peggy2624

For goodness sake don't send any more burnouts to the OR....that being said, if you didn't have empathy I doubt you'd have even begun nursing and I'm so sorry you burned our so quickly. No career is ever what you think it's going to be and the "system" doesn't value empathy....maybe you might try Hospice....I know I found it the best nursing I ever did....Good luck with whatever you decide and I hope you find the right spot for your gentle heart...

And I bet you keep a dry towel to open the door, right? Good for you!!

This is very useful to know since my last flight was to Europe and then in mid-Atlantic came the overhead "any medical person on board please come to the front of the plane"...

Random nugget of information.... I remember thinking in microbiology "why on earth do I need to know anything about Hansen's bacillus!!!?? Low and behold while doing a pre-op history didn't I run across a man who had taken methotrexate and when I asked him what he took it for he told me...leprosy. Apparently it works because he had no outward signs of having had the disease.

Regardless of any misjudgement you may have made, going to nursing school is no guarantee of a job. Right now you have a job. That being said, continue to look and apply for RN positions. A word of caution: Remember to stay within your job description as a tech and not do anything outside of that because while you'd be held to the standard of your license you'd also be held liable for practicing outside of your job description. SO no matter how short-handed or over-worked the nurses are don't perform any nursing functions while still a tech....no passing meds, no dressing changes, no IVs, etc.... If you do perform a nursing function and do it wrong you can't fall back on the "I'm only a tech" lame excuse...I worked in surgery for years and precepted techs who were working as techs while waiting for an RN position and this was a constant concern because they all thought they could fall back on that excuse. Don't be discouraged, it may take some time to find a position, and yes, it will be on the off-shift where we all started, it's the way of things. Hang in there, good luck and congratulations on getting your license.

While we're on the subject of pharmacy teaching, has anyone noticed them pre-checking the little boxes that say you've been counseled or refused counseling ? I call them on that and then sign my name with ALL my credentials!!!

I would be thrilled beyond belief if my pharmacist or tech would even check birth date or address anything to identify it's ME....after having a real scare where another person with the same name (but lacking middle initial and different birth date) was given the right Rx but charged to my insurance and then I couldn't get mine filled...and I really really need my PB med!!!! I had to practically scream at the tech to tear her eyes away from the pc screen and LOOK at ME!!! She did finally and realized I wasn't hysterical but was extremely concerned and wasn't going away. She was able to determine that I had received the medication but at a different branch of the supermarket chain. When she insisted it was me and turned the screen toward me I realized the signature wasn't mine...... The pharm. manager insists procedures are in place to prevent this from happening but clearly they're not being adhered to so I've taken it into my own hands and called my insurance company to alert them to never fill Rx from the other place for me. I also insist the dispensing tech corroborate ID with me even if the pharmacist is "hiding" and pretending he can't hear me. Be thankful your pharmacist is following procedure albeit with less-than-sensitive tact and respect for privacy.

I had a patient one time who refused her brown anestheiologist who was a legally naturalized citizen (as I am)....i asked her if her feelings were toward all immigrants or just those with brown skin and accents because I came here to America just as he did....I just blend in better. Then I asked to change assignments too....

Everyone seems to be on the same page as far as considering this a visit from your father in law...I think those of us who've had thsi experience and agree that it is truly a blessing even if you cry....and it's ok to cry...But it can be a comfort as well..just knowing they're looking out for us.

Usually it's simply a matter of getting someone to fill your position on nights. Hang in there....

How much of our identity do we want to loose/give away? Sadly, uniforms and caps are a thing of the past....sloppy and ill-fitting scrubs, dirty grass-stained sneakers....even our name tags have RN printed in miniscule lettering (unless we protest). A school pin at least identifies where you worked so hard to get your degree and licenseure. Your patient should be able to identify you an a registered nurse but first you need to identify yourself as such and conduct yourself in such a way as you do yourself and your profession proud...Your patients and fellow staff shouldn't have to guess... We don't have to go back to doilies on our heads and giving up our seats to MDs but for heaven's sake have some pride in your appearance folks....

Good catch!! What you should do is write to the tv network, the producers AND most importantly the sponsors and let them know how offensive this is and that you 've posted this on this nursing site.

We have Dr Bone (orthopedics) and Drs Hardner, Wagle and Wee (urology partners)

You can use music to your advantage especially if you're the circulator. I had a whole case of CDs to choose from and if things were tense I'd put on something calming....all it takes is paying attention to the age and preferance of the surgeon. Folk, jazz or classical might annoy the residents but can work wonders in the appropriate circumstances. There have been many studies on the topic of music in the OR and a calm atmosphere is as important as having the right instruments, supplies and temperature.....all in the realm of the circulator. It's also better for the patient to have a calm team; something I weighed heavily when I was choosing a cardiac surgeon for my husband!! I once had a vascular surgeon who wanted to play gospel continuously and vetoed it....I put on something quiet and he was fine.....he also never brought religion into the mix again....at least not in my room....

I started a long-postponed nursing education at the age of 42; my youngest started high school at the same time and we graduated together. I've never regreted the "late" start....the older student brings a maturity and level of empathy only earned with life experience...My opinion was strengthened by my experience as a preceptor and mentor of students fron high school age, through nursing school and new orientees....the mature student has much to contribute.....go for it!!!!