Crispy Critter

Ah, yes. I also remember hospital patients smoking in bed. The holes burned in the linens. Putting out the occasional waste basket fire from a still hot cig. There were even cigarette machines in the hospital. I really hated to see patients smoking after they had pain meds. It's a wonder the whole place didn't go up in flames!

People come to allnurses to vent. Sometimes for sympathy, suggestions, or just to get it off their chest. I don't understand why some posters feel the need to make harsh, unhelpful comments. My suggestion to lumbarpain is to try home health. The pace is slower and you do have some autonomy. You have developed assessment, organizational and time management skills that would serve you well in home health. If you feel this miserable working at this place, then look for something else. No job and no amount of money are worth hating to go to work. I'm having the same feelings you are, and am looking to go back to home health. People who have jobs that they enjoy are lucky, and I don't begrudge them that. But being judgemental of others who work in a stressful, disorganized and unsupportive environment is not beneficial to anyone.

Anyone remember using heat from a light bulb on decubs? We also used O2 right on them also. This was in the early-mid 70's. Geez, I am so OLD!

If the doc nixed getting a sitter, I don't see what else you could have done. He was even right across from the nurse's station. Please let us know how this meeting goes. I'm curious to see what the big dogs say you should have done. Hope they listen to your safety proposals. Good luck tomorrow!

Sounds like she's Coo-Coo for Cocoa Puffs.

I also was only allowed to answer the first two questions before I was booted out. What's up with that?

Took care of an elderly unmarried lady named Hotsie Totsee. (Last name Totsee.) Wish I had asked if she had any siblings.

How are things going? Give us an update!

I speak from experience-don't do it unless you absolutely can't tolerate it anymore. I won't go into the details, but I gave my notice after I could not endure one more shift in a place ruled by fear and intimidation, and worried about my license. I felt sure that it wouldn't take me long to find another job. After all, despite my age (60's) I had lots of great experience, most of it in hospitals. Was I ever wrong! There were hardly any jobs available, and I think ageism did play some part. I used up all my savings while looking. Many is the time I have kicked myself for quitting without having a job to go to. The stress of working there was less than the stress of having a months worth of bills due and one dollar in your wallet! I have never quit a job without having another one, and I'll certainly never do it again! It took me over 2 months to get the job I have now, and I have been stressed every single day of that time.

You are NOT being a baby! What reason were you given for this change? I wouldn't be able to get all that done, no way no how. Sounds like you should start looking for another job! I just don't see how anyone could get all that done in anything but a half-a$$ manner at best. This is not fair to you or the residents.

I love this show!

As I pulled up to a patient's house, I saw that the place was full of police cars. As I had suspected the patient and his brother (who lived with him) were up to some shady bidness, I just went on by, thinking "I'm sure not going to that house again!". Turned out a body had been found in their backyard shed. Big time drug dealers. The brother had shot him but hadn't gotten rid of the body yet.

How did your meeting go? Give us an update! I would also be fearful for my license and my residents.

As I'm driving to the good ol' LTC- Highway To Hell by AC/DC

I worked in an LTC that told us that we were not to sit down to chart; we had to stand at the counter. And just to make sure we lazy nurses didn't try to sneak chairs to the desk after they went home, management turned our station into a big, bare resident lounge. They put little pull down desks on the walls outside every other room. We were not to sit on any lounge furniture or in resident rooms. Everyone in management supported this...of course, they all had an office with a desk and CHAIR! I thought that was a bunch of crap, so I gave my notice. I've been a nurse for over 40 years, and I've never seen nurses treated with as little respect as they are now.

It sounds like your life is good right where you are now. Some people can never adjust to nights. I know I never could, even after doing it for almost 2 years; I felt like crap and had no family life. You already do charge so they know that you're capable. If a charge position opened up on days I'm sure you would have a good crack at it. Make a list of pros and cons. Talk it over with your family. See if it is worth it to change things so much. From some of the things you said, you have some serious doubts about this job. Even though it could be a great opportunity for some, I think in your heart-of-hearts you know you would probably be unhappy. Good luck with whatever you decide, and keep us posted.

In Indiana, employers have all the power. They can require you to work however many hours they want you to, without any notice and require you to be in for your next shift, no matter how few the hours in-between. If you refuse, you can be fired. Indiana law also makes no provision for ANY type of break, no matter how many hours you work. I looked up the link above on PA overtime laws ...wish Indiana would address this. It's difficult to give safe patient care when you're exhausted.

1. Indiana-East Central 2. 40 3. SNF-national chain 4 26.00/hr 5. None. No holiday pay. No raises for the past 3 yrs; management states probably none in the future. Time and a half for OT. 6. Nope I rent a 3BR 1.5bath house, 2 car garage for $1,000/mo. It's a small town and they control utilities- water, sewage, electricity $200-250/month. I plan to move out of state in the next year or two, so all this info is helpful.

I agree with the above poster. You will be nervous, but resist the urge to chatter. I was observed doing an assessment and med set-up. The surveyor was just there to make sure clients were cared for properly, but she watched everything while chatting with the client. It went fine. My agency gives clients a bright yellow folder on admission which contains their care plan and med list, as well as a list of important numbers and other pertinent info. They are told to keep it where it is easily reached, and as a case manager I would ask to see it on each visit. Some families like to keep a copy of the med list on the fridge. If you feel confident that you're doing things the right way, then just stay with your routine. Everythin' be ok.

Many agencies DO consider SNF experience. After all, many HHA clients are elderly, and you certainly have experience in that area. I would go ahead and apply. Best of luck!

Hello, Hazyblue. Just wanted to know how you're doing. We care about you, and some of us know what you're going through. Please update us when you can.

At the nursing home where I worked, we frequently got late admissions. Sometimes the e-box didn't have what we needed,and it always seemed to be the same drugs. We talked with our pharmacist and she said that we could request to have drugs permanently added to the box when we saw the need. Why couldn't your pharmacy just add what you commonly need to the ebox list?

Just wondering how you're doing. It's not easy having a horrible job,being a single parent, and dealing with the emotions that you feel when your husband leaves you. I have been there and I know just how you feel. I hope things are better for you now. Please give us an update and let us know how you are.

I have worked in both large teaching hospitals and small rural ones. I agree-in teaching facilities, there's always a resident jumping in to do the good stuff and ancillary departments also horn in on the fun. In small ERs and ICUs, you have to work twice as hard to keep someone alive or from crashing-because it's all you, baby! I have intubated, run codes, placed EJs, ECGs. Sometimes it's scary when the helicopter is delayed. But all the rural ER nurses I've known have been very sharp with a wide range of skills.

I agree with Caliotter. Just continue with the ASN and don't worry about LPN training. Then all your credits will transfer to a bridge program. Good Luck!