StudentOnceAgain

1. google.. 2. called down the phone book for all MD listed... 3. try hospital education departments 4. ask anyone and everyone you know...

I have recently gone back to school for my MSN+ACNP. If i had know that I would have to find my own preceptors...I don't think I would of gone back. This is one of the most frustrating experiences that I've ever experienced... The begging, calling, and not even be able to get past the secretaries... Can anyone give me tips on how to get a PCP to even talk to me?

Thank you all for your advise and support, which was all I was looking for by posting on this forum. I had read all of the posts and it seems that a few people feels that "this is a part of the job". I really don't feel like nursing school prepared us to be spit on, punched or kicked or else they should be teaching us some self defense... That same pt had also attempted to kick and punch other nurses, and actually kicked a tech in his chest. I also wanted to update you all because his blood results came back - for hep B, C and HIV. Since the transmission rate is so low, I'm sure I'll be safe. Dear aura, I don't know where you figured I was leaning over a pt with my mouth open...I was actually toward the head of the bed a couple steps away from the pt. While I was setting limits with him, he turned his head and aimed his spit at my face. This was also the first time he had spit at anyone, or else I would of been full PPE... Dear Fowlaf, If i was a police officer, I would atlease be able to arrest the guy, my frustration is that I was unable to take action. What do you tell your pts when they fall? "get up and suck it up?" and for the record, I am a damn great nurse.

I've been a nurse in the SICU for a lil more than a year now. yesterday, while I was helping another nurse with her pt who was agitated and going through alcohol withdrawal. The pt spit (or more like splashed) the medication and water that he was holding in his mouth, all over my face, on purpose. His spit got in my eyes & mouth. I went to occupational health to get baseline labs taken, just in case. As nurses, we are suppose to keep our pts away from harm, keep them from harming themselves, but who is suppose to keep them from harming us. This incident just made me really depressed about nursing. I try my best to take the best care of my pts...I put their needs in front of my own. I love bedside nursing...but honestly I have no idea how long i can deal with things like this. I'm sad and frustrated.