StaceRacer1

I posted this topic here and in the military nursing forum so that more viewers would read it and be able to respond. I would love to hear any tips or thoughts on the matter. I have been a RN for 5 years. I have been working as an Organ Procurement Coordinator for the past 1 1/2 years. I live by a pager 6 days on call then off for 3 days, and then back on call 6 days then off 3 days, etc. Yeah, at times it's hard, but it is pretty rewarding to help families experience a miracle out of something so devastating such as brain death. It's also rewarding to meet special people like the families that say YES to donation. The families that say yes are able to think about others at one of their worst times in their lives. Talk about unselfish. Anyway, why I am posting is to get some feelings from some of you out there in the military. After 9/11, I wanted so badly to join the Air force. However, I only had my RN from a diploma school, which meant that I needed to finish my BSN program (which I was already in) before entering the Air Force. I have had my BSN now for the past 2 years. I started working as an Organ Procurement Coordinator and loved it. But 2 weeks ago or so, the feelings after 9/11 came rushing back to me after seeing that Bin Laden tape. :angryfire All those emotions came rushing back to me. I have not forgotten 9/11, but I did forget about how strongly I felt about joining the Air Force after starting my job as an OPC. I like what I do, but I am starting to get a little burned out. (This is normal after working for 1 1/2 years.) My goal was to stay for 3 years, but I do not see myself staying another 1 1/2 years. I started having the burn-out feeling syndrome before even seeing the bin Laden tape. So then I asked myself, is joining the Air force a way out of leaving my job? No was my answer, however I did want to start looking for something new. For the past 8 months I have been a Bush Teamleader. I have been a strong part of the Grassroots campaign here in Pgh, PA. I can proudly admit that I love my President. And I would even be more proud to say that I served my country under his watch. (By the way, all Kerry supporters go ahead post your comments about the PODUS. I am used to your ridiculous comments.) Before the election, I told my husband that I would only join the Air Force if President George W Bush was re-elected, because I refused to work for Senator Kerry. I am only 28 years old, married, no children unless you count the two cats and dog. My husband and I both do not wish to be parents anytime soon and if at all. My husband has finally found something that he likes doing for a career and now I start bringing up the Air Force. He would not be able to do the same work if we were to move overseas, if overseas is indeed where we would go. We have talked it over many times and he says we need to get more info from the recruiter before he can decide. I will be sitting down with a Recruiter to get more info soon, BUT I just would like as much advice before I talk to a recruiter. From reading the many posts in the Military Nursing Forum, I have learned that I should get everything in writing, but I guess I need to know what I can expect to get from the recruiter. I have already checked out the Air Force website. I would love to hear from you about this topic and get your unbiased opinion. :) Please post any tips you might have about joining the Air Force. Thanks ahead of time for all the great tips and thoughts.

I have been a RN for 5 years. I have been working as an Organ Procurement Coordinator for the past 1 1/2 years. I live by a pager 6 days on call then off for 3 days, and then back on call 6 days then off 3 days, etc. Yeah, at times it's hard, but it is pretty rewarding to help families experience a miracle out of something so devastating such as brain death. It's also rewarding to meet special people like the families that say YES to donation. The families that say yes are able to think about others at one of their worst times in their lives. Talk about unselfish. Anyway, why I am posting is to get some feelings from some of you out there in the military. After 9/11, I wanted so badly to join the Air force. However, I only had my RN from a diploma school, which meant that I needed to finish my BSN program (which I was already in) before entering the Air Force. I have had my BSN now for the past 2 years. I started working as an Organ Procurement Coordinator and loved it. But 2 weeks ago or so, the feelings after 9/11 came rushing back to me after seeing that Bin Laden tape. :angryfire All those emotions came rushing back to me. I have not forgotten 9/11, but I did forget about how strongly I felt about joining the Air Force after starting my job as an OPC. I like what I do, but I am starting to get a little burned out. (This is normal after working for 1 1/2 years.) My goal was to stay for 3 years, but I do not see myself staying another 1 1/2 years. I started having the burn-out feeling syndrome before even seeing the bin Laden tape. So then I asked myself, is joining the Air force a way out of leaving my job? No was my answer, however I did want to start looking for something new. For the past 8 months I have been a Bush Teamleader. I have been a strong part of the Grassroots campaign here in Pgh, PA. I can proudly admit that I love my President. And I would even be more proud to say that I served my country under his watch. (By the way, all Kerry supporters and People Against Bush go ahead post your comments about the POTUS. I am used to your ridiculous comments. Just remember what this post is really about.) Before the election, I told my husband that I would only join the Air Force if President George W Bush was re-elected, because I refused to work for Senator Kerry. I proudly support the President in the War on Terror and I believe that this is the best way that I can support our troops and help our country. I am only 28 years old, married, no children unless you count the two cats and dog. My husband and I both do not wish to be parents anytime soon and if at all. My husband has finally found something that he likes doing for a career and now I start bringing up the Air Force. He would not be able to do the same work if we were to move overseas, if overseas is indeed where we would go. We have talked it over many times and he says we need to get more info from the recruiter before he can decide. I will be sitting down with a Recruiter to get more info soon, BUT I just would like as much advice before I talk to a recruiter. From reading the many posts in the Military Nursing Forum, I have learned that I should get everything in writing, but I guess I need to know what I can expect to get from the recruiter. I have already checked out the Air Force website. I would love to hear from you about this topic and get your unbiased opinion. :) Please post any tips you might have about joining the Air Force. Thanks ahead of time for all the great tips and thoughts.

It is very sad that this had to happen who ever did it, but things like this do happen everyday where ever you live!! I do have to say that I Totally agree with you on this BOB!!! I grew up with guns in the house and I was taught right from wrong at a young age, simply stated "THOU SHALT NOT KILL." Guns do not kill!! PEOPLE DO!!! It takes a finger to pull the trigger, a hand to stab the knife through a back, several hands to take down a plane, and just one hand to steer with to drive down someone with a car!!! ENUF SAID!!

Frautara--- I had a needle stick three months into my career. I was quite scared!!! Not only for me, BUT for my husband!! I was torn up about it for a long time and found myself crying about it a lot. How could I be so clumbsy was the phrase that kept going through my mind!! This is great, what a way to start a my NEW career!! Then my Husband helped me out by reciting His favorite Prayer to me. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." If you believe, then let God take away your worries!! I am not trying to PREACH to you at all, but I am aware of what you are going through!! PURE HELL!! You probablly have pictured your whole life fly by you in one instance because of that one stupid and clumbsy mistake!! I did!! Hold strong. Take care. And I will say a prayer for You.

I have found that " FAMILY " is the hardest part of my job!!!! It does not matter how far out of your way you go, they still are UNhappy with something!! I get the biggest kick out of the family members that choose to call during report (around 7am, 3pm, or 7 pm) and want a prompt answer to their questions. I have been that "family" member in an acute setting. I worked around the nurses. I asked them to call or find me when they had a moment. As a nurse, I have tried to ask family members to call back at a better time, but most of the time they get even more anxious and start to think that maybe we are hiding something from them about their family member, when all along it is really that we ARE too busy taking care of their LOVED ones to sit and chat like they want to!!! ARGHHHH!!!

I have a friend who's last name is Worst, so we call her the :p the Worst Nurse

100% aggree with you CHELSE66!!!! Thanks for responding!! For my own fulfillment, I think I am going to go all around Pittsburgh and ask the Question-- "What word or picture comes to mind when you here the word NURSE?" After doing this I am going to write a journal article about what my results were and what WE as nurses believe the word "nurse" means!!!! Hey, maybe I will get credit for one of my RN-BSN courses for doing it.

OH MY GOSH!!!! I JUST GOT HOME A LITTLE WHILE AGO, WHEN I LOGGED IN TO FIND OUT THAT THE POST I POSTED ON SATURDAY HAS BECOME QUITE ENGAGING!!!! I HAVE JUST GOT DONE WITH A 20 HOUR SHIFT!!! I AM QUITE TIRED, BUT I HAVE TO REPLY!!!! I WORKED A 20 HOUR SHIFT, ALL OF WHICH IS OVERTIME DUE TO CALL OFFS AND POOR STAFFING!!! DURING THE PAST 20 HOURS I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING THINGS AS A RN: --ASSESSING PATIENTS --EDUCATING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES --CRITICAL THINKING --DELEGATING TASKS to unlcensed --ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS-IV, IM, PO, VIA TUBE, ETC --STARTING IV'S --MONITORING LAB VALUES AND REPORTING THEM TO MD'S --ANSWERING QUESTIONS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS, ON THE PHONE OR IN THE HOSPITAL --ASSESSING --TALKING TO OTHER ANCILARY DEPT: LIKE SPEECH, OCCUP, PHYSICAL THERAPIES, NUCLEAR MED, ECHO, MRI, LAB, PHARMACY, X RAY, ETC --GATHERING SPECIMENS, BLOOD, URINE, STOOL, SPUTUM, WOUND DRAINAGE, ETC. --CHECKING THE CHART FOR NEW ORDERS, AND ENTERING THEM INTO THE COMPUTER. CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE UNIT CLERKS ORDERS ARE ACCURATE AND CORREST, AND FIXXING THEM IF THEY ARE NOT --REPORTING TO DOCTORS, ANSWERING DOCTORS, ETC --EKG's --BLOOD DRAWS --SUPERVISING UNLICENSED --"HELPING" A INTERN --ASSESSING --ASSISTING WITH A BLUE CODE (CPR, AIRWAY, MEDS, ETC) --DETERMING WHAT TYPE OF HEART RHYTHM MY PATIENTS HAVE AND MAKE THE RIGHT CALL TO FIX THE ARRYTHMIA --DOCUMENTING WITHIN LEGAL TIMES ON IV SITES, RESTRAINTS, VENT SETTINGS AND PATIENT STATUS, I&O, MEDICATIONS GIVEN, SCHEDULED AND PRN, ETC --DRESSING CHANGES WITH MEDICATIONS --TRACH CARE ON VENT PATIENTS --SUCTIONING TRACH Q 2 HOUR/ PRN --ASSESSING --PERICARE Q SHIFT/ CATH CARE Q SHIFT/PRN ORAL CARE PRN/ QSHIFT, ETC --ASSIST WITH BATHS, (YES I GET MY HANDS DIRTY!! THAT IS NOT BENEATH ANY US!!!) --CHECKING PLACEMENT OF DUO TUBES, NG TUBES, PEG TUBES, ETC --ANSWERING CALL LIGHTS --OBTAINING BLOOD SPEC. FROM CENTRAL LINES --ASSESSING IV SITES Q 2 HOUR --EDUCATING STAFF --FIXING STAFFING PROBLEMSAFTER A CALL OFF (SOMETIMES IMPACTING ON THE LENGTH OF WORK) --COMMUNICATING WITH THE NURSE SUPERVISOR --COMPLETING PAPERWORK RELATED TO ANNUAL REVIEW (PATIENT CARE CONFERENCES, REEASRCH AN JOURANL ARTICLE AND EDUCATE THE STAFF, ETC) --BEING A PRECEPTOR FOR NEW NURSES TO OUR FLOOR --IS THERE A NEED TO GO ON AND ON AND ON?????????? I NEVER INTENDED MY POST TO CREATE SUCH RAGE . BUT AFTER I STARTED TO READ ABOUT HOW NA's believe that they are "nurses" since the term nurse is used in their job title, I WAS EVEN MORE MAD THAN WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS STORY THAT STARTED THIS HOT TOPIC!!!!! HOW DARE YOU CALL YOURSELF A NURSE~!!!!! CAN YOU STATE THAT YOU HAVE DONE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING THAT I HAVE JUST GOT DONE STATING FOR THE MOST PART!!!! HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY NURSING EDUCATION? THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THE FIELD OF NURSING GETS NO RESPECT AND WHY WE ARE AT WIT ENDS TO GET MORE NURSES AND KEEP THEM IN NURSING!!!!! I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME OF THESE THINGS ARE CARRIED OUT BY UNLICENSED BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT, I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU DOING THESE TASKS!!! IT IS MY LICENSE AND UNTIL YOU HAVE ONE, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE ENTIRE RESPONSIBLITY THAT WE AS NURSES HAVE!!! WE WILL BE THE ONES THAT GO TO COURT AND GET SUED!! YOU WILL ONLY LOOSE A JOB AND MOVE ON TO THE NEXT IF THAT HAPPENS AT ALL!!! WE WILL LOSE OUR CAREEER, THAT WE WORKED SO HARD FOR!!! I ALSO THINK THAT THOSE OF YOU ARE REFERRING YOURSELF AS NURSES, MAY SUGGEST THAT YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE BENEATH CALLING YOURSELF A NURSES ASSISTANT OR A NURSES AIDE!!! IT IS YOUR JOB TITLE!! ARE YOU NOT PROUD TO BE ASSISTING THE NURSE AS WELL AS THE DOCTOR!!! I TREAT EVERYONE I WORK WITH THE MOST RESPECT. THIS INCLUDES ALL NURSES AND ALL UNLICENSED. I WOULD RECCOMEND THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY HURT FEELINGS OVER THIS, THEN GO TO SCHOOL AND BECOME A NURSE IF YOU WANT TO BE CALLED A NURSE!!! IF NOT GET OVER IT AS THE SONG SAYS!!! ALSO, IT WAS NOT INTENDEd in my first posting TO SAY THAT NURSES WOULD NOT MOLEST OR RAPE A PATIENT!!! We are all human!!! I WANT TO CLARIFY THAT I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE MEDIA DID IT AGAIN!!!! A NURSE???? A NURSE IS NOT A PERSONAL CARE AIDE!!! IF YOU DO NOT GET IT NOW, PLEASE GET a "CLUE" AND BEFORE ANY UNLICENSED WORKERS GET ANY RESPECT, NURSES WILL NEED TO GET SOME FIRST!!! I DO NOT PRESENT MY SELF AS A 'GLORIFIED' (BECAUSE I HAVE A "LICENSE") "ASS WIPER" AS SOME OF YOU HAVE CALLED YOURSELF!!! HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THAT YOU DO NOT EVEN RESPECT THE JOB THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS???? MAYBE YOU COULD START GAINING MORE RESPECT WHEN YOU STOP CALLING YOURSELF------------ AN "ASS-WIPER" PLEASE REPLY IF YOU DISAGREE!!! I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU AND DEBATE THE ISSUE~~~!!!! FOR ALL NURSES OUT THERE, I WOULD URGE YOU TO TAKE ACTION WHEN ANY ONE TAKES OUR CAREER FOR ADVANTAGE!! WE NEED TO SHOW THE PUBLIC WHAT WE REALLY DO IN OUR CAREER!!! THIS WILL EVENTUALLY HELP THE NURSING SHORTAGE!!!! :) [ May 21, 2001: Message edited by: StaceRacer1 ]

Definately the smell of impacted stool. Yukk!!!! We all know it!!!!!!!!

#1--RN #2--usa--NorthEast #3--No #4--No #5--no #6--NO NO NO NO #7--Yes #8--No #9==Yes it has a dept. #10=most days I love it. #11-Yes, atleast 4 hours a week, sometime more #12-only if I am caught up and not busy (not Often) #13--Rotate days and nights, not by choice #14--2 or 3 if I am lucky #15--not against, but not quite sure it would help!!!! #16--What is a work Slow Down??????

I loved your jokes. We do need humor in the field of nursing. Hey look at Patch Adams. He saw humor as healing the mind, body, and soul. Why can't there be a 'Nurse' Patch Adams?