nursembeth

I actually just had a lap chole done yesterday and my sister had one last week. I had a good experience overall and my sister did as well. I was able to choose my anesthesiologist and surgeon and knew most of the nurses who took care of me, so that helped. My sister had hers done where I used to work in surgery, so I knew her surgeon and room staff and was able to help her recommend some anesthesiologists. I had my done in the hospital where I currently work, though I no longer work in surgery. I worked in surgery for many years and one of my biggest fears was the loss of control. I was anticipating that I would be the most nervous arriving in the OR and getting ready to go off to sleep, but they gave me some Versed right before I went back and the last thing I remember is saying goodbye to my family, so that was great! I knew that I was in good hands and that things would go well and they did. The next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery room and was pretty awake. I know I asked many of the nurses if I had been a good patient, which had been another one of my concerns. I haven't had the shoulder pain (my sister did) and my abdomen doesn't hurt much except as an above poster said when getting up from a recumbent position. Then it is mostly just sore and not severe pain. I also echo what some of the other posters said about it being nothing compared to that of an attack. One of the worst parts before having the surgery was not knowing when I would have an attack next and if it would be at a horrible time. I took care in what I ate, but my diet did not always seem to correlate with the attacks. I hope these postings help. It is always nice to know that you are not alone in what you are going through and that others may experience some of the same nervousness. I wish you well and a speedy recovery.

Thank you for the information. I have taken distance education courses before, so this could be an option. I recently joined the ANIA. Are there others you would recommend?

I would like to become certified in Nursing Informatics, however, I need CEU's in the field. I would like to go to a conference, but that is not really feasible at this time since I just started a new job. Does anyone know of any free or low cost CEU opportunities online? Thanks in Advance!

Good Luck :wink2: #1- Approximately how many times have you flown commercially in the past 6 months? b) 1 - 5 #2 - What is the average number of bags you traveled with for each flight? (including suitcases, backpacks, purses, laptop computers, and misc. packages) e) 3 #3 - What is your gender? b) Female

Congratulations on your new job and for getting out of a bad situation:) . I agree with Bethem and wonder who in the world thinks it's a good idea to promote some of these people? Sometimes in such situations you know that things won't get better unless that particular person in charge is no longer there and you don't see that happening anytime soon. Ultimately you put yourself in a better situation and you shouldn't feel defeated because you left-you should feel triumphant because you were smart enough to leave and now are better off. If that organization doesn't/won't see what kind of a person she is, then that's their fault-let them deal with it.

Thank you for the good advice. I read with interest this thread since I am entering further the world of Nursing Informatics as well. My last position was as a specialist for one area, but tomorrow I begin a new position as Clinical Information Analyst. I am really excited (although a little nervous) about this new opportunity and it feels like a great fit. If anyone has anything further to add, I would greatly appreciate it. Good luck to all.