tex-anna

There is a 2 week give or take unless it is in vitro... that may lead to more vigorous 22 weakers being given the benefit of the doubt.

Saline and sterile q-tips.

We have had a few 22 weeker's make it. Only one that I know of has a quality of life, and he has cancer now. For me personally... 28 weeks at least. You?

OK, here goes... Nursing is a calling. If we were paid what some of our clergy are paid, then we would do it b/c we love it.

I chose nursing because...I love nursing. I do ok, but work for the lowest paying hospital in the area b/c I believe they are the best.

I believe that my hospital believes in its mission statement, but can't possible live up to it given the economy and current re-imbursement policies. They are simply not paid for the care they give and can't provide the level of service they would like. So take a mission statement with a grain of salt.

Our current political adminstration has cut medicare/medicaid reimbursement so much that hospitals and doctors are getting paid what amounts to less than minimum wage! One pedi that makes initial hospital visits told me that his re-imbursement is 32 dollars for an initial exam. These exams are very detailed as that is the best chance to pick up on something that could have long-lasting consequences. These pedi's have to leave their busy practice, drive to the hospital, make a very detailed exam, order labs, tests, and then follow-up on them. Keep in mind that most of these babes will not be seen in their practice after discharge. Also keep in mind that most of these babes are medicare/medicaid babes and will not be taken to follow-up/well-baby exams by said parents. I don't know what else to say. Until we have True/Real change in our political administration, things will not get better and hospitals will not be able to hire the nurses, physicians and support staff required to truly care for the people of this country.

Just something to think about... I have been a nurse for 17 years. After about 5 years I did work a LTAC unit that was much better staffed than the one you are considering. Are you handing them your license on a silver platter. Will you go home everyday feeling that you did the best job you could? Or will you feel like you could have done more given appropriate support from your facility? I am afraid that in this situation you will see a high rate of infection and staff burn-out. These situations lead to bad habits b/c you tend to cut corners to get things done. How would that make you feel about your care? Just some thoughts. Hang in there. There are good jobs out there for new grads. Have you considered re-locating?

Yes!!!

Anyone who acts like they are THE MAN or THE WOMAN is not there for the patient! Afterall, if we didn't have patients, we would not have jobs!!! Healthcare is a team effort!