Seriously, I read some of the threads here and find some of the stuff other people deal with unbelievable.
We almost always have adequate staff. We have mandated overtime, but I've never been asked to stay because of short staffing.
We always have adequate supplies.
The aids on my floor are awesome. They anticipate what we'll need, do their job without anyone asking, answer call lights instantly, and always ask other people if they need help. They don't complain about a room that's calling not being their patient.
The other nurses on my floor are also awesome. They don't make you feel like an idiot for asking questions. They're helpful and informative and professional. No one is "eating" anyone.
I always get my lunch break and get paid for it.
We have modern facilities.
The doctors and admin seem to value the nurses' opinions. I've seen orders the next night based on notes I wrote previous night. IE, having new orders for nausea if I chart that the patient had break through nausea.
I had adequate orientation.
We have a pharmacist on duty 24/7.
I called in sick tonight and no one gave me a hard time.
I also love my job. We have are rough nights, the staffing is never adequate, we work with limited supplies and the upper management is never sympathetic to us peons. But I love what I do and I wouldn't want to do it anywhere else. My coworkers are great, we're like one big family. My nurse manager is wonderful and our patients are also great. Being night shift, we also get to know all the other night shifters through the hospital. There is real solidarity throughout the hospital on our shift. It makes it a pleasant place to work. Being there is like being home.
Virgo_RN, BSN, RN
3,543 Posts
That is good to hear.