soozeeqrn

We have those same type syringes in 3cc. The manufactirer says that they have the same pressure as a 10 cc. None of us, including our PICC RN's trust it, so we still all use the 10cc.

I wish that all IV tubing would have a J loop type conector at the end of the tubing near the patient. Often we will get a field stick with gravity tubing admitted for 23 hr obs (Field sticks must be changed within 24hrs per protocol) and we have to put the IVF on to a pump because they are getting antibiotics, etc. The tubing needs to be changed to our pump tubing. We have to go all the way to the catheter in order to change it over, risking infection or dislodging the catheter, not to mention the stress to the patient. I work overnights and last thing pt's want to do st 0200 is have to deal with more poking and prodding. Something simple like a "break" that unscrews 3 or so inches from the patient (catheter) would avoid this problem. Sometimes patients come with an ER start like this also. Thank you.

I agree with Dave the Nurse. I also live completely upside down and keep almost the same schedule. My sister is home with a couple of little girls and I get to spend a ton of time with them without always invading their family times when my brother in law is home from work. I have been doing it for 7 years and love the hours. Most of my co-workers do the napping thing and they are always dragging butt. I usually spring out of bed at about 930 pm. Good luck in finding a schedule that works for you. Sue

When my pet bunny is sick of listening to me vent, I write to get things out of my system.

I work 11 pm to 7 am on a post-op floor, so it is not unusual for us to have a family member stay over night. I once had a 25 yo male patient who had incision and drainage of abscessed tooth. He requested cots for 4 family members. He also wanted us to order guest trays for all of the family members. After very politely, explaining that it is not possible for more than one of the family members to stay, he was furious when we still wouldn't order breakfast for the whole group who was planning on coming back early in the morning. The family called the house supervisor, who explained that their requests were unreasonable, she provided them all with the cafeteria and visiting hours. The funny thing is that he was a 23 hour observation. We have also, on more than one occasion, had patient's who want to have a young child ages 7-12 stay over night to "Help" take care of the patient. There really is a shortage of common sense out there. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to spend some time vacationing in that "self absorbed" world. lol

When I first started working night shift, I wondered if it was because I looked really tired or something. After asking the other night nurses they all said it happens to them. Sometimes it doesn't matter how many times you explain that your ARE awake and that they are NOT bothering you, they still don't get it. lol It also never stops amazing me that these poor souls don't want to bother you for something like pain meds or bathroom assist,when there is the other group who call for you to hand them a tissue when the box is right next to their hand.

I have worked the night shift for 5 years now and could never see myself working days or pm's. I worked days for 17 years and never got used to the hours. My body has never felt better rested or more in sync than since I started nights. I was used to the sleeping pattern in one week. I also love the teamwork most of us share. We do have one cna who is a toxic personality who does what she wants when she wants, but that's another story for another time.:innerconf

Continuing Education is one way to go. I have been an RN for 12 years and have worked on a very busy 47 bed ortho and general post-op floor. We also take overflow from just about everywhere else in the house. I work night shift and still learn at least one new thing each shift. Beside CE, I have learned a great deal from asking questions of more experienced RN's. The thing that I like most about my current unit is that all of us routinely consult each other about difficult cases (Within privacy regulations) When we get a new grad or a float, everyone tries to make the effort to mentor them. As a result we have a reputation as a good solid team of skilled nurses and cna's. My advice is to use in service offerings, ceu's and more experienced colleagues as resources. Good Luck

I did not let my license lapse, but I had worked in MD office for 7 years after graduation and really didn't feel qualified to safely return to the hospital setting. When I chose to seek employment at a hospital. I took an RN refresher course and negotiated a longer orientation like they do with new grads. I have been working on a post op/ortho floor sucessfully for 5 years now. Good luck, Sue

We do not have rotating shifts at my hospital. Some RN's chose to work some day and some pm (3-11pm) shifts. All of our overnight staff works straight overnights by choice.

Hi, I have a similar story. I had only done office nursing for 7 years since I passed boards. I was able to get in to a hospital (My first choice of hospitals). I negotiated a "New Grad" type, longer orientation and have been working on a busy post op floor for the past 5 years now. Give it a try. What do you have to lose? Good luck with your adventure. Sue