susan.mickey

Don't know what to do. I was in a car accident. I had 2 discs removed C3-4 and C5-6, cages placed and then fusion. I still have 2 small herniations elsewhere in the neck. I had just spent the past 2 years in school. I wasn't about to give up on my ambitions. I made it thru clinicals with a lot of leeway but now I have to face real life. Most floors don't even want you if you haven't put your time into med/surg...which is what I love anyway. I already have been getting warned from different people as I work my way thru the processing (i've been accepted at a hospital) and paperwork that after all this I may not get a job anyway...if I can't perform the tasks blah blah blah. I still have to pass the weight lifting part of the physical. to be honest...i'm terrified of the potential pain. I 'm not sure I need an answer as much as people to talk to about this. Anyone else experiencing this situation? herniated discs and still working? sigh. Susan

Sweetie, I've been pooped on, puked on, peed on. yelled at by patients, nurses and clinical instructors. I've had colostomy bags fall off and run all over the patient and the two of us standing there. I held patients when they died and when they were born, when they were all alone and had no one and when they didn't care anymore. I laughed at myself so hard I peed my pants (literally!) Yes, I've laughed at patients and my instructors and my fellow classmates. We helped each other and tore into each other and held each other and cried when we had to separate for a new semester. None of us knew a darn thing, despite the "training" we had. Every semester we wondered if we could possibly perform the tasks and do the paperwork...mountains of care plans! You will never be left alone to perform a task you are not ready to perform. I will give you this advice. Never pretend you know what you are doing just so you won't be embarassed, it can hurt you and the patient. Never let the patient see you scared (keep it inside) because it scares them. ALWAYS ask to do new things and see new things and ALWAYS offer to help the other nurses and aides and be respectful of everyone, including the cleaning staff, the people bringing the trays and aides, etc because they are your greatest resources. remember...NONE of us knew anything when we started and we all learn at different paces and we all are offered different opportunities. You will learn on the job! Just remember 1. don't take yourself too seriously, no one else does 2. trust yourself and the patient will trust you. 3. Learn how to act like you're not scared. 4. its okay to laugh with the patient and at yourself...and with the patient at yourself!!!! 5. Don't forget to eat a light breakfast and lunch!!!!!! Passing out, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating, constipation, irritable bowel disease and ulcers are all normal every semester. LOL! How do I know all this? I graduated 3 days ago as an RN! yaaaaaay!