ksunurse2b

I've had some of the same feelings as you. It's okay to realize that nursing isn't exactly what you expected and that you really don't like it. I say try to stick it out until you at least finish a year. That way, you have some experience under your belt. I've spoken with many nurses that said they would have quit nursing if they would've had to stay by the bedside. They are extremely happy in other areas, ie. community health, home health, & hospice. Think about what you really like to do and what you may enjoy in a job. Then start looking to see what's out there. There are endless opportunities. I hate to see you waste your degree, if there truly is something out there in the nursing arena that would make you happy (which I think there probably is). If not, you can use that degree to build on something new, and again your degree won't be wasted. No matter what, you've gained insight and experience from nursing school and your job in the ER. Best of luck!!

I'm graduating in May and will be working in the ER, if all goes accordingly. What I want to know is: I'm doing my last semester clinical practicum at a hospital that lets us do alot. It's the "county hospital," you might say. It's also the hospital where I plan on working. My fellow students think I'm crazy for working at the "indigent" hospital. Needless to say, I've gotten to do more in two weeks than they'll probably get to do all semester. Anyway, back to what I wanted to know. What should I be focusing on this last semester that will help in my new grad ED experience. I know that, regardless, I'll be entering the complete unknown, but that's what I like. But surely there are things that I could really focus on now that may help later. Sorry if this has been asked, I looked through the forum, but "fortunately" got caught up in the "Rules for ER nurses" thread for several days. :roll Nurses rock!!

Watch out ladies and gentlemen, next thing you know, the ER will have "secret shoppers!"

What I'm afraid of is tainting the "community" saline. Is this an issue if I draw the med, then the saline? Will there be any remnants of the med in the saline vial? Also, what would be the best way if there's a pre-filled syringe of saline? Got a check-off next week and this just came to me as an issue. So, I'd like the most appropriate "nursing school" answer. If you know what I mean.

Say you need to give 1 mL medication X IVP over 2 minutes. The drug book says to dilute with an equal amt of normal saline. When drawing this up, do you pull med then saline or vice versa??? Thanks!!