blitz

Gordo, I just wrote you a long letter of encouragement, only to have pushed the "reset form" button by mistake so here goes. I have worked in Psych, OR and oral surgeries for most of my 15 years as a nurse. The last two years have been spent in the ICU. I did take a 12 week ICU course and had a preceptor for 6 weeks. Even so, there were times I left in tears because of frustration. The key thing you have to remember is that this is nothing you will pick up in a few months- it takes years. Emergency work that you've been familiar with and ICU nursing is a bit like apples and oranges; both fruit but very different. You're actually lucky that you know how to respond to crises such a v-fib, v-tach etc. My two years have taught me some of the basics, but until you're actually involved hands on with the paddles and pushing the drugs, you really don't know what it's like. YOu've been there. The rest will come in time, believe me. There is a steep learning curve, but I doubt yours will be the big brick wall that I feel I hit going 100 mph! Hang in there, enjoy what you're learning, and learn to communicate with your co-workers. It's good to let others know your weaknesses and what you feel you need. They'll be there for you. All the best!

Silver poop? Wild! Many years ago working in rehab, my tech and I had the questionable pleasure of giving a SSE to an elderly lady who hadn't had a BM in "weeks". So armed with the bucket, fluid, K-Y jelly, gloves, gowns and shoe covers we started the deed. The patient was on her side and all seemed to be going well when she screamed "I can't take any more"!!! With that she immediately gave a good grunt. All I could do at that point was watch as I saw a perfect parabola of poop arc across the room and land directly on my techs' gown! It looked as though she was being bombed! Someone else pointed out that it's awfully hard to apologise when you're laughing your a-- off!!!! It's so hard to maintain that 'professional edge' sometimes!:roll

Hi Cin, Glad to meet you! As you've probably read in the past postings, there will be a devastating shortage of nurses by 2005. There is just not enough of us - we are a dying breed! Any way in which you can help is going to be greatly appreciated. Don't worry about whether or not you'll be needed. Get your LPN, enjoy the learning, and come join the party! Looking forward to meeting you some day.....

KTWLPN, Nah, I mean when my hubby picks me up from a long shift, the first thing I do is take off my clogs and plop me feets up on the dashboard! Not too many windshields have the "toe marks" that ours does! Hehehe... Sue

Patience, Thank you for the response. I'm looking forward to our trip up to Saskatoon. It's getting so hot here it's impossible to go outside! I dread packing at the end of May, it'll be dreadful. It's nice to know at least a few names of people up there. It doesn't feel as though I'm moving into a totally strange city! Thanks again! :kiss

Setting was a small psych unit - locked. One young goodlooking, very nervous MD came in to admit an elderly 85ish, very well taken -care- of woman that had, I think, a personality disorder and was delusional as well. She had the Gloria Swanson hairdo, wore these gauzy, sheer gowns and had regular "fainting" spells. Very dramatic. Well, this doc was one of the first to get his own key to the unit, this is how uptight he was about the resident population! Anyway, he ( I was in the room) had just started the breast exam when the lady rolled her eyes, swooned, and said in a really good Mae West voice, "I haven't had this much fun since my honeymoon!" OMIGOD, I've never seen a doc move as fast in my life! He literally ran out of the unit. :roll I still chuckle when I think of this! Gotta love psych!

Joshua, You are truly wonderful to have written all this information. I really appreciate it. By mandatory rotation, I meant day-night rotations. All three hospitals sound wonderful, however the RPC will be within cycling distance for me, so I may well apply there first. We'll see where all this goes. I'll keep you informed and maybe we'll run into each other once I get to S'toon! Thanks again,

Dear Joshua, Thank you for the reply! That was a very thorough description. I talked with the nurse recruiter for the cityand to say efforts to recruit were weak is somewhat an understatement. I am an ICU nurse basically asking for a position and she did not exactly throw me a hook. She did quote the top salary - I would say a middle of the road figure at best - and then finished with the rotating shifts. She also mentioned that the nurses were negotiating a new contract. Do all hospitals (in the ICU) have mandatory rotations? Tell me it ain't so! Please ! That's a biggy for me, as I've done that, been there and don't wanna go there no more! (done with that nonsense!) Has nobody done a study into what rotating shifts do to the body? They make me physically sick! We're moving to SK because my husband has taken a position with the University. Me, being a nurse, figured I'd be able to fit in somewhere...... I have also looked into the Regional Psych Centre. Do you know anything about this facility? My understanding is that it is a criminal psychiatric centre. They are sending me a packet of information and I'm really curious to see what they're offering. Any other information you could post about the RPC would be appreciated. Thank you so much!

Hey Disher, Thanks for the reply! I, too, have lived in TO and you're exactly right about the cost of living. We lived on Bay street and it wasn't exactly "home" to my boots and jeans look! I'm hoping things'll be a lot more relaxed out there in S'toon! Best

Lesley, I've not been to Saskatoon yet, but we are headed there and I'll gladly share what I found out. In anticipation of moving, I've called a few of the health facilities. I spoke with the nurse recruiter for the big three hospitals; St Pauls, City hospital and Royal University Hospital. The top pay is 24.90 for RNs with over 5 years of experience. The shifts are rotating day-night. That was a big turnoff for me as I now choose my own shifts and currently make twice that - but when in Rome...... . There are other places such as the regional psychiatric facility that told me they are always in search of nurses. I don't know if Psych is anything you're interested in or not, but it may be worth a looksee. There are also numerous home care agencies. I've never done that but there's always the first time! Please let me know how the hunt goes and if you are, indeed, moving to the province. I'm looking forward to the move. Who knows, maybe we'll meet each other some day! Best,

Canuck, Where are you working? I'm moving to Saskatchewan at the end of May and I have talked with the nurse recruiters there, at least for the big three hospitals. I was told the top pay was 24.90 and rotating shifts were mandatory. I am currently in Arizona, choose my shifts and make much more than 24.90 an hour.....so, are there any alternatives? Anyone out there from S'toon that can give me some more information on the nursing situation in that lovely city?