Ariyala

Hi! Just an informatics newbie saying hello. I'm in my third semester at UIC for Masters in Health Informatics. Currently I'm an ICU bedside RN, with 15 years experience. Eventually I'll transition into an informatics position. For those of you RN's who took this route, what was the hardest part of the change from bedside to informatics?

I had a same issue with a nurse. Just rude to me for no reason at all, at the nurses desk in front of everyone. I'm not good with confrontations and I had no idea what to do. I did have to report her to my manager when she treated me unprofessionally in a patients room in front of the patient and family. After that, what I did was killed her with kindness. Even when she was the meanest. This way, she made herself look stupid being hateful to someone who is nice to her. This has been a few months now and I've learned that it might or might not have been personal. Working with her more just seems like she's not very nice in general. But her rudeness toward me has stopped. If I hear her being mean to another I'm my presence, I call her out simply by saying "that was rude and uncalled for." I think she's SLOWLY getting the hint!

I moved to Illinois a few years ago and had no trouble getting mine. The application and all the paperwork you had to submit with it was a hassle. I want to say I received my license in the mail a few weeks after all my stuff was submitted. I've heard that if you're missing a sheet of paper or even one signature, it'll be delayed.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. But Nursing Informatics is working with nurses and doctors at the bedside and with hospitals. Health Informatics is more on the business side of things. You can work with the nurses and the doctors but you also have the training and the opportunity to work for other companies outside of the hospital. Like for the people who create the machines we use in the hospital. Thats how I have looked at it in order to make my decision. I'm hoping to start school this year for Health Informatics.

To each their own I say. Doesn't matter to me what others do. But, in my opinion, the more bedside nursing under your belt, the better you'll be at your advanced careers and the better you'll treat the nursing staff who cross your path. I've seen this with my own eyes. :)

I can do this. My work stays at work. But on rare occasion, Im keeping something in my mind, nice loud music on the way home & when I get there, my dog. She's always so happy!! :-)

We usually get cookies, cakes, etc. This year our main Dr. got us a party tray from a local sandwich shop. And he happens to say 'thank you' often, which isnice to hear!

I agree 100%!! No one knows everything, and we can't remember everything, ask ask ask!!!!!!!

I agree with the others who said just ask him. Think about it, the worst he can say is no, and if you don't ask, you probably won't get it. Go for it!!! :-)

I agree!! It's always nice when Mr. Screamer stops, but then you have to ask yourself, WHY did Mr Screamer stop? Rarely does he/she just falls asleep!!!

It depends. If I'm charting or busy with the computer, paperwork, etc, then no I won't. If I'm just sitting around talking then yes I will.

We've all had our busy nights. Maybe she was "dumping" on you and maybe she wasn't. If you think she needs to be written up, do so, but only from YOUR point of view, observations, and facts. You can't "tattle" (hmm I agree with other posters, aren't we adults?) on someone about things that others tell you. Wish you luck! :-)

At my hospital we are all computerized. I love it, now (didn't at first). Dr's orders are all computerized too!! And now, we can read every one of them without turning the page upside down and backwards!! :) And in response to the power outage/downtime, we go back to paper charting. When a known downtime is on the way, all are MARs are printed, and we have all the old paperwork ready for it, then it goes in the chart just like old times!

Many years ago, I went to a night/weekend school and held a full time m-f 8-5 job. Its doable if you're dedicated!!

I know when I hit bone, it gives me chills! I agree with the others, try to break the tip.

Makes ya feel good when you have a good, busy day doesn't it? :)

hehe yeah I have dirtbikes, street bikes, ATV's, etc. Love them. I know the dangers as well as the friends I ride with. We all ride with caution (while having fun!)! we have also seen how accidents happen and have said "man, if they were'nt wearing helmets.." With motorcycles, in my opinion, they are dangerous but if the rider is aware of the dangers and ride with caution (not stupid), it can be SO much fun!!

Teamwork works for us, but if everyone is busy, the primary nurse has to do it all. I worked at a hospital that used an "admissions nurse". She came in and did ALL the admission paperwork!! She was awesome!

I agree with seeing a podiatrist. I too, have PF so bad it is painful to walk at times. I work in a busy CVICU, and I'm now getting by with shoe inserts from my podiatrist!!

If its a hospital, it's a 24 hour/7 day a week job. I'm not one to put things off & say "oh, the next shift can do it" (I hate saying that and leaving for the next shift) but sometimes you have to. And that includes things you forgot to do. Like Klone, I have called back up to work on my way home to tell them something. :)

HAHA yeah, I'm always standing with my body WAY back stretching my arms WAY out!! I can only imagine how it looks!! And..to the OP...."snotty crotch tissue"..........eeewwww and I'm still laughing!!!

You are right. I need to change this language to be better/more confidant. Vanlo001 - I do help out everyone, sickest patient or not, and sometimes I do get the sickest patient. I will get my CCRN and go from there. Thanks.

haha I like that. Maybe I will, good advice. But, I don't want to step on peoples toes, but is that part of the job? Why do people get mad at those trying to lead (not necessarily me, just anyone)? Should I stop worrying about making people mad, and just try to lead, solve problems, etc?

I have lots to think about and also lots to work on. For some reply's to your posts..... I'm not sensitive (for the most part) nor thin skinned. That I'm sure about. I'm strong willed and the first to jump in and help anyone with anything at any time. And I am polite to literally everyone. When it comes to my wanting to go to CRNA school, I doubt thats it. I've been in this unit for over 7 years. There are some we hire, KNOWING they are only going to be with us only a year, to get the CVICU required experience for school. And besides, all but one charge nurse is in school for NP!! Maybe when they leave I'll have my chance. Gosh I don't know, Maybe I'm just not in the right clique for it. I'll work on my "work personality", however doing so might be tough. I am who I am, and not sure how to change me!! I guess I'll try to find a way to work on my leadership abilities. :)

I'm not sure how to put in multiple quotes, so forgive me for not doing so..... To Chisca - Its not that I want approval, I really don't care if they approve from me or not, I just want the training and opportunity to show I can be a good charge nurse. To NREMT - I doubt they are really 'keeping me' from wanting to do the job, seems I am just being overlooked. Or am I really THAT nieve? Most nurses on my floor are seeking higher education, so its no secret I want to go on, I just don't advertise as much as the others. To llg - I guess I do need to work on my leadership skills. My colleagues DO come to me with questions, when they are busy, and/or having a diffiult time with a task or thinking, etc. I'm not too good at delegating, mainly because the ones who we can delegate to, are either non-existant or won't help. (we don't have assistants and the secretary I work with only helps those she wants - I know, SO petty another topic entirely!) My assignments include everything from the best step-down patient to the one circling the drain so they know I am competent. But how would I go about working on my leadership skills without stepping on toes. I'm not one to be bossy, or tell people what to do, I guess that my problem!! haha Thank you for all your replys so far!!