dabuchan

I'm a male R.N. with 16+ years experience in Coronary Care. I took my daughter to CCU on her career day and now she wants be a vetenarian. Smart girl:idea:

Coronary Crital Care and cardiac transport on my days off for some extra OT. After my 2 12hr days and 2 12hr nights in a row, i can not find it in me anymore to do extra shifts on the unit when they are short staffed and.... they are always short. Has anyone watched the documentry on CNN news showing the wounded soldiers (American, Iraqi, and civilians) arriving at the frontline military hospitals? This is trauma team effort at its best. I watched it every Sunday 2 parts. The interventions where text book, professional and the ability to cope under that much stress will really inspire you. A must see for all you ER/ED junkies.

I am a Canadian R.N. and when I graduated in 1991 we had an abundance of nurses employed in our hospitals, plus we are unionized. (whole other issue).This made it difficult for a new grad to land a full-time position. I could not survive, pay my student loan or even get a loan for a car with my on- call casual position until i could acquire the hours for enough seniority to even apply for the already scarce permanent positions, so i was fortunate to travel nurse and work in Texas, taking on Cardiac Telemetry in San Antonio, Beaumont, and Baytown, where the people and my patients where so kind, and thankful. Texans are very friendly people, and most families that I came in contact with teach their young to use polite and respectful words. It was almost embarrassing the treatment I received, not only as a Nurse but a member of their community. I am sorry you are experiencing such poor attitudes from your patients. Maybe a change of environment is in your horizon. One cranky patient is enough let alone FIVE! Not all your patients are carrying health insurance either which could be real stress issues for a majority of your patients. A lengthly illness can be a costly burden for a lot of families, something us Canadians take for granted with free health care. My American patients for the most part where a lot sicker and farther advanced in their illness, waiting longer to seek medical attention than my Canadian counter parts. People may have too much expectations on the care givers to cure them of their ailments in a short period of time..I guess you have to show patience with your patients eh! I'm sure its not you they are angry at, its the whole hospital experience. I also find 5-6 patients in primary care is way to much of a work load for Nurses. I had experienced that work load in Baytown Tx and that was burn out waiting to happen. Lucky, I was younger and full of energy then because at age 46..no way I could take on that assignment. Try not to be rude, be your patient's advocate, treating all your patients with the same care and respect. Your actions speak louder than words most of the time. Prioritize your patient assignment because your sickest person is has to come first. Good luck... Dabuchan R.N.C.C.N.