paddlelady

One of things that happen in nursing is we tend to take on our patient and family emotions and problems internally. There is a term for this and I can t remember. Combine this emotional stuff and our own stuff and the actual work takes alot out of us. They dont tell us these things in nursing school and how to protect our own psyches and souls. I think taking care of ourselves is one key component . Eating well and exercising and sometimes that can be tough in this busy world but we can try. I worked at a hospital that offered meditation during various times of the day. Gosh this helped me so much. Just to quite my mind and some deep breathing. It was like a small holiday for my body and soul. I lasted 42 years in nursing and so many people asked me why I retired @ 62 and it is so hard to explain the many reasons that I had to . It was taking a toll on my body and mind . They say I am too young. True, but I just could not offer my patients good care when I myself needed to take better care of myself. I wish all those in the profession the best of luck and health .

Try exercise and some dietary changes also. These meds will pak on the pounds and give you lo sexual libido Seeing a naturopath helps . Some amino acids work well with depression.

You should go for counseling as the Lexapro has side effects. It will reduce your sexual libido , weight gain . So now that you are in better chemical balance it is time to start dealing with the anxiety this high will not last forever. Taking care of our inner self is very important esp if you want to remain in this profession. I dont like to be negative but have been a nurse for 42 years and listen to the long term complaints of being on this medication. If you have coverage please go see someone. In addition , some of the imbalance can be dietary induced. Just my experience Be Well & start to exercise it helps.

CAn be that he is not toilet trained. He may have some neuro deficit and not feel the urge to go until it is too late. He may be anxious at school . Be nice to interview the parents. There can be something going on at home. He may not like using the toilet at school as someone mentioned. I know one of my sons did not like some bathrooms when we traveled and had a really hard time using some of them or would refuse. If he is constipated what are the parents doing to adjust his diet? Needs more fluids and veges. Is he really that well behaved all the time? Does he urinate in the toilet? What does the peds doc say about all this. Lots of questions and answers needed and then there can be a plan. I have some friends that have autistic children and they are not toliet trained until they are 7 to 10 years old doesnt sound like he is on the autism spectrum. Just to clarify that point.

You are a brave person to work corrections and I applaud you for that. I think if that makes you happy go for it. You will get some very solid experience and will be making critical decisions just as you would med-surg. Go with your heart and you will be happy.

44 years ago when I graduated from a 3 years nursing program things were not that easy procuring a nursing position. Yes folks 44 years ago. I was broke and living with my parents after graduation. No internet. I walked into what they called then the personnel office. No there were not hiring nurses without experience! Leave and application and we will call you. Well my parents had a phone and they barely answered it. I went from hospital to hospital. There was a nursing shortage back then . I finally opened my mouth to someone in the personnel office and said " how do I get experience if no one will hire me." Guess someone had a epiphany and said just one moment and got a nursing supervisor. Guess what she interviewed and I got hired. I could have stayed and been hired on at my nursing school but I did not want to live on the South side of Chicago. So I ended up at Cook County Hospital ER and then transferred to trauma. Wow did I get experience fast. So I totally understand what it means to spend the time and talk with people. I did not go to the floors as they would not let strangers on the floors at the time . So I was limited to the personnel office. So strange the semantics have changed but the process of trying to get hired and the stress is the same. We did not have intern programs back in the day but they were to start soon. I just had to post as the story reminded me of my struggles back in the day. I respect all of the new grads that are trying to start your careers. Best of luck

My doctor's office has 2 very obese medical assistances. She praises their work and their professionalism . They are are their feet most of the day, schedule appointments, draw blood etc. I applaud her for hiring these 2 women. Just wanted to mention this. When I entered nursing school they would not admit obese students and if you gained too much weight they would give you a warning to loose weight.

I hope that this NM does not abuse her power. It is very easy to use Bullying as a pretext to fire someone that this NM may have other reasons. I would watch my back with this manager until she gains your respect and trust. I am wondering if this is even ethical for her to discuss this in an interview. If it was not an interview maybe she was setting boundaries. I am not being critical this just leaves me a little raw with her statement. Guess I have had to be present to hear how she stated these comments. I do agree that bullying in the medical setting or anywhere should not be tolerated. Paddlelady

I think you are just sharing what is in your heart. No matter what our background it is what in our hearts that count and that we practise nursing ethically. Enjoy your nursing career. Paddlelady

I remembered the clysis well. I too was afraid that the needle would fall out. The patients(now clients) would pull them out ! Oh Ice Cream and popsicles are good rememdies and yes most likely can cause an addiction to even the nurse! I love reading this thread esp with the comparisons to what we did years ago and now . Paddlelady

Perhaps if you have time you should volunteer at a homeless shelter. Collect some blankets and deliver them to the homeless, join a program that will give you fulfillment. You can tutor homeless children there are many things that you can do. Yes, the world is full of injustices and if we all are kind to one another and give a bit it would be a better world. Now that you have purged yourself with crying you can see what you need to do to help those that you are talking about.. Be careful that you dont burn yourself out as nurses we tend to give but their are personal and professional boundaries that you need to learn and you will. Stay healthy emotionally and physically and they you will be able to give within your own personal boundaries . Best of luck to you and take a direction that fits your needs as you can see there is so much need out in the world. Paddlelady

I wanted to say a few things about telephonic case management. I worked in that field and loved it. However, I had an employer that would listen in on the conversations to see how you were handing the cases. It did make me a bit nervous at first and added to my stress level. Then I got use to it . I figured they needed to make sure that you were indeed following the protocols of the company. I also worked as a case manager doing UR for an insurance company. That job was the death of me. I got so sick seeing what happens behind the lines. That I had to leave. I hope that you work for a good company one that fosters learning and growth and cares about its staff. Best of luck Paddlelady:o

I am glad that I am retired. However, I miss my paychecks. I seem to have hobbies that are expensive. For instance, traveling even small local trips, riding my motorcycle, playing guitar, knitting and quilting. Then there is the occasional bottle of wine and a good beer and going out to eat. It all adds up. Guitars , yarn, motorcycles, material etc are an addiction. There is nothing better than wonderful yarn and nice material. As the quilters say: "those that die with the most material win." Guitars are a work of art and a good sounding guitar is not inexpensive. Motorcycles can be very beautiful also and can be an addiction also. Traveling and photography are 2 other forms of spending money. Where to stop. There is so much in life to enjoy and so little time and money. In this day and age groceries are more expensive. When I started nursing I made a grande total of 3.05 per hour and that was working Trauma. Yikes that wont even cover a can of good tomato sauce! Hard to save on the lo salaries even back in the day. Now nurses at least make a betty salary and it is probably just as hard to save as life is so expensive. I also read but I over use the library. I use to go and purchase books but now the library is wonderful and I dont mind waiting for the books. I just keep the list on going and just wait. I have tryed to go to more inexpensive yarn but some of those yarns do not wear well. I need safety gear for riding my motorcycle and once you have that it is good but there is maintenance which we try to do ourselves. Then there is one more child in college and that will end next summer. Yeah! But I think kids never really leave home. So for those planning retirement check on those wonderful hobbies and dreams of yours and make sure you can afford. If not then just walking is inexpensive a good form of excercise all you need is good shoes! Even with the expenses and all there is a joy and contentment of being your own boss of your life. You dont have to deal with institutional stuff and bureaucrats . Some nurses miss the learning aspect of medicine. There are still journals you can read. There are so many new things to learn it can be overwhelming. I keep my synapses busy! This post may be a little long but the reality of finances does change unless you have a supply of unlimited funds. I dont know too many retired nurses that are in that boat. Well unless, they have a spouse that has done well then it makes it more comfortable. I just wanted to share some of the things that I have learned being retired from nursing the past 2 years. I wish all of you in the retirement bracket the best of luck and happy days. If you like or this is not the place it would be nice to share what each individual is doing during their retirement or what plans they have and how you are doing with not having that drated alarm clock on! Respectfully, Paddle lady:heartbeat

Hi Isabelle, Sounds like you are ready in your body, mind and soul to retire. I retired @ 62. I was a nurse for 42 years and my body and mind just gave out on me. I love being retired and do massage and reflexology now only part time from my home . Good way to bring in extra income. You will do well working prn as you will find out you can leave things at the office so to speak and will feel much healthier. I wish you a happy and fulling retirement. Enjoy your self and take care. Paddlelady:yeah:

It's never really over. Guess what whatever you learned on that test you might actually use in nursing. But the stress of the test is over. Whew I am glad those days are over.