SassyRedhead

I think you should go for it if you want to do it. One word of caution though. *If* your 28 years have been at the same facility, be forewarned. You are in that special group of nurses that gets targeted by administration for termination because it's considered a fiscally good move to terminate you and hire 2 new grads to take your place (their logic, not mine). They may not be able to touch you in Med Surg due to your skill, expertise and good reviews. But you may be exposing yourself somewhat by your learning curve, making inevitable mistakes, etc. in a new department. Just something to think about.

I think the OP is understandably upset, and sometimes the written word on a message board may not adequately convey 100% of someone's intentions or ideas, so I tend to give some leeway. Being a brand new nurse is difficult, both mentally and physically. Regarding responding in a stressful situation, there is no way to actually LEARN this skill (and it IS a skill) until someone has observed it, assisted during it and then graduated to performing independently. You don't get dropped from the womb knowing how to function like this. Honestly, I would rather have a new grad be a bit timid and err on the side of caution. I have precepted; I can build confidence, provide experiences and guidance. I can't teach away a bad attitude. I can't help someone that nods their head at me when I counsel them on how to do something, then proceeds to go ahead and do it their own way ultimately doing it completely wrong. I can't help someone that has a complete lack of critical thinking skills which cause the same errors over and over even though we've discussed it previously. I expect a new nurse to "freeze up" sometimes, that's why I'm there to help! Critical thinking skills are a work in progress, I don't expect them to be perfect to begin, they are a lifelong learning project, sharpened with years of nursing wisdom. Passing the NCLEX basically tells me that someone is likely to not kill someone, but it's not guaranteed. I have had very bad experiences with overconfident know-it-alls that tell me how great their clinicals/schools/they were. Notice the word "were" in that sentence. They don't last long because they either couldn't learn from their errors or just plain couldn't get along with Mother Theresa herself. Lastly regarding the stethoscope situation...we've ALL done it, some just may not want to admit it. It takes us all just once and a healthy dose of embarrassment to remember to always check for that problem when we are troubleshooting our equipment. Congratulations, you'll never do that again!Orientation is the time to learn from your mistakes. And, no matter what anyone tells you, every nurse makes mistakes even when they are no longer on orientation. I wish you well in finding your new dream job!

Don't buy into the guilt trip. Yes, you knew your situation, but don't kid yourself. Your hospital probably hired you on an "at will" employment contract. So, they can lay you off at any time, and you can leave at any time. As long as you give proper notice, at least 2-4 weeks, there should be no problem. Be prepared to have them escort you out the door as soon as you give notice because it does happen occasionally. I agree it's not an ideal situation, but you have to pay the bills for your family, it's just common sense. If you don't take care of your family, who is going to? Those that may complain wouldn't dream of mailing you a check for a few months, so ignore them. As far as your experience, it should be pretty easy to justify it by telling prospective employers about your spouse's job transfer. Life hands us curveballs sometimes, but that doesn't make us bad employees.

The fact that they are willing to extend this fool's contract is very telling. No matter how much you like the other docs, how much you like the director, etc., THIS SITUATION IS NOT WORTH IT! You know the old adage...crap runs downhill. Do you really think the docs are going to forego their licensures if a sentinel event or worse happens if it can be pinned on you? They are already looking the other way! I'd run, not walk, away from this place.

I don't have empirical evidence, but having been in the general workforce before becoming an RN, my personal opinion is that nursing is no different from any other profession. People have affairs whether in nursing or other professions. I also don't think nursing is necessarily a predictor of someone likely to have an affair, or more affairs.

I have to give the nurse manager credit for being honest about their reasons for overhiring. I have said this months ago and will say it again, with the "recession" comes a perception that business can do anything they want to employees. Just remember, however, what comes around goes around. While you are hiring a boatload of new grads, be careful that this tidal wave of inexperience doesn't deluge you in malpractice suits. And let's not forget Press Ganey. New nurses don't know what they don't know. When you've played the heavy to the hilt and made all the cutbacks you can, you'll still be expected to make more. Whose position will be expendable then? And, more importantly, where exactly will you work afterwards?

RUN don't walk!! http://online.degree.net/accredited-unaccredited-state-approved-diploma-mill/t-must-university-3063.html Check out page 3 of the captured chat log with the "admissions" counselor.

1) Metropolol instead of Metoprolol (met-TOE-pro-lol folks!!!!!!!!!!!) 2) Orientated instead of Oriented (Or-E-en-ted). Orientated (Or-E-en-tate-ed) is NOT a word! Stop adding syllables! There is no tate in Oriented! It is amazing how many otherwise well educated healthcare folks can't get that one right!

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I don't know about the specifics of her situation, perhaps she weighed 80 lbs and was given 2mg, or maybe it was a terrible med side effect or even a med interaction, we just don't have enough information. Irrespective of that, she clearly was not being appropriately assessed afterwards. In general though, if someone is used to getting PRN Ativan, trying to titrate them down in the hospital without detox orders and a detox care plan is foolish. Also, like Angie stated, getting them to breathe without perceived or actual anxiety is actually a benefit to a COPDer. Obviously the patient's reaction to not receiving the medication would suggest that becoming agitated whether he is physically addicted or scared certainly does not benefit his SPO2. Secondarily, it also sets up an adversarial relationship with you. Give the med, and monitor him afterwards. In addition, knowing your pharma should help direct you: "Ativan (lorazepam) is readily absorbed with an absolute bioavailability of 90 percent. Peak concentrations in plasma occur approximately 2 hours following administration."

My best comeback for that goes something like this: "Why would a nice person like you say something like that?" Then follow with direct eye contact and a long pause where it becomes obvious that you are awaiting an answer, and whatever you do, don't say a word. I would be willing to bet that unless she is devoid of any social graces you will be met by a red face, stuttering and an apology.

I don't advocate any pills, get-thin-quick gimmicks. The best, most solid advice is increasing exercise, encourage activities that people enjoy so it's a part of their daily routine. Usually there is one thing that they can incorporate into their day, even if it is a brisk 15 minute walk daily. Something is better than nothing. I have a problem with "fake" food additives, so I unless they have serious health issues such as diabetes, I don't advocate Saccharine, Aspartame, Splenda, etc. My rule is, if it's manmade, it's probably not that great for you. I advocate complex, whole-grain carbs over white refined flour products. I agree with keeping food as close to the natural state as possible and drinking an adequate amount of water a day. I like the common-sense approach.

Unless it is a psychotropic med like Lithium for which the blood level depends on a balance of water (Na), then I doubt they are "flushing" their meds. More likely, they like the feeling of their mental illness (aka manic bipolar or the voices they may hear with schizophrenia) and are purposely water-intoxing themselves to affect their lytes and therefore their LOC.

If you can dream it, you can do it. Eliminate the negative from your life, and focus on what you have control over. I would say good luck, but I honestly believe that luck will have little to do with your imminent success! You go, girl!!

Thanks everyone who responded. I have a bad feeling about this, and I know if something goes wrong, they will hang her out to dry.

A nurse friend of mine told me recently about how she is expected to carry a full patient load and also be physically taken off her unit (from 5th floor to 2nd floor) for anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours to "help with outpatient procedures." She works in a large, well known/regarded hospital system. Personally, I can't imagine doing that. She says the charge nurse helps to look after her patients while she is gone, but isn't she still the one ultimately responsible for the well-being of the patients in her care on the inpatient unit??? I mean, what if someone has a problem while she is gone and her backup is busy with other things, isn't she the one charged with neglect?? What do you think and what should she do?