Just a small vent...thanks for listening.

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in floor to ICU.

I need to vent:

Here's my day in a nutshell: heart rate up then way down, b/p down (started pressors), O2 sat's down (bagged, BiPap then intubated), dropped an NGT and got 1500ml out, kidneys failing, actively bleeding, no IV access, tiny tiny veins, numerous attempts to draw labs to see where the numbers are, accessed her PAC but no blood return to pull STAT labs, doc comes to put in a central line (emergent) but prefers the "right" side of patient and expects me to flip flop every piece of equipment to the left side of room- wires/IV poles BiPap, suction while his Majesty is standing there tapping his foot and looking annoyed, had to go on road trips to CT and MRI with vent patients (nightmare). No MRI compatible ventilator requiring bagging thru the entire MRI. "Its only an MRI, just take the patient down there" ringing in my head (per neurologist), 6 or 7 consults for each pt all writing NOW/STAT orders- me running from room to room getting them done as best I can. Numerous phone calls to pharmacy, ancillary dept's and docs. Numerous family members in/out. Constantly updating them (or trying- they do not speak English) Big family drama- one sister has POA but rest of family disagrees w/ her decisions- no social worker here on weekends, totally ignoring my "less critical" patient. Coworkers are my life line as well as charge nurse.

Whew! I'm glad I am off today :rolleyes:

Ahhh, I feel better. Thanks.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

what a day!!!

I will be glad being off from that situation :)

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Specializes in PACU, OR.

The General has earned some peace and quiet :)

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Bravo to you!!! Enjoy your day off, sounds like you really deserve it!

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

I was dizzy just reading it....I let out a big phew!

Enjoy your day off! Peace!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

That's a headache and a half! Glad you survived! lol

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Hey , you sound like you might be one of those real nurses. This is the very core of nursing.

I know I don't have a lot of company on this, but I do happen to believe that there is indeed, a distinct difference between your nursing practice, and others, like myself, who have moved away from the bedside. Yours does seem more real to me.

I'm not discounting my work. It too, is valuable, and I am able to positively impact clinical care. But, I will say without hesitation, I'm no longer in the league of top level bedside nurses. I see my nursing more as a "noun" in that I utilize the "nursing body of knowledge" to perform my job. Your nursing is also a verb. It's just plain different.

It's not said often enough, so I'll say it now. Thank you! I have tremendous respect and admiration for career bedside nurses. You are the soul of nursing.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.
Hey , you sound like you might be one of those real nurses. This is the very core of nursing.

I know I don't have a lot of company on this, but I do happen to believe that there is indeed, a distinct difference between your nursing practice, and others, like myself, who have moved away from the bedside. Yours does seem more real to me.

I'm not discounting my work. It too, is valuable, and I am able to positively impact clinical care. But, I will say without hesitation, I'm no longer in the league of top level bedside nurses. I see my nursing more as a "noun" in that I utilize the "nursing body of knowledge" to perform my job. Your nursing is also a verb. It's just plain different.

It's not said often enough, so I'll say it now. Thank you! I have tremendous respect and admiration for career bedside nurses. You are the soul of nursing.

I like to think I already "paid my dues". I mean, I was in the trenches over 20 years. It's not my fault my body quit. But yes, I have tremendous respect for what she is doing. I remember the day I just couldn't do it anymore. Not one more day, hour, minute. The job is tough and you all should be proud. Peace!

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I like to think I already "paid my dues". I mean, I was in the trenches over 20 years. It's not my fault my body quit. But yes, I have tremendous respect for what she is doing. I remember the day I just couldn't do it anymore. Not one more day, hour, minute. The job is tough and you all should be proud. Peace!

Twenty years.......In my book, you're in that category !

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Specializes in floor to ICU.
Hey , you sound like you might be one of those real nurses. This is the very core of nursing.

I know I don't have a lot of company on this, but I do happen to believe that there is indeed, a distinct difference between your nursing practice, and others, like myself, who have moved away from the bedside. Yours does seem more real to me.

I'm not discounting my work. It too, is valuable, and I am able to positively impact clinical care. But, I will say without hesitation, I'm no longer in the league of top level bedside nurses. I see my nursing more as a "noun" in that I utilize the "nursing body of knowledge" to perform my job. Your nursing is also a verb. It's just plain different.

It's not said often enough, so I'll say it now. Thank you! I have tremendous respect and admiration for career bedside nurses. You are the soul of nursing.

Thanks. I have worked outside of acute care (public health) and while it wasn't as fast-paced, bloody and adrenaline-filled, it still was important work that I found satisfying. Plus, I didn't go home exhausted.

I think '"real" nursing can be found in all areas.

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You made me tired!!!! Enjoy your day off.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

At ease, General!

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