I Survived My First Med-Surg Per Diem Shift! Whew!!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Well, guys and gals; I survived my first 12 hour shift. It wasn't so bad, actually, because I worked with some really great RNs who were grateful to get some help. It seems that lately, they had to work extremely short, with just two RNs and no CNA. This was the post-surgical floor; patients just arriving from recovery, basically. Millions of IVPBs of Flagyl and other antibiotics, many PRN medications for pain. My primary responsiblity was to give medications, medications, medications. It seemed like it just wouldn't stop! But, I made good time, was able to get to the fingersticks by 11 as planned, the 1/3pms were light, but, then, it sort of picked up for the 5pm because we had two admissions that had a boatload of drugs to take.

Those nurses were really, really helpful and patient with me. I did have several questions, but I don't think I was a pest...and I updated the RNs on what was happening the entire time. I don't even have to call the doctors, to tell you the truth...if there were any questionable orders, I took it to the RN responsible for that patient and she would call herself and come back to tell me what the decision or change was.

I plan to go back next week as well. I will keep it one day a week until I get a bit more acclimated, because while the agency money is GREAT, I don't want to burn out by being on my feet for two days, and then, have to return to my regular clinic gig totally exhausted. My feet are killing me, even with my fantastic orthotics and New Balance sneakers. I think it is because of the different strain they had to endure compared to the clinic, but, I do hope that does not continue. I don't want to endure the plantar fasciitis pain again. If it does, though, I'll go back for my cortisone shots again. I taped my feet when I got home and elevated them, so, hopefully, I'll be okay by Monday.

All in all, I did feel like a real nurse today. It is not that I didn't before; with working in the clinic (and again, I will remain a clinic nurse until I retire or they boot me out), but, it is good to have a more well rounded experience. Thanks, everyone for their kind words and support. I made it!!:yeah::nuke:

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Well done!

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Specializes in LTC, Urgent Care.

Glad things went so well for your first shift!

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congratulations on making it through your first med-surg shift. :flwrhrts::clphnds::ancong!::urck:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Well I will offer my congratulations also but I did not have one doubt in my mind that you wouldn't go in there and do just fabulous! I'm so glad to hear that the floor nurses are so skilled and nice but I would also put that feather in your cap because it has been my experience that the more on the ball the newbie is, the kinder the experienced ones are. You are a total Nurse Goddess so why wouldn't they be grateful to have you on board?

As for your poor tootsies, are you wearing teds? I have worn them since I was in my 20s. I do the knee highs and just put a pair of ankle socks over them so the whole world doesn't see my geriatric undergarments when I sit down, lol. I'm not a big girl but my veins aren't good and my ankles swell badly if I don't do the support hose. RICE! :)

I feel like I'm living vicariously through all your adventures. Keep em coming!

Jules

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Well I will offer my congratulations also but I did not have one doubt in my mind that you wouldn't go in there and do just fabulous! I'm so glad to hear that the floor nurses are so skilled and nice but I would also put that feather in your cap because it has been my experience that the more on the ball the newbie is, the kinder the experienced ones are. You are a total Nurse Goddess so why wouldn't they be grateful to have you on board?

As for your poor tootsies, are you wearing teds? I have worn them since I was in my 20s. I do the knee highs and just put a pair of ankle socks over them so the whole world doesn't see my geriatric undergarments when I sit down, lol. I'm not a big girl but my veins aren't good and my ankles swell badly if I don't do the support hose. RICE! :)

I feel like I'm living vicariously through all your adventures. Keep em coming!

Jules

My friend mentioned getting support hose, and I see this will be a necessity. I didn't rush to get them at the time because one, it is hot right now (I am totally uncomfortable in heat) and also, I was wondering if they sell them in knee highs. Then, I wondered if they would cut off circulation. Do you wear the knee highs?

I see now, that this will be a must. I go on vacation in a few weeks, and plan to do some of that on my first day off (so the rest of the time, it can be dedicated to just caring for myself...nice bubble baths, good romance novels and gossiping on the telephone). Thanks for the compliments and faith in me! It means alot!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I wear the knee highs and often buy them on ebay. The only thing I don't like is that most of them have the circulation hole in the toe and that annoys me sometimes. They don't cut off my circulation and maybe it is because I'm wearing cotton socks also but they don't seem too warm. Give them a try.

:)

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Interesting that ebay sells them. I'll check it out!

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