TiPPs

This was a trip down memory lane for me as well. Where to begin? Kudos to anyone who is willing to do that type of work, but it certainly is not for everyone. I worked in similar situations and then decided I needed to advance my degree to get out. However, these days I believe there are more options for RNs. I have never worked in an ALF, but I imagine for an RN, if you found the right facility, it would be a good fit. Although, I have heard from patients and families of what they think of the "wrong" ones. Have you heard of Guidewell? Not certain that they are located everywhere. But, it is an outpatient clinic that employs RNs. It is for walk-in patients that are not sick enough to go to an ER. I have had friends work there and seemed to like it. If you like doing procedures, this might be for you. Wish you the best! https://www.thepatientpractitioner.com/

Do not do this to yourself. It sounds like you did your due diligence. What would have been the other option, not to feed him or give him fluids? This is going to happen many times during your career, especially if you continue to work with the sickest patients. You will burnout quickly blaming yourself for doing appropriate nursing care. Please access any resources you have to get closure and learn techniques in dealing with these scenarios. Good Luck! https://www.thepatientpractitioner.com/

I started as a floor nurse in a busy hospital on a medical/surgical unit. It was extremely difficult for new nurses and it seems as though not much has changed. There were no other options for RNs when I graduated in the 1990s, so it was floor nurse in a hospital or charge nurse in a long term care facility. The latter did not interest me at all, but the former I did love for a while. Do not get me wrong, it was scary and challenging at first, but I loved doing procedures and taking care of that patient type. However, after a while, it wears on you. These are really sick patients, so it is inevitable that there will be many lost lives. I knew, long-term, I would not last, so I pursued a masters so I would be able to care for healthier patients and hopefully keep them out of the hospital. For me: Best decision ever! Still stressful, but nothing like my experiences on the floor. As an NP, I do more Health and Wellness and it is more rewarding for me and it sounds like this would be more on par with your aspirations. It took me more than 4 years to have some insight into my future prospects. Good for you for considering your options for the future and your willingness to make hard choices in the pursuit of happiness. This is not a failure, but a success. Good Luck! https://www.thepatientpractitioner.com/