Bugaloo

Two nursing students have been up all night long writing out notes for their clinicals, studying for two big exams and writing a paper that was due yesterday. They have only had one hour of sleep in the last 24 hours. As they stand before their instructor, there are both in a stupor. Their eyes droop as she asks, "Now, what conditions would we use this medication for?" The students reply at the same time. "Sleep?"

A long time ago, I was taking care of a little old lady who had just had a hip replacement. She has Sundowner's and kept trying to climb out of bed. The bed alarm had went off about 10 times in one hour. Concerned for her safety, I called the on-call doctor, thinking he might order a light sedative. The on-call doctor, unfortunately, had a well known problem with alcohol. And unfortunately for me, he was inebriated when I called him. Here's how the conversation went: Me: Dr. G, the patient in Room 201, Mrs. M., is confused and trying to climb out of bed. We have been unsuccessful in trying to get her to sleep. Could you please order a light sedative to help her relax? Dr. G: (Slurring his words) Nah, just tie her down. Me: So, you are ordering restraints? Dr. G: NO! I said "Tie her down!!" Take some rope and tie her to the bed!! Me: No disrespect, but I don't think we can do that. I'll run that by my charge nurse. Dr. G: (laughing hysterically) Naaaahhhh!!!! I'm just messing with you! I know we can't do that! So, in all seriousness, let's do this. Let's tie her to the bed with rope. Me: Ummm. Alrighty then...... Needless to say, I never got my order for a light sedative.

Learn to listen to your intuition. If "your gut" tells you something isn't right, more times than not, you should investigate things further. If you aren't happy in your current job, look for something else. The great thing about nursing is that there are so many possibilities for us to explore! Be courteous and polite to your patients, coworkers and everyone you come into contact with.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"

I have signed checks and receipts with RN at the end. Haven't we all? I look at veins too! I diagnose people in my head when their color is "not quite right". The job I have had for the last 11 months is in a secure facility, which requires unlocking and locking every single door that you walk into and out of, so after a particularly grueling 3-in-a-row, I find myself coming home and trying to unlock and lock every door at home I come across (without keys). It is so annoying! We also carry heavy radios on our hips, and sometimes I feel the weight of the radio on me after I leave work. I embarrass myself by slapping my hip and starting to panic, thinking I brought my radio home, LOL!

Only in nursing do you get raked over the coals for "human mistakes", this I have learned. And, yes, I have cried over write ups too. We have feelings, therefore, we cry. Please try not to beat yourself up over it. Learn from it and move on. I hope things get better for you soon! :)

Reading some of these comments made me feel as if I had to say something. I have worked as a nurse for 17 years. Not once, when I made it in from 45 minutes away from my home, in snow and ice, have I been thanked by management or patients for making it in on a "snow day". Not only that, but it also was not remembered when my evaluation came due. AND I got to sleep in the facility, missing my family for two or three days. I also got to spend my own money buying snacks out of the gift shop. Meals were not provided for those who made it in. That being said, NO ONE cares if you risk your life for your job. That is a judgement call you must make yourself. If the roads are too bad to be out on, don't risk it. I have had several friends wreck on the way home or to work in dangerous snow and ice conditions. Personally, I put myself and my family first. If your employer cannot understand that, then you probably do not want to work there. Go ahead and flame me now, lol!