ChiSmile6

I just want to say very good for you for getting out of a situation that was hurting you emotionally and physically. I can relate to that feeling of dread and fear you talked about when it comes to even just THINKING about going back to a place that is so negative. At the end of the day if you feel you made the right decision and feel relief, then that is all that matters. I truly feel so sorry that you had to deal with a preceptor that sounds just so....horrible. As a new grad you need guidance, encouragement, support, acceptance, and reassurance; she did not give you any of those thing and instead did the opposite. Hang in there and stay strong. You are smart and capable and the only reason you feel otherwise is because someone obviously has their own personal issues and decided to take them out on you!! You are fine, you'll be ok :)

thank you all-your comments make a lot of sense and are helping me see the situation from a different light-great input :)

Thanks you guys. I guess I am just scared that the MD will come in the a.m. and ask "why wasn't I called about this?" b/c I have heard it happening before to other nurses for situations that seemed to be not so urgent. I also am confused at who needs to be notified for issues when there are so many consults for one patients, guess it all takes experience.

I was caring for a pt the other day who had a baseline BP of 120-130/80s. The midnight BP was 94/60. I re-took it at 0100, it was 84/43. I called the surgical resident and he said it's fine, the pt is sleeping, no worries. This pt was transferred from the ICU the previous day and I saw that they had bolused him for a BP of 80/40 previously so I was a little concerned about the low BP, even though he was sleeping. I re-took the BP again an hour later it was 117/60 after the pt walked to the bathroom. I called the hospitalist a little after just to let her know bc she was medically managing, I said the pt's BP dropped last night he is only on KVO fluids b/c his oral intake is good. I told her I re-took it and the BP looked OK. She said ok, so, 117/60 is a normal BP. I said yes, she said nothing, paused, said OK, and hung up. I could tell I had woken her up, but the question is, is what I did idiotic? I felt so stupid after, really really stupid and incompetent. She made me feel as though what I did was so completely out there. I reassessed and yes the BP was ok, but does that mean everything is fine then? That it's just something I endorse to the next nurse? I have only been on my own for about a month and I work nights. I know it will take practice and experience but I just feel unsure about what can wait till morning and what needs to be reported to the doc with a phone call...does anyone have advice? I mean obviously I understand emergent situations can never wait but I seem to be having troubles with other issues a lot like BPs, elevated temps, and what not... Anyone's honest opinions are welcome, I just really want to learn. Thank you

thank u!

I do open my book and study regularly as a nurse. I also have tried sites. The information I get still does not help me understand all the indications for NGs, I was asking on this forum to perhaps get advice based on real experiences from fellow nurses, that's all.

Hey, I was wondering if anyone could give me a brief overview of NGs and the different types, when they are indicated, and what their purpose usually is for. I know after different surgeries it is important to keep the stomach empty, I also have heard they decrease nausea. When/when aren't they attached to suction and what is the difference between intermittent suction and continuous? Also what are the different kinds? I have heard salem, levin, and dubhoff. I feel a little silly as a new nurse asking this and I remember studying NG tubes in books and what not, but I guess I am pretty much still lost when it comes to them. Thank you so much for any help

dilaudid, morphine, toradol, zofran, phenergan is usually IV piggyback, protonix, benadryl, ativan, I too work on med/surg. These are def. the most common ones...especially protonix! I love when I see it ordered PO!

I have done the exact same thing..walk out of a patient's room with all the meds and check AGAIN maybe for the fourth or fifth time..just because I want to be XTRA sure...might sound crazy but it's what helps keep me feeling sane!

I don't know why...but I absolutely hate I/Os!! I guess I am looking for some tips regarding recording I/Os...simple question I know. For the most part, do your nurse aids document the output if they have a foley? What is an acceptable urine output for an 8 hr/ 12 hr shift? Also, do you guys always make sure the pumps are cleared before your shift? About what time do you clear them at the end of your shift? With PCAs, do you make sure to clear the dose and then record that for your shift too?

It's probably hard for you to exactly pinpoint why you aren't fully able to enjoy your job...maybe it would seem better if the nurses were nicer and not as catty, or maybe if they were nicer and more encouraging everything would feel better for you...It can be a number of factors that are kinda blurring your mind but the bottom line is it is a good thing that you are realizing something isn't right and trying to figure out what it is, and now trying to find something that is more your fit. I have noticed that the people I work with really do play a huge part in how I see my job. Luckily, most of them are encouraging and nice, but the ones (especially nurse aids) who have given me attitude or been rude for really no reason, really do affect me, as much as I try to not be a sensitive person.

ICU and ER may seem similar but I don't know how they can expect you do just know everything because they really are different. In the ICU at my hospital the nurses only get one patient, when my friend moved to a med/surg floor she didn't think she could do it because she had 5 patients and sometimes 6!!

so if you can't chart "WILL MONITOR...." then what do you write? for example, we do PIEP notes (problem, intervention, evaluation, and plan) I see most nurses write "WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR..." as the plan. I try to be more specific for example, Plan to offer emotional support regarding new ostomy, assess vital signs, assess pain using numbers system, etc...would this be ok? Should you write your plan in the present tense then? I guess I am a little confused

awesome, that's what I thought too-that you can just aspirate...thank u!

I feel like a gnome with the dansko's b/c they look so much like clogs. I heard they are amazing though, however I feel like they will slip right off my feet. I wear Nikes and I actually really like them. The first couple days my feet hurt a little I think because of the laces but once they break in a little I think they should be fine. I am however having the same problem as you...I work 12's and I think I need to let my feet breath a little more...