Cherise07

I worked on inpatient peds and a lot of new GN's were hired for our floor and the PICU. I did med surg for 6yrs and peds the last 8yrs. I feel that my experience on med-surg definitely prepared me for peds. The other thing I noticed is how many GN's come out and expect dayshift. I did 3-11 for 11yrs and as a new nurse took what was available. There seems to be an expectation for things. I could not have done peds as a new nurse. It takes timeto build your skills up and med-surg is a good way to learn that. I think everyone should have to work at least one year of med-surg before entering a specialty. Unfortunately, mangagement does not seem to feel this way, and they will easily replace an experienced nurse with a brand new GN.

Sounds like a tough place to work. I have been a nurse for 14 yrs. 6yrs of med-surg/oncology/telemetry. 8yrs of inpatient pediatrics. I recently left the inpatient peds unit to work at a pediatric office. I remember saying I would never work in an office, it would be boring,etc. I am so glad I made the change! :nuke: I was getting burned out with the 12 hr, or as you said sometimes 13-14hr shifts, lots of problems with my foot, and management that was less than understanding. The acuity of the children we cared for was higher and the stress level was out the roof! Nobody seemed happy anymore and there was a lot of negativity:madface:. To get to the point of my story, there are a lot of options out there for you. YOu can work anywhere. Change is scary, but when it gets to the point where you fear losing your license or just feel anxious/sad about going to work, it is time for a change/ I can honestly say that I now love my job! I am enjoying seeing healthy children rather than only sick ones. It is also a less stressful envirnoment. I wish you the best! Remember, that nothing is permanent and there are so many options out there! I hope you find a happier place!

I am going back to school for my BSN (already have ADN) and notice that when I am trying to get a paper done or spending a lot of time studying for an exam, my husband seems to feel left out:cry:. I have found that you need to set aside time for studying and time for your family. Give yourself a limit as to when and how long you will spend that day and then spend the rest of time with your hubby and/or family. Keep your husband informed on your schedule and when you will be doing school stuff. Get out , go for a walk or to a movie/dinner, like you used to when you were dating. The other nice thing is that by setting limits on your study time you will get a much needed break and be more productive when you come back to it!:wink2: I wish you the best with school!

It sounds like an unfortunate accident. The instructor should have told you to go to the ER, however. Any injury at work, even though you may think it isn't serious should be reported in case something happens as a result of it. Good for you for going and getting it taken care of. I work on a peds unit and a teenage patient had emla cream on to numb the spot prior to IV insertion. She was trying to be helpful and pulled the biocclusive dressing off that was covering the EMLA. The EMLA flew up into my eye! I rinsed my eye out. Although coworkers thought it wasn't anything to report, I went to the ER and they irrigated my eye. I found this to be a rather strange work accident. Better to be safe than sorry!

Wow! I am speechless! That manager sounds very unprofessional to say the least. Would she make a comment to someone with alopecia? As for the MA it sounds like she may actually be an insecure person, since she has to tell others how she had to show a nurse how to do something. I have learned from our nursing assistants as well as taught them. As a float you probably work in a lot of different areas and bring much experience with you. They should be grateful to have you! I would definitely let your manager's superior know about the "trashy" comment. It is unacceptable to treat someone that way! If the higher ups don't take care of it, then I would look for a better work environment. Hope things get better for you!:nuke:

Sorry to hear that you've had such a rough time. Seeing pts die is never easy. I have cared for adults with cancer and now children with cancer and it is heartbreaking. You just have to know that you have done all that you can do for them. Sometimes it is being there with them, or even crying with them. I've tried saying "I'm not getting close to anyone again", but it always happens. Not with everyone but for some reason certain people will have an impact on you even more than others. The pts. that you become close to are the deaths that will be harder. We have a special meeting that the nurses can go to and journal and then share out loud with the group their stories. I didn't think I could do it at first and ended up crying while sharing the story of the death of one of my peds cancer pts. It happened 3 yrs ago, I thought I had dealt with it and suddenly I was right back in the moment, sounds, smells and everything! It turned out to be very therapeutic and the facilitator of the group was able to help me come to terms with it. Don't keep your feelings in because that is never productive and will likely lead to burnout or wanting to leave oncology. It sounds like you are very caring and empathetic. Give yourself time, it sounds like you had a lot that happened in a short period of time. Also, if you can talk to a nurse on the unit or your manager or resouce nurse about your feelings, this may be helpful. Hang on and continue to share your feelings.

Hi! I was extremely nervous when I switched from adults to peds, plus it was a different hospital. I think most people are nervous and I worry about those who aren't a little nervous! Your EMS experience should also be a benefit. I wish you the best!

It sounds like she is the one gaining satisfaction from trying to "convert" people to her religion. We must be respectful of all religious and spiritual beliefs, even if they differ from our own.

It started with the TV show "Emergency" at age 6 or so I fell in love with Johnny Gage, though he was actually a paramedic if you're not familiar with the show. I always read books about the hospital, doctor etc- Nurse Nancy and her little red wagon. So I guess that was the start. When my grandmother had a left TBKA when I was 12, I liked going to the hospital and especially helping to care for her when she lived with us after the surgery. My mom did most of the dressing changes and I tried to help. Unfortunately in high school I got in with a bad group and at 18yrs. was unsure if I wanted to spend my time studying. I went to cosmetology school, and worked for 2 yrs as a hair stylist. when I was 20 or 21 I decided that I really wanted to be a nurse and went back to school and here I am!

Hi! Sometimes we all just have a bad week or 2. I really like doing IV's and usually don't have trouble, but I have experienced bad weeks. It is hard to say if you are doing anything wrong without observing. Maybe once you get the flash advance just a little more. Also, after looking for a vein I take the tourniquet off, maybe for 30 sec. and then proceed with the stick. Ask for advice from your preceptor. Most of all, don't get discouraged! Cherise07