Agent99

Sorry to hear of your situation. I've also become very irritable, etc. I switched to part time. I hope it gets better.

Try not to schedule three or more shifts in a row, it's a killer. I just worked last Fri Sat Sun. off Mon Tues and worked Wed Thurs Fri. I'm useless today. I did not schedule myself this way, mind you. This is why I am going part time. I can't handle the full time 12 hr schedle anymore, no matter how well I take care of myself. The emotional and physical stress is overwhelming. I am a 40 year old female.

I have a white gold wedding ring with diamonds set in the front of the band. The gold part in the back is discolored and I get a bad rash underneath from washing my hands too much. I have to get it re-plated. I wear a yellow gold eternity band ring with diamonique stones to work now. I got it on QVC, it's pretty, doesn't give me a rash and has not discolored.

1. Be polite and respectful to EVERYONE on the unit. Remember, you are the newbie. Everyone on the unit has an important job to do. Introduce yourself to everyone. Say please and thank you. 2. Check and double check your medications and orders. 3. Always make sure your patient is ok. Check your patients right after report, and frequently throughout the day. 4.Be a patient advocate. Speak up for them, act as if they are your family member. You are caring for the sick, weak and vulnerable. You are their voice. 5. Ask questions, don't be afraid. Don't ever think you know it all, because every day is a learning experience even for nurses with 20 years under their belt. 6. A sense of humor goes a long way. 7. Be honest and truthful. Be reliable. Once you get a bad reputation it is very hard to turn it around. 8. Try not to gossip. Hospitals are the worst gossip mills. 9. If an experienced nurse offers her help, advice, tricks, etc. always listen carefully and thank the nurse for her time. Even if you don't follow the advice, or accept the help, consider it for the future. Don't say "i know i know" or come off like a know it all. 10. Get enough sleep before your shift, eat a nutritious meal and be at work on time and ready to work. Make sure you take breaks and plan fun things to do on your days off. That's all I can think of now, you have gotten a lot of good advice here. Good luck!

I asked for a reduction in hours and will be part time soon. I bought a few cute things for my kitchen on ebay. Other things I do on a regular basis: Read a good book. Try a new recipe. Take a long walk. Play with my dog and cat. Visit family. Hang out with my husband. Chat with friends and have a good laugh.

One of my co-workers figured me out. LOL

Thank you! Cutting back hours in this stressful career can only be a good thing. :) Grandee: You have really been through a tough time! Best of luck to you.

My first job was part time. It was hard to find full time in Peds and I wanted to work Peds. I worked extra shifts sometimes, and I was ok. I'm planning on going back to part time in June. Full time is too stressful for me now.

Lately every day I go to work it's a horror story.

Hello A few months ago I wrote my "I'm burned out" post and seeking advice re: per diem status. I've requested a change to part time status and it was granted. It won't come into effect until June because I agreed to work through the next schedule. I feel so relieved. I will work 2 shifts a week. I feel a little better already, as I will have more free time, but still have a steady paycheck. I will see how it goes, I still might move to per diem in the future. Thanks for the advice, everyone. I am looking forward to a summer with more free time (to take classes, relax, spend time with family and friends). :)

Run! Run far away!

Nursing is hard, stressful work. It ages a person fast. I see the nursing students on my unit, and I feel so sorry for them. If you have a good job, and a nice life: Keep it. If you want to make a difference, do some volunteer work. You will be better off in the long run. As soon as I can get out of bedside nursing, I am gone for good. When I feel I need to do something for someone I will volunteer. I need my sanity back.

I have never used a current NM as a reference. All potential employers understand.

I'm so sorry, and I know how you feel. This profession can be gut wrenching. (((Hugs)))

No one but the patient should ever push the PCA button. It might be time for a reevaluation of the patient, perhaps it is not appropriate for him/her to be using a PCA pump.