Missy Prissy

I worked 12 hour shifts for many years before taking a job in education. When we first were told we were going to 12 hour shifts it was mandatory due to a critical shortage and was to be for only a few months period. Everyone was very upset. However, when management came to us a few months later and said that we could go back to 8's, people were even more upset! Everyone loved the 12 hour shifts! They actually had more quality time at home and 3 or 4 days off in a row every week felt like a mini vacation. We were able to keep the 12 hour shifts and never looked back. The 12 hours are long and for some people this can lead to burnout. If 12 hour shifts are used, I think that time for adequate breaks are essential. Also, it is not good to schedule all of the 12 hour shifts in a week together. More than 2 days in a row is too much!

While she may be a wonderful person, it does not sound like she is suited to nursing. She needs to have basic skills and the fact that she hid from them in school is very telling. The fact that she doesn't want to leave her other job to take a nursing position tells me she does not have the drive to really try to make it in nursing. Nursing not only includes the performance of physical skills, but requires a passion to care for others.

You should not have any problem becoming an RN because of your high blood pressure. The thing you need to remember is to take care of yourself. Exercise and reducing stress can work wonders! Having gone through a medical problem yourself, you will probably learn to be empathetic with your patients.

Michael Moore is not the person we want telling our stories. He has his own twisted agenda and it is not the betterment of nurses or healthcare.

When I was younger I had the same problem. Once, I was in charge of the unit and a patient called the desk after I had been in his room concerned because he thought a kid had been in his room messing with his IV. I had even introduced myself and told him what I was doing! It was very frustrating at the time but now I just laugh about it. Doing a good job and being a compassionate caring nurse will show others your maturity, education, and experience much more than anything else will. Enjoy people thinking you are younger than you are as long as you can!

Hello! My name is Erin and I am an educator in a 385 bed acute care hospital in Kentucky. I have been a nurse for 26 years and an educator for 7 years. I also am the liaison to the area nursing schools. I am excited to have a place to chat with other educators and share ideas!

I think all nurse can relate to such situations. I applaude you for recognizing the situation and stepping in when no one else will. There doesn't seem to be any spirit of teamwork or accountability on your unit. If you leave without trying to change anything, the situation will just become worse. I would suggest going to your manager and letting her/him know of the situations you have encountered and how you are feeling . Be willing to be part of the solution and be a change agent. At least then if you feel the need to leave, you will leave knowing that you done all you could to make the situation better for patients and staff alike.