Let me hear your raves

Nurses General Nursing

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I understand that it is easier to vent about our hard times than it is to rave about the good; however, reading through all these posts about crazy co-workers or the person that is out to get someone has me (a pre-nursing student) a little frightened about what I am getting myself in to. I know there has GOT to be some good out there. I know there HAS to be people out there that love their jobs and the co-workers that come along with it.

So please, I need to hear your good work experience stories before I lose hope. Tales of co-workers helping each other out? Doctors appreciating the work that nurses do? TEAMWORK in the workplace? Is this all just a fantasy or is it real and actually out there somewhere?

Specializes in LTC.

My favorite day as a student was when I was doing my maternity rotation and I had a family ask me to come in and visit them the next day. It felt awesome considering I didn't put thier son's diaper on tight enough and he pee'd on the mom. It was their 3rd child and they got a kick out of it (I did too once I realized they weren't upset.

And another clinical day I had a very sick little boy, he was slowly dying, and after I washed him up and did his dressing change, I watched Nemo with him and he was smiling at me (he was non verbal). That day reaffirmed why I went into nursing.

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Specializes in Orthosurgery, Rehab, Homecare.

Today I pulled together the discharge for a patient that was so happy to be able to go home she did a little dance in the bed and said, "OOH, OOH give me a hug!" She works as an "exotic dancer". So, I got to come home and tell my husband that I hugged a stripper today. She had a rough hospital course for a traumatic event and has many issues in her life. I was happy to have made this day a good one for her.

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Specializes in L&D, OB/GYN clinic.

In April, 2007, my world came apart. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast. The same week, my beloved husband was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I have to give my thanks to my AMAZING coworkers! I worked full time through the surgery, chemo and radiation because I needed to save my paid time off and FMLA to care for my husband. My lovely coworkers were awesome. They cooked meals, said prayers, rubbed my bald head for good luck, held me when I cried.........................the list of their kind acts just goes on and on.

My husband is no longer able to do any of his own personal care. My stepsons have been my saviors. They have put their lives on hold to come help me and their Dad. One of them cares for him during the day so I can work. I would prefer to stay home to provide his care. I have to keep the bills paid and keep myself insured so I go to work. I do not know who to thank but we received an anonymous money order for $1000 during the Christmas season. I believe it came from my peers at work. They continue to support me in innumerable ways. Sometimes it is just a kind word, a hug, a smile.....................lots of small kindnesses that have helped more that I can say.

If you are looking for a rave, just look my way. MY COWORKERS ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AlsgalRN

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Specializes in ED.

I'm more of a "rant" person.

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Specializes in PCU/tele.

i love that you learn something new EVERY day. even if you've been in nursing for many years; there is always something new to learn

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When you use your education and experience to make a difference between life and death, and life wins, there is nothing sweeter. I've experienced this on more than one occasion, and when I get burned out, reviewing those events reminds me of why we go through the negative ones. And we ALL have negative ones. Learn from them and make improvements in your own practices because of them. Work harder than your peers. Read more. Spend more time with your patients. You won't regret it even if you're exhausted.

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Specializes in ED.
i love that you learn something new EVERY day. even if you've been in nursing for many years; there is always something new to learn

Yeah but you learn something new every day, whether you go to work or not.

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Specializes in Acute care, Community Med, SANE, ASC.

I can honestly say that in my experience nurses do not eat their young. I have been a nurse for 3.5 years and I have never experienced this phenomenon.

I now work as a float nurse for just under a year and I have only once thought that someone on one of the units treated me poorly. They don't burn me with the worst assignments, they offer to help me and almost always thank me for helping out.

All in all most folks have been good co-workers.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

10 years ago, when my dh was diagnosed, and died 4 months later of cancer, my coworkers donated enough sick leave when mine ran out that I stayed home with him the whole time to care for him myself.:redpinkhe

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Specializes in L&D, OB/GYN clinic.

Unfortunately, my hospital no longer allows PTO donation. The hospital CEO told us that allowing PTO donations is too expensive for the hospital. The funds are available, though, to hire a company to manage all FMLA and disability claims. Our hospital signed on with them effective 1-1-10. My husband has an appt with the ALS clinic on Tues. I have submitted my request to the company for it to be FMLA time. (My manager approved it 3 months ago but only if it counted against my FMLA time.) I have to call on monday to see if the company approves this visit. If they do not, I may not use FMLA. If I go to the appt anyway, it is an unexcused absence with all of the disciplinary action that would go along with it.

I am sorry this post turned into a rant. If they were allowed to give PTO, I know that my coworker would do so.

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Specializes in GERIATRICS AND PRISON.

The day that I did an EKG (pt turned out not to be scheduled). He was telling me how short of breath he was while walking, etc. Older White Male, previous smoker, no medical care as he was poor and came from the mountains. I think we got him as he kept getting in trouble. Oh well not a complainer so if he had not came to the clinic would have just died. My coworkers and bosses all went wow. Emergency consult and just felt good.

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I work in a med-surg ICU . . . what makes my day is when a patient that you took care of, walks into the unit in his street clothes on discharge day to thank all the staff that were involved in his care. The embarrassing thing for me is that the patient often remembers my name, but, for the life of me, I can't remember theirs!!:D

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