smarter

I used to be a Nursing Assistant. I bent over backwards for my Nurses. I learned so much from them. They were my mentors, then some one suggested I go on to school. I did well in Nursing school due to my mentors. And the experience that I had from working with these Nurses. Unfortunatly the new CNA's aren't always trained well. On another note, this story can go the other way too. There are fantastic CNA's and Nurses that just are out there to brown nose with their supervisors and assorted MD. Does this sound like I am a bitter co-worker? Well, I suppose. I have good days and not so good days. Life is an adventure and so is Nursing. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

GLASS IV bottles............

Draw one line through the mistake, write error, initials, and date. That should do it.

Thank you LoriS, I totally agree with you. A friend of mine from work was VERY sick this past winter and was a heavy smoker. I mean every minute on the minute--outside to smoke. Guess what? She quit!! She is on the unit with me working instead of leaving me alone.

i just don't think anyone wants to be owned by the tobacco companies? plus it is not an attractive habit.

The problem with people who have an addiction due to smoking is that it costs all of us money. Treating lung cancer is tramatic and devastating to the patient and family members. It hurts and breaks up families. (As does alcohol addiction). We are in the health care industry. Again, you are a role model! And if you are a parent, again role model. One sure way to have your kids smoke is for you to smoke. Kids model themselves after their parents. Be a healthy Nurse and Parent-Don't smoke.

You all know that the most addictive "drugs" are nicotine and alcohol. The odd thing about these "drugs" is that they are legal drugs. I have heard over and over that cigarettes are the most powerful of these drugs. And extremely difficult to get off. Those that start earlier in life obviously have a more difficult time quiting. With that said, No, I don't think Nurses should smoke, nor anyone else that is caring for a patient. You are a role model. To EVERYONE you work with! Remember a few things now: price of gas, cell phone use, price of cigs/etoh, increase price of food, children?, and a little extra cash for fun. Why smoke? ps: I have a beautiful sister-in-law that was just dx with lung ca secondary to "smoking". There is little treatment in this picture.

Hello, Although the machines are quick, I do not think they are reliable. This is a good question to ask us.

some preceptors are not real charmers. we should all take a look at ourselves. you know there are different levels of learning. don't be so hard on the new employee. you want them to stay don't you? i think if we would all relax a little the work place would be much better. and you managers, get out there and help. the units are busy enough. try and work together!!!!

money!

The manual equipment is far more accurate. However, it helps when the equipment is new and working. The automatic BP machines are not accurate. Do not rely on them. They, I have found, report a much higher BP.

:nono: The most overlooked part of Patient care is oral care. Nurses, CNA, techs, don't even think about doing it. Patients become uncomfortable when they have dirty mouths and teeth.

The most overlooked part of Patient care is oral care. Nurses, CNA, techs, don't even think about doing it. Patients become uncomfortable when they have dirty mouths and teeth.

Keep up with you license and CEU's. It takes awhile to find the right job. There are a lot out there. Some place, some where there is the perfect job. Not all Nursing positions are in hospitals. Not all are med-surg. Take the leadership position. The fewer Nurses you work with the better. The less management that is around is also less stressful. The more positive remarks you hear the better. The world is a depressing place. You don't need that in your work enviornment. Nursing is a helping caring profession. Happy Nurses are those that don't have the dictators/managers and demanding mean people around them. Life is way to short to have to work like that. Keep your chin up and know that not all areas as you wrote about are like that.

There is a code of conduct that Nurses are to follow, state regs. etc. Use the write up and/or disiplinary action as a BIG learning experience and don't take it personally. None of us enjoy making mistakes or do it intentionally. But, THINGS happen unfortunatly. Remember, we have a liscense to get the job we have and make the money we do. Be mindful in your every day events.