BeeStrong

Working in Oncology as I did for over 20 years exposes you to every virus and bacteria known to man and then some that aren't even known yet!! These are some of the sickest patients in the hospital, their immune systems are vulnerable to everything under the sun and they come in with MRSA, pseudomonas, herpes, hepatitis and AIDS; I don't understand why you think its one of the safer places in the hospital?? You better be VERY healthy and VERY strong to work there. Best of luck to you in your career, Bee Strong

I agree with Traveler; every survey of professions I have ever seen ranks Nursing up at the top as far as respect; I have worked all over the world and can tell you that in some countries nurses are regarded as less than waitresses (who also deserve respect). We are among the highest paid professionals in the world and in great demand, I have always been proud of being a nurse and cannot imagine why anyone would be ashamed of our profession. Perhaps ashamed of some others behaviors but never of the profession itself. To me it is the highest calling, we actually DO what others only talk about or wish they could do. I am grateful for every day that I can still get myself to work and do my best for all my patients. Absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Bee Strong

This is such a horrible story; a medical professional clearly motivated by greed; this looks to me like a case of premeditated murder if people died while being "treated" by this guy's watered down chemotherapy. As a chemotherapy nurse I am horrifed and offended, he has undermined the trust we need between medical professionals; There must be some method to oversee these procedures; our chemo is mixed in our hospital pharmacy and always has two signatures on the bag and we have two nurses double check and cosign both the Doctor's order and the chemo record. This is just too awful for words. The guy should be put away permanently. What is this country coming to when runaway greed has taken over the most trusted professionals. I am so upset about this. Now, I wonder when giving chemo exactly what is it in that bag?? Are we helping or harming? I am so disgusted and dismayed. Bee :(

The name comes from the hospital which originated the weekend plan and was one of the first flex time plans for nurses which deviated from the every other weekend/40 hr week scenario. Our hospital does the A and B list for all full timers and prns are expected to sign up on the holiday list for at least 2 holidays. I am also one who likes to work holidays since my kids are grown and I can use the extra $$. I have one queston...how in the world can anyone guarantee 2 sick days per year?? Seems unrealistic to me. Bee

If any nurse ridicules you or gives you a hard time when you are trying to learn, just ask "Do you remember being a student?" That will usually break the ice, because every last one of us old battleaxes was a new grad and can remember feeling the same way if we try hard enough. Don't let anybody put you down for asking a question or wanting to learn....we have all been there, believe me!!! Best wishes, Bee:)

I agree with Wildtime on this; you have to communicate to your preceptor and other nurses on the unit the procedures you want to practice; I never turn down a student who shows initiative in wanting to learn; even if it is just observing iv insertion; or whatever, get in there and ASK!!! Can I come with you when you do that foley insertion? Can I put in that foley for you? Make it happen; and keep your ears open for what is going on around you: you hear a nurse groaning that a doc is going to put in a chest tube on her pt...find out if you can observe; you learn something new every day; I know I do and I've been doing this for over 25 years now. Good luck to you and try not to get discouraged; there are good days too! Bee:p

Very very proud to be a nurse. Despite all my complaining, b***hing and whining; I am proud of all the TLC we give, I am proud of us when we are working together, helping each other to help the patient, laughing and crying together. Thanks for your question, and for your post Country RN. Roberto, you need an attitude adjustment or a different profession, Good Luck.:) :)