LalaRN9000

I went into nursing to specifically pursue psych nursing. I love it, it's rewarding, always super interesting to me. I know it is hard and not for everyone, there was a reason I left after 3 years. After changing to med/surg I think about applying to a PMHNP at least a few days a week. I've done inpatient, clinic and case management. I liked case management a lot just because there was more patient interaction, working to solve more deeply complex issues vs more acute settings. However, I have doubts that it's the right fit, which seems normal? I went to a private school for BSN, stupid debt, not sure if I can financially swing a new degree or justify it. My spouse has 100k in loans too. What if I can't take the emotional toll, am I smart enough to get the degree, would I be good at it, trying to get pregnant now but can't really wait on either, unsure about family support? I did have a 3.8 GPA during school, maybe I just lack the confidence? But what if it changes my life, patient's lives and I love it? Any suggestions or resources would be appreciated, including schools ? Did you have a "lightbulb" moment when you decided? Sorry for the stream of consciousness, my brain couldn't contain it anymore. Thanks in advance!

Considering the difference in perception, knowledge and acceptance of trans folks has changed completely even in the last couple years, 9 years ago it would have been a totally different experience entirely. Plus, even if one does get surgery, it doesn't erase the social messaging, psychological trauma and discrimination they have faced and will continue to face their entire life. A lot of lgbtq folks are at much higher risk for mental health issues, addiction issues, because of how we are treated. I am glad you are interested more research, there is a lot more out there if you are interested.

The government should not be able to dictate or penalize how medical professionals think or practice. They decide what is the appropriate plan of care for their patient, not the state. SD is a conservative state with politicians who are uncomfortable or outright want to discriminate against the lgbtq community. I don’t think it protects these kids at all. LGBTQ youth are are much more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers. This kind of legislation sends a message to these kids that undermines their self worth, indicates that there is something inherently wrong with them and dehumanizes these kids. They get enough judgment already. I can see why people want to delay any type of gender affirming surgery at a young age, to avoid these situations of regret but it’s none of the government business. Why would a kid choose to be trans if they didn’t truly have gender dysphoria. We have a duty to treat all patients with dignity and respect, regardless of there gender identity. We must advocate for their needs and well being. This includes supporting trans patients and families.

I wouldn't report it unless you're 100% sure. Like you mention, you could destroy her career, life and so on. It sucks that your patients might not be getting their pain medicine but they'll be okay. I know I am more on top of pain medications than some nurses I work with. It probably looks like I give more. Plus, if they're in therapy during the day, it's probably warranted that they give it frequently in the AM. Plus you mentioned that you haven't seen her impaired. I'd imagine she'd seem impaired if she had an iv med but who knows. Sorry you're in this position.

Why are you feeling so personally attacked? I just really baffled by your responses. Everyone has unconscious bias and prejudice, regardless of race. Social psych 101, it is ingrained in humans as a safety mechanism. Haven't you ever had to take or heard of the racial bias test that associates good or bad words with race and you're supposed to go fast with your first thought? There is substantial evidence that backs up the disparities in many different races, gender, socioeconomic classes, sexuality, religion, culture. Denying that it exists is part of the problem. There's obviously a lot to learn and figure out as solutions to these problems. Lack of funding and systematic/institutionalized racism is difficult to overcome. If you don't like her that's fine but worrying about Warren's semantics singling nurses out seems odd, in my opinion.

In my opinion, no health care provider should be able to refuse care on any grounds, unless there is some concern of a safety issue. As a member of the GLBT community, most of the comments are very offensive and ill informed. But, you have the right to your opinion. This is a great argument for a "slippery slope." It is preposterous that a transgender female would ask for a pap smear. Gender dysphoria by definition is about being uncomfortable/distressed with one's sex characteristics and body. This is a marginalized group who face significant health disparities. What about the trans kids who are bullied at school and commit suicide. The most recent case was a 12 year old child. I went to a Catholic college for nursing, however, I will admit that I'm not religious anymore. I'd encourage you to look at the 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Considering what I know about God, he'd be pretty against this kind of discrimination. I just applied to a PACU position that will specifically work with transgender patients. I couldn't be more excited. Seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching

I have also been shy/introverted my whole life. Like everyone has said, the more you do it the easier it gets. There are also opportunities that have less patient interaction, depending on what area you want to go into. In my experience, when I connect with a patient/family, it makes it all the more awesome. Your experiences in school and clinical will also push you out of your shell. You've got this!

I work in mental health and sometimes distraught parents have unreasonable demands and expectations. Obviously this isn't a surprise when you're a nurse but I am just curious what other nurses would do in this situation. My co-worker was talking to a parent who was pretty upset and she charted what the mom was saying. This included the parent saying that the doctor "must smoking something." The doctor ended up coming down to talk to her. He demanded that she take that statement out but the note was final. He told her to never chart things like that. It must have gotten heated because later she came out of his office in tears. Telling someone not to chart something seems pretty ridiculous. I am not really sure why the doctor acted that way, he is usually a pretty chill guy. So would you document verbatim? I would.