super depressed & anxious. All I want to do is stay home. I haven't left the house in awhile & I don't know what is going on. I just want to be normal & have the energy to go to work!

((((Chaos))))

Let's concentrate on energy. Please don't get too normal. :woot:

You will be fine. Take a deep breath, adjust your bunny ears, and be you.

You still have my number.

NICUNurseEliz · Mar 21, 2016

I learned how much it sucks to spend more than 30 minutes speaking to a family about a baby's condition and plan of care after the fellow and PA had spent more than an hour doing the same only to have the family turn around and complain to upper management and say that no one had ever spoken to them about anything. I know their situation was rough, but the lying was unnecessary. :no:

I learned that I feel like I'm turning into more of a softie with the babies the longer I work (I'm feeling more crusty with their lying family members and any frustrating co-workers, but those babies... :cry: ). I had to do a painful procedure to a baby who was already having a very rough day and I almost cried too. I feel like I should be getting tougher almost 5 years into pediatric nursing!

I learned that when you leave lettuce on a sandwich with a large amount of sauce for hours, that the lettuce will break down until it has the texture of guacamole. It's an unfortunate moment when you bite into it later and remember that there wasn't guac on your sandwich... (Sorry, I know this is not nursing related but I learned it this week and wanted to share as a PSA)

Farawyn · Mar 21, 2016

I learned how much it sucks to spend more than 30 minutes speaking to a family about a baby's condition and plan of care after the fellow and PA had spent more than an hour doing the same only to have the family turn around and complain to upper management and say that no one had ever spoken to them about anything. I know their situation was rough, but the lying was unnecessary.
I learned that I feel like I'm turning into more of a softie with the babies the longer I work (I'm feeling more crusty with their lying family members and any frustrating co-workers, but those babies... ). I had to do a painful procedure to a baby who was already having a very rough day and I almost cried too. I feel like I should be getting tougher almost 5 years into pediatric nursing!
I learned that when you leave lettuce on a sandwich with a large amount of sauce for hours, that the lettuce will break down until it has the texture of guacamole. It's an unfortunate moment when you bite into it later and remember that there wasn't guac on your sandwich... (Sorry, I know this is not nursing related but I learned it this week and wanted to share as a PSA)

I cannot do your job. You have my utmost respect. *hugs*

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2016

I start work/orientation tomorrow & I am legitly nervous. I am super depressed & anxious. All I want to do is stay home. I haven't left the house in awhile & I don't know what is going on. I just want to be normal & have the energy to go to work!

I'm beyond terrified to start my new position as well. I'm trying to play it cool, but it takes everything I have to get up just thinking about it (and I don't start for a few weeks).

I hope you find out you enjoy your new employer and position. Good luck!!

Know you always have us to vent to, lean on, cry to. I know we can't fix it, but venting can help.

(Hugs)

ixchel · Mar 21, 2016

ixchel aka ee-Shell: I love you.
I've gotten some flack from some posters crawling out of the woodwork who don't seem to know how deep this place goes for so many of us. To those posters I say, look around. There are amazing people here. Thank you for the shout out, but our little core group, which RULES (you, D, Ood and Shadow) plus my GIRLS (and guys ) have saved my sanity during this past year more than you can know.
ixchel, despite your young years, you always teach me and make me look schtuff up. Another poster here in another thread said we are here to learn from each other. I said I was here for my friends. I owe her an apology, because I do both.
I've learned that not everyone trusts nurses, and it kind of hurts.
I've learned that English Canada does not like French Canada. This is anecdotal.
BTW, have you seen Canada's PM? Good lord.
Image from http://images.indianexpress.com/2015/10/canada.jpg.
I learned Jahi... *smh*
I've learned that I don't need a CT scan to Dx a concussion. The SOUND of 2 lax helmets clashing is enough. Chase me away all you want, other team's AT, I know I'm right.
I've learned you guys need a witness for insulin now, and that bugs me out.

Farawyn, (((hugs))) Not sure what I'd do without you!