jizzi

When I was a new grad, I was orienting with a seasoned RN. However, one 3-11 shift, she called out sick and I was left in charge because there was no one else to assign to my unit. I was nervous but got through the shift without any problem. I attended one of the best nursing diploma programs and was working at this same institution. I knew to ask the nursing supervisor for help if needed. That was 35 years ago. We had a nursing shortage then, same as we do now. This may not have been the ideal situation, but it truely tests the skills you have acquired.

This is another reason to have the advanced directives completed and available on the chart. It clearly defines DNR status. Some facilities even use over bed signs as well as bracelets to indicate code status. However, if the patient should go to the OR for a procedure, they become "full code". Once they return to the PACU, then the DNR status would be back in effect.

I have been a nurse for over 30 years and worked for 18 1/2 years in the OR when I got cancer. I had surgery and radiation but then developed pelvic and lower extremity lymphedema. I could no longer lift, stand for hours, or work on-call so I applied for an open position for which I met the qualifications (as a triage nurse for the same employer). I applied and mentioned ADA standards for transfer to this open postion. Per ADA rules, if you request job accommodations and are qualified for an open position, you do not have to compete for this job. But Human Resources claimed they knew nothing about this and gave the job to another "more qualified" applicant. I was told that I was finished at the end of the week and would no longer be working in the OR. I was put under Risk Management and assigned "light duty" assisting the Infection Control nurse and also taking patient histories for admissions for 3 months. Then I was transferred to the Coding Department where I was assigned to assist with billing and clerical duties for the next 9 months. Then I was told that there was no budget for this position and I would have to find something else. In the meantime, my husband who also worked here was injured on the job and was out of work. I lost my health benefits because he was the primary on the policy. The Coding Department offered me a position but it was at a significant pay cut and I was required to go back to school and obtain coding certification. I am still in school and in my current position I abstract administration charges for infusion services. I am hoping that the infusion documents will go electronic so I can work from home. And once I finish the coding program, I will try to do some real coding and pick up additional work through an agency. I know that I will need a few years of hospital coding experience before I can code from home. I continue to search online for other options so I can eventually work remotely.

I have been a nurse for over 30 years. It isn't the glamorous job you see portrayed on TV. The reality is that it is hard work and you may not be appreciated by doctors, patients, or your boss. If you can deal with that, then you have what it takes to be a nurse. Otherwise, finish your education and keep your license active by whatever means necessary. You may want to pursue health information management or healthcare administration instead. You will have your degree and a jumpstart toward a related venue without the direct care aspect. Perhaps this would better suit your needs. Life is not predictable, you may find that you need to work to support yourself and/ or family. Death, divorce, or this unstable economy may be the reason you will have to seek employment. It is always better to do something you love rather than resent your profession.

I believe that some patients do not understand the role of a nurse. They believe that we are akin their personal care attendant or concierge. This is not true unless you are their private duty nurse. When this kind of situation arises, the patients need to be redirected and educated about the duties nursing involves and that care is prioritized according to acuity, such as patient in arrest trumps the need to add Splenda. While nutrition is important, breathing and circulation are absolutely essential to survival.