nurse_knitter

I work in a free-standing peds hospital. I have taken care of a few young infants whose parents requested to have a circ done while they were in the hospital. It was always turned over to urology who never seemed to be very interested in doing it. They didn't come right out and say no, but they would put it off over and over gain.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful responses. You've given me some things to think about. :)

Hello all, I've really enjoyed reading the posts on this forum! Sorry in advance for the long post. Here's my situation: I graduated in Spring '03 and immediately after passing the NCLEX started work on a Medical Unit at a free-standing pediatric teaching hospital. I've really enjoyed myself, learned a lot. I have great co-workers. :) Our hospital serves a 4 state region and we get really sick kids that sometimes stay for weeks or months at a time. Lots of variety, all ages. I've had my ups and downs and almost left twice when I've been really tired emotionally and physically. The last 6 months or so, work has been a real challenge. I find my self often discouraged, frustrated and tired. I've been looking to do something different, but I'm having a hard time deciding what do do. A couple months ago, I actively looked into taking a clinic job at an outpatient peds clinic, but decided that wouldn't be the best idea, because I thought I would probably be bored and it was a HUGE pay cut. So, I've always had an intrest in L&D, it was my primary focus in nursing school. I decided to do peds in the end, because I love kids so much. Now, I'm wondering if changing to L&D might not be a good change for me. I love babies, and breastfeeding has always been a strong interest for me. I'm interested in an area hospital that has an exceptional reputation, has all private room LDRP, and is a baby-friendly hospital. I recognize there will be a learning curve and a long period of transition. So, here's my questions... -Am I crazy to leave what I know? Should I stick it out and hope for it to get better? -Is the stress in L&D like what I'm seeing in Peds (very sick kids, very stressed families, BUSY assignments), just a different flavor? -How is it viewed when nurses change from one specialty to another? -Am I just burned out? (Only 2 1/2 years after graduation??) Again, sorry for the long post. I know I'm the only one that can make this decision, but advice/input/thoughts/encouragement greatly appreciated. Nurses are a great bunch of people.

I have to say "ditto" to netties post. Our practice where I work is very similar. Unfortunately, we occasionally will be stretched tight for beds and will have a kid in Contact iso in one bed and the kid in the next bed not infectious. I always get frustrated in those situations, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

I'm an RN working in Seattle. It's my experience that CNA's are very much needed, and it seems that the process to become a CNA isn't too complex. Good Luck!