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I think you and MikeyBSN should both look for new jobs. Oh, wait... he already did. The situation you described sounds like a serious safety issue. It's unfortunate it's so common. :angryfire In the end, you need to do what is right for you. Above all, do not put your license in jeopardy. That is your livelihood and you've worked too hard to come this far. Just my

If you're applying to the Bridge program, don't bother with the Stats class. You'll have to repeat it anyway per their policy.

Thanks, for your advice! I think I'm going to take some time off to think about things. I did go to my PCP and had bloodwork done. Everything was normal, including my TSH (Good call). I'm seeing a cardiologist now, too.

I need someone to help me organize my thoughts... I have worked in Adult ICU for four years. I stayed at my last job for three years and I really liked it, for the most part. It was in a community hospital on the outskirts of the city. The people there were friendly and I did well there. I left a couple of months ago when the staffing ratios were becoming an issue. I went to a large teaching hospital ICU and got a considerable raise. The problem is that I just don't feel like I belong in an environment like that. I have been having problems with anxiety (which I never had before in my entire life), lost 10 lbs in month, and started having heart palpitations. With the support of my family I put my notice in recently. I don't know what I'm going to do next. I am wondering if I am supposed to do something entirely different. I am breastfeeding my baby and I would like to spend as much time home as possible, but if not, at least have enough time during work hours to pump. I have an interest in lactation consulting and am active in the La Leche League. I applied to midwifery school but won't find out for 3 more weeks. I don't know what to do... Can someone offer suggestions? They would be much appreciated.

You didn't give enough information in some of your other complaints. I have a hard time understanding exactly what made you so upset. re: the medication given wrong etc. I'm not sure what your expectations were, but to expect the staff to physically come into your room and ask if you are okay every 30-60 minutes is a bit unrealistic. If your biggest complaint during your hospital stay is that you didn't have ice water, than I don't know what else I can say. It sounds like you had no problems making your concerns/needs known and could done more things for yourself. I don't understand why you are so upset your nurse was at the nurses station talking with her coworkers. Everyone needs a break! How do you know your nurse didn't complete a pre-op checklist? Just because my patients don't know when I'm filling one out doesn't mean I didn't do it! I am so irritated at this poster likening nurses to hotel maids. I can't afford to waste any more energy on this. Your post made me wonder if you truly are a nurse and what type of setting you work in.

I try to carry only what I need. I always carry a ballpoint pen, a sharpie, a pair of hemostats, chapstick, a few mints, a few bucks, and my cellphone with me. I can manage to fit it all in my pockets.

I think I would get laughed at if I came to work wearing a fanny pack!

Because the blood can begin to form micro clots in the syringe.

I would be less concerned with the actions of the CNA than the reason this patient's BG dropped that low in the first place. I would also want to keep checking her BGs periodically to make sure they didn't drop again. Maybe her meds need to be adjusted. Maybe she could have received someone else's long acting insulin? (Just throwing it out there because I've seen it happen before)

I hear you, sister!

I'm sorry this is happening to you. Hospital administration should be aware of this because it is a huge liability for them, and a safety issue they need to address. Please tell your charge nurse. Do not take report on this patient. If you do not take report, they cannot consider it abandonment. Document the bruises. Take pictures, etc. If the patient was oriented, I would file assault charges against the patient. If not, I would at least file a report with the police documenting this abusive behavior. It irks me that patients think they can come into our workplace and abuse us! Please stand up for yourself and report this abuse! Also, I agree with everyone else who suggested a psych consult for the patient. Good Luck to you! :redbeathe

Wow. A BP like that would constitute a hypertensive crisis and would probably need labetalol or a cardene gtt. That pt. definitely requires a higher level of care...

Is that ethical?

I agree. It doesn't sound like your family presented any unreasonable demands; his behavior was inappropriate. Find a new doc and maybe even a new hospital if you are not satisfied with his care. I will pray for you and your family.

That is unacceptable. If there was an emergency that took presidence over your mother's procedure, they should have been honest and told your parents. I'm glad your dad stood up for her. He could also write a letter to administration to let them know this is happening. Maybe your parents could get better care next time by going somewhere else.