Nicky30

I was not working but there have been two in our region. The first was a primip and went to section for obstructed labour. When the first incision was made into the uterus it ruptured. Babe delivered ultra quick and was 11lb 2oz. Uterus was repaired and mum went on to have a second pregnancy delivered by LSCS at 38w. The second one was a multi, 5th bubs but first with a new partner and it was too late . She required an emergency hysterectomy.

When I started nursing my hubby told me I was nothing but a glorified butt wiper! Now I am studying for NP and I earn double what he does! He doesnt call me a butt wiper anymore.

Med/Sug - 5-6 during the day 10-12 at night. ED - well being the only nurse on for the department means you get everything. With a resus you call for backup from the ward; we are supposed to be a 1:3 ratio but that never happens unless the patients don't walk through the door. Maternity - because of the way the department is run, there is 1 midwife per shift and they are responsible for everything that could and does happen. Antenatal - labouring - postnatal and sometimes sick bubs or mums too. My best effort lately on nights was 3 postnatal mums with their bubs; and 1 antenatal with BP problems. 2 presented in labour in the middle of the night. I still thought I was managing until my antenatal on the ward that was scheduled for a section decided to go into labour as well. Then I was allowed to call for backup. Ugh we are an accident waiting to happen.

I have only been a midwife for just over 2 years and I have seen one true knot. It was a scheduled section and not known prior to delivery. Mum and bubs were fine. :redpinkhe

I think you only ever regret that which you did not do. You appear to regret not taking the opportunity when you had it. Is it a risk taking the opportunity now? Perhaps, but only the person who risks is free. :redpinkhe Nic.

I am a rural nurse but our tiny (48 bed) hospital has sponsored nurses before as well. We have no paediatric department as such and our really sick kids are transferred to a tertiary centre. With your qualifications you would get a job anywhere - but I guess what I am saying is dont immediately dismiss the rural and or remote experience because what you get to see and do will probably astound you. Have fun travelling around - wish I could do the same. Nicky.

Be wary of the length of time you have to serve after completing your grad program. I did my stint in the Army in my younger days and there is not much that would compel me to go back. Nicky.

I work in a rural hospital in South Australia - while it is not Victoria there should be hospitals with similar programs. Our graduate program should be what is described above - a preceptor for every graduate, one training day a month, and a program to follow (that actually gives you more homework). In actuality my program did not provide me with any of that. I did not have a preceptor, had two education days but I did rotate through various fields of nursing including the ED. Currently our graduates rotate through Aged Care, Theatre, Med-Surg, and the ED (I did not get theatre for my program and argued my way into a midwifery rotation), I am now a midwife but prefer the ED to play in. If all else fails and you are in a position to travel - want lots of opportunites and experience there are organisations that give graduates rotations through the northern states in rural and remote hospitals - it is quite an experience and most graduates will come out very skilled and highly sought after. Nicky.

I work in Australia as well and the situation you describe is all to common to me - an unsupported work place with poor skill mix..... the final nail in our coffin is not being able to request shifts (we are taking this to the union). We can take a set roster if we want to take a 2 week reduction in our annual leave. However, I am still of the belief that not all places are like this - there must be some out there that are nice to work in??? Unfortunately I am not in a position to go looking - I hope your situation is different. Nicky.

One thing my manager told me is the ICU is controlled chaos....... the ER is not! I am grateful that we usually only have one nurse running the ED, and if the doctor wants or doesnt want something then they have to tell us. The computer system is in infancy and as nobody knows how to use it we are safe for the time being.

Two years ago as a midwifery student baby J graced us with his brief existence. J was as beautiful as could be with dark curls and the brightest blue eyes. He was also the sickest little baby I had come across so far. I remember helping with his respirations while his stared into my eyes. We stabilised him and transferred him for specialist care. He slipped quietly away in his fathers arms 3 months later. A week ago his father comes into my care in a desperate state still haunted by the images of his dying son. Sleep tight baby J.

Nope. It happens in Australia too.

I like to take a small baked potato with a choice of whatever filling appeals to you. However whenever I take that I have no time to heat it bup let alone eat it. Finger food I think is best - unfortunately you tend to eat lots when that happens because we take enough for all the nurses on the ward.

Yes a few times but the one that really comes to mind is...... My dad had just passed away after a very short illness and I was in my first week back at work - I am not sure how I got allocated the end stage terminal patient of a family I knew very well. I went to school with the children and it was their dad. I was in the room with them when he slipped away. I shed a few tears - and a lot more later when I was able to make my exit. I remember the doctor giving me an enormous hug (in fact the same doctor had cared for both of these wonderful men). One of my more human moments. :redpinkhe

Oh good lord! A written complaint because you forgot a blanket?