fets99

I am presently on mat leave. Going back to work in Sept. I am worried and nervous and I've been nursing for 10 years with an added 4 years as a CNA in the same facility. Times are changing in LTC. You are expected to be 20 places at one time, supervise junior staff and know all and be all. Somewhere in there you find time to care for very ill, fragile patients and try to keep family posted as well as docs, etc. My motto: Knowledge is power. Read all you can. Is there a senior nurse who you can use as a mentor? I remember when I started out this was a lifesaver. I told her years later what a role model she was for me... she never knew. I drew on her strength and confidence and it shaped the type of nurse I am today. Feeling rusty is normal and ok. Give yourself a pat on the back for all you do.

Glad you got checked. Interesting P&P here. Where I work, the clients only get tested when a needlestick occurs. I don't ever remember staff getting checked. Thank god all of our clients have been negative. Wonder if this increases rate of reporting needle stick injuries? Just curious if this policy would have made you report at the time?