rose1135

I have been a RN for a year. I have worked 7p-7a in an emergency room for that year. I have not been looking for another job, but was recently offered a home health position (a friend referred me) and have been offered Mon-Fri 8-5 and about 6000 more a year than I make now. The hours are great and the pay is better, but I love my ER job, not sure how home health would be, and not sure how the transition would work; I love the adrenaline rush I get from emergency care. I also know as a wife and a mother of a 5 year old, days would be better. Any advice on what to do?? I know it is my own decision, but educated, unbiased advise would be much appreciated

I am so glad I stumbled on this post.. I too suffer from shaky hands!! It is worse when I am nervous, or learning a new task, but it is always there. Patients sometime ask how long I have been a nurse, and I just make light and try to find humor in the situation. I am just glad to know that I am not the only one.. Once again I LOVE this website, and all my fellow nurses.

I am also having anxiety. Not attacks per say, but anxiety the same. This also tends to spill over to my days off, I stress over how I did something, among other things. I just take a deep breath, and give myself a pep talk, and things look up!! :) It is nice to know I am not the only one.

Hi!! I live in W. TN, and we have some great small towns and schools here, but I noticed you are interested in Middle or East. What towns have you considered?? I researched Nashville not to long ago, and have several websites that might help you, just let me know

I am in my second week of orientation in the ER. This is a little off the original subject, but I am having trouble with the trade/generic name. I have been doing narcotic count, and feel kinda ignorant that I don't recognize a certain drug by its generic name, but I just keep asking!! And when transcribing meds, I get on the computer and look up other names, and indications, instead of just asking another nurse. This has really helped me to learn several drugs in a short period of time. I have also felt overwhelmed at my job. I had a pt. yesterday, and the pain was increasing, so the doc ordered morphine. After taking FOREVER to get it prepared (cause I am kinda slow!! :) ) I go to the room, get ready to give the pt the med, and after verifying her name and asking her allergies, she says "I am allergic to Morphine, I told you that!!" I then had to get a new order, and take even longer getting it ready. I eventually asked another nurse to administer the drug because I felt this pt was becoming frustrated with me!! I am just so glad I asked her to repeat her allergies!!!

My hospital policy also states that if you are one minute late, you are late. There is a point system and if you get so many points you are terminated. End of story..

I could see where having an IV team could contribute to losing the skill of starting IVs!! Next time things aren't very hectic (if that's not fantasy) see if the nurse starting the IV will let you do it. It might give you a little more confidence having an experienced person there, and you will get to practice a skill.. My hospital doesn't have an IV team, and I seem to be getting plenty of practice, but I don't know if it's helping.ha :)

I do the same thing "TigerGal". It frustrates me when I do that, then a seasoned nurse walks in, sticks, and slides the cathlon in one fluid motion. We will get it!!! Just gotta keep trying :)

OK!! I love this thread!! I too am having trouble with the vein "disappearing" or blowing.. I am a new RN and feel intimidated by IV therapy in general.. I am having the same problem though, I get flashback everytime then seem to blow the vein as I try to advance the cathlon. I also have trouble not having enough hands to keep the cathlon in and getting it secured. I have done several sticks over the past couple days, and am trying to get my confidence up, but hearing your stories REALLY helps to make me feel like I am not alone!!

This thread is a great resource. As a new grad in the ER I am looking for ANY and ALL advice!! Thanks again, and keep up the great informative posts..