SueB1967

I have worked a bari unit for about 6 years and do not find these patients any more difficult to care for than the general hospital population. Every patient has stresses and issues in their life-inappropriate behavior is not weight based.

Sorry-mine went in the trash too! There are many things wrong with our system but MM is not an advocate for nursing. He's out to make a buck but will not get one cent from me! Several years ago when Bill first ran for president he vowed to put his wife in charge of developing a universal health plan for all Americans (which he did-but she was unable to do). A fellow worker at that time was thrilled that when she got done everyone would have health care. I pointed out to her that one of our collegues (with 2 small children) had just cancelled her health insurance with our company because it was too expensive. However, that employee smoked and played bingo several nights out of the week. Did not make sense to me. I believe that everyone should have access to basic health care but do not necessarily believe that the government is obliged to provide it. We should always make provision for the poor and sick among us but not have to subsidize irresponsible choices.

(((SUNNEERN))) I work a busy M/S unit-usually have 6-7 patients at night occasionally 8. We have a 30+ unit with only 1 CNA-it is about all she can do to get temps and I/0's. We nurses usually have to help each other with turns. If we did not have real team players our jobs would be more stressful than they already are. God bless our oncology nurses-you are unbelievably special people.

Oh the high deductibles! My DH during one year of cancer treatment had over $15,000 in copays and deductibles. I had to get a PT job in addition to my FT job to help cover those costs plus be there for him. It was really tough for us all. I wanted to cry when I had to leave him for job #2. But it taught me to save, save, save as not to be in that predicament again.

12 hour shifts are a killer-I hit the floor at 7p and never stop except for potty breaks till day shift gets out of report. Once they're over and done I love the days off but frankley I am looking for something with 8 hour shifts. Just 3 years more to retirement-get the picture! Oh No! I meant just 5 years to retirement-I think I need oxygen.

Yes, the 1967 is the year I graduated as a diploma RN. I have run the gamet of nursing specialties during my 40 year career. Recently I applied for a position on a geropsych unit and really felt that the interview went well-they were particularly interested in my strong med surg experience. However I was called today and did not get the job but was told they would keep my application on file as they expect the (new) unit to expand. I'm wondering if my age was a factor. It certainly is something that I cannot prove but somehow felt a little uncomfortable about. Are there any older nurses out there that have had similar feelings? I would really like to experience psych nursing but wonder if it is even worth pursueing! Thanks all!