ruffhouser

Welcome! Just a few comments. Our facility had AWHONN come and evaluate us. According to them, ratios should be no more than 4 couplets to 1 nurse. This is what we are doing now. PCAs are a different story. There are good ones, and some not so great. I realize that it is hard for them answering to different nurses. I have an agreement with mine that we cover each others' butts. I do expect them to work hard, but I work hard too and am not afraid to pitch in and help them. I tell them that we are a team and work together. They know what I expect of them, and they know what to expect from me. It has worked well for me. Many of them are in nursing school (or doing prereqs), and really want to learn. I invite them in when there is something interesting on, or take the time to teach/encourage questions. The break thing is just wrong. It seems to be part of the culture there. Probably won't change until something tragic happens. There needs to be adequate coverage at all times, especially with your ratios and acuity level. The 2 hour "nap breaks" are ridiculous and need to be stopped. You are in a difficult position being new and have to fight the culture. Is management aware of this?

1st born of ETOH dependent parents

I am taking one of my recertification classes and there are 2 male nurses in my class. I think that they add a wonderful component to school nursing. I was so happy to see them there. As for being part of a coaching staff, that is a WONDERFUL idea. I think that any school would be blessed to have an RN on their coaching staff. The time has certainly come and is long over due! Follow your dreams. You'll be terrific. Good Luck!

Okay, I give up. I am a newbie. What could cause fecal emesis? How is this possible? Thanks for contributing to my ongoing education. Take care and God Bless.

Today will be my first night on the floor. I certainly hope that I don't experience what you have. I'll keep you posted. Take care and God Bless.

See if you can get a nurse-attorney. They are out there and you would be well represented. Good Luck! Saying a prayer in my heart for you now.

Sorry that these people are being nasty to you. That is uncalled for! I often wonder if nurses such as they ever read these boards and perhaps recognize themselves. One can only hope! Hang tough! Take care and God bless.

What "Discarded APN" described about a MD prescribing psych meds under an ASSumption of depression made me laugh. Sorry, but it brought back memories. I was recovering from back surgery and had to go into a rehab hospital. Of course all of the side effects from the meds I was on was nausea and vomiting. I didn't help that the food there was disgusting. I started crying at 8:00, 12:00, and 5:00 because I knew I wasn't up to facing that food tray. The smell made my stomach wretch. One of the nurses just didn't get it and was sure that I had a psych problem and that I "needed to snap out of it." She made arrangements for Ativan and a psych evaluation :-) The psychologist soon became aware that I really didn't need his services, although it was nice chatting with him. I hope that all of you that suffer with MS will be able to manage it well. Take care and God Bless.

I know that this is off the original topic, but someone mentioned something similar on one of the above posts. Have any of you ever taken care of a patient right before they pass away and they tell you that there is someone there to escort them "to the other side"? This has happened to several nursing friends of mine.

Wow! I don't believe it! I thought that I was the only one that this happened to! What a relief to find others who have experienced it. My episodes started about 20 years ago. I don't have them very often anymore, but I hate it when it happens. I don't feel the presence of anyone. I am in a deep sleep and cannot wake up. It is almost like I want to pry my eyelids open. I can't move, speak, or open my eyes. I feel a great deal of fear. I don't know if it is evil I feel, or just the fear r/t loss of control. It is like I am fighting to wake up. I often wonder if this is what is like for our coma patients. If I have presence of mind, I say a prayer and it brings me out of it. I have noticed it happens mostly when I take an afternoon nap and sleep too long. I will wake up and feel groggy and drugged. If I go back to sleep right away, this will happen. I am so glad that someone started this thread. I thought I was the only one this happened to. Thank goodness that I don't have it as often as it used to happen. How would one bring this up to their physician? Could it be some sort of physical problem? Maybe a place that does sleep studies is familiar with this. Take care and God bless.

The facility I work for offers "no benefit" positions in which the employee receives 25% more in salary in lieu of benefits.

Thanks Jas honey! I called my homeowner's insurance company (Allstate) and told them about what you do. Of course, they can't do it that way. I was told that I would have to get a general liability policy and it would cost me about $600 a year. I know that I can get it a lot cheaper elsewhere.

Hello everyone! I am beginning my RN career next month! :roll It is a really exciting time for me to finally realize my dream. Due to our litigious society, I would feel more comfortable with some sort of "malpractice" or "liability" insurance in place. Do any of you carry this? If so, where does one obtain it? About how much should I expect to spend? Thank you so much! Take care and God Bless, Renee;)