kxvc

I also struggled as a new grad. I was shy and quiet, and most of the techs I worked with knew me in my previous position. I had little to no respect at first. For the most part I did lead by example. I helped out and was as understanding as I could be. I remembered what it was like to be a tech; I didn't want to be "one of those nurses." Respect goes a long way, but it is a two way street. Sometimes I have to pull out my "big sister voice." I did have one tech laugh in my face (no joke) when I delegated something to her as she was chatting up her buddy. I was in a bit of a panic with a pt who wasn't doing so well, and I didn't appreciate her response. I looked her in the eye and sternly said, "I need you to do this NOW, please." We eventually became friends, and she turned out to be one of my best techs. No write ups were needed, and she never did that to me again.

Just watched a show recently where a patient was in surgery...for her eye. She codes. The 5 docs in the room (yes only docs) look at each other and one says, "We are losing her! What do we do?" Then they all continue to stare at each other before the commercial break. OMG, I just about lost it! haha "What do we do!" Make sure my doc never says that if I code. Ugh HATE it when they shock through clothing. I also don't get the whole stabbing someone in the heart with epi to bring them back to life. And they so magically shoot up and start talking. A team of 4+ docs seeing the pt in ED and following their care though the entire hospital with minimal help from other staff. Yeah. Right. House. Although I still like to watch it. I was just remembering a time when I went to see a movie with a friend/fellow nurse. Good thing the movie theater was empty because we kept laughing at all their silly mistakes! Too bad I forgot which movie it was.

I wasn't new, but I was in a hurry. I was alone trying to put an NG tube in my pt, who was so sweet, and thankfully very cooperative. In my rush I forgot to clamp the end of the tube. I got a bath in NG contents (there was a lot in there) until help happened to walk by and see. I've certainly spilled saline all over me. I've done the IVPB thing too many times to count. I've also fallen in front of a few patients over the years. It's funny, and embarrassing, that they become more worried about me and my bummed knee than themselves. I'm sure I've done many, many more things, and will continue to do more no matter how experienced I get.

LOL - I used to be a phleb many years ago, and thank goodness for that training. My friend, a lab tech, was telling me a story just the other morning about a nurse who was freaking out because all her red tops kept clotting. Poor nurse didn't know any better.

I just made the switch from ER to ICU nursing. I love ER nursing, it's where I started as a new grad, and I know I will return to it some day. I just thought having ICU experience would make me a more well rounded nurse. That being said I can totally appreciate both sides of the coin now. The mentality is very different in ER and ICU, and that is probably why they tend to clash. In the ER my focus was keeping my patient alive with the little info I had. In the ICU I know every detail about them, and then some. I think both are excellent positions which require great skills in critical thinking, assessments, independence, and team work. As a previous poster stated I also think ER nurses can benefit from a day in the ICU nurse's shoes and vice versa.

I also think she went too far. I do think it was a bit harsh to fire her, but that's what happens when you play with fire. I have tried to protect myself by making my FB as private as possible. I also have 2 different accounts, one for work friends and one for close friends outside of work. Regardless, I am always careful about what I post on either one of my accounts.

Over 5 years ago I was desperately wanting a job with one of the big hospital chains in my area. I put in over 230 applications for different positions in less than 6mo. I applied for a phlebotomy position not even knowing what a phlebotomist was, but they were willing to train. I got a call to interview, and I had been praying because I still didn't know what a phlebotomist did. The first thing they said when the interview started was that they were looking for a secretary and noticed I had secretarial experience. I got the job, and 5 years later I am still working with this company as an RN. It has been a blessing to work for them, and many doors have been open to me because of it. Moral of the story: Never Give Up!

One interview before graduation 5/2009. Was accepted for the job. Started immediately after graduation as a nurse extern. Passed NCLEX in 6/2009. Times were tough. I took the first chance I got.

When I do something silly, I often find myself singing... "If I only had a brain!"

Something along the lines of seeking out new opportunities, the desire to learn/explore a new area of interest... I would advise against speaking negatively about your previous employer. No matter how terrible things may have been. If you must mention anything at all I would say something like, looking for a better fit. No one wants to hear about the drama in your previous place of work, no matter how true it may be.

kxc100 had some great information. I chose ED because I had been a tech in the ED and loved it. My job right before nursing school as a medical interpreter allowed me to go everywhere in the hospital, even the OR. I saw few departments who worked as well as a team as our ED did. When graduation time came I realized I would have to do Med/surg until I could transfer to the ED because of the economic crisis and the difficulty finding jobs. Luckily, I landed the job of my dreams. I love the ED.

Isabella is usually in charge as she is used to getting her way. She does wear a gentle leader so I can "control" her while on our walks. It works great, except people often mistake it for a muzzle and are afraid of her. She likes to "ride" me by sitting on my lap when she gets the chance. She thinks she is so petite. I'm thankful for my big baby. She is able to easily hold her bladder the 12 hours I am away at work.

I'm the single mother of a 130lb great dane. I work to keep us fed and insured. :) It's a hard life haha

Good luck to you in finding a job! I'm SO glad you spoke up! Other opportunities will come your way, I'm sure. You worked way too hard to get where you're at today. Don't let anyone take that away. Best wishes!

Psych pt under observation wanted to take off his gown. Nothing on underneath and glass doors equaled a bad combo. RN: You need to keep your gown on sir. PT: WHY?! RN: Because everyone can see into your room, and you'll be exposed. PT: I don't ******* care! RN: Well, I do sir. You're going to scare the kids passing by, and they don't need to see you naked, nor do I. Not another peep and the clothes stayed on, THANK GOODNESS! OR The patient who was lucky to squeeze 2 vicodin from the doc prior to being DC'd. RN: What's your pain from 0 to 10? PT: A 10. *big toothy grin* Did I answer that right? RN: It makes no difference to me. You're still only getting 2 vicodin. Pt laughed. He knew I wasn't gonna BS with him.