Sparx28

wow you have some valuable experience! Keep in mind, many nurses will have the same bad attitude even once you're practicing independently. It sounds like you are a diligent, careful nurse. Don't ever let anyone rush or intimidate you! You'll discover the resources on your unit and who is more receptive to answering you and helping you learn the ropes.

I'm a new nurse and it is definitely hard work. I find myself totally drained after a long shift. Consider looking into public health, school nursing, physician's offices, flu clinics, a smaller ER, oncology, hospice (where your warm compassion might be appreciated). Even trying another unit within the hospital. If you really feel that the management isn't doing a good job organizing, maybe try another unit and see how you adjust. I find it takes a lot of time to get organized and manage all the tasks including the paperwork and patient care. It takes at least a good 9 months to a year to really get a rhythm and feel comfortable.

Ohio. I think it took about 2 months, but there are hardly jobs here. Look at Texas! I think there are several needs and opportunities.

Hey, I graduated in '08 too, so I understand all the anxiety esp when it comes to talking with management. I would definitely clarify what happened. At this point, they would probably put a note in your file but since you don't have a history of diverting meds i doubt they would penalize you. Yeah, it's a pain to have to wait on pharmacy, but from Tylenol to steroids to pain meds we should wait on them to restock bc it's easier to deal with the delay than the mess it can cause by cutting corners. It's also confusing to have to remember who you gave what and it's easier to do it right the first time. I couldn't find 2 Darvocet pills before and i was panicking because it was the end of my shift so I did'nt have much time to look(and i also work nights). I went and told my manager who was so scary about it and she made me write a statement. She also told me to never carry around pain meds for long. You should pull them and give pretty much right away. Luckily, when i went back to work that night, I found the pills underneath the keyboard inthe patients room what a relief. But it's our mistakes that teach us better practice. Another thing to remember is hwen you pull up 1 mg, waste the other immediately, preferably with another nurse VISUALLY witnessing you. And like another nurse suggested, go through ALL pockets before you go home.:)

i've been a nurse for 9 months now and I must say that I just adore the nurses who take the time to teach. You can either choose to be a curse or a blessing to your coworkers. We all forget things. I've collected specimens that were ordered 2 WEEKS ago too. There are lots of little pet-peeves we hold and when these things come up, instead of complaining about "night shift" or "day shift" or so-and-so, say it directly in a calm and supportive manner to the nurse. I didn't chart Dignicare (like Flexiseal) output once and a nurse said, "i noticed you didn't do this yesterday..." and she told me to write the current level as well as the amount (i just wrote the level). And she explained how it appears on physician IO sheets. Easy, 1-minute fix. remember the basics...communication is key and realize that the learning curve takes time. encouragement is a better motivation for change!

I am doing an internship now that lasts 3 months. I have to either work 1 year to pay that off or I have to pay 18k to cover the expenses of this internship. I HATE it. I hatenursing.I can't stand the condescending docs, impatient patients, the random little tid-bits of things to remember on the job. I'm naturally a little ADHD (untreated)and my mindis so scatter-brained. I tried towrite everything down,but I dont have TIME for that. I feel as I did in nursing school... like however hard iwork, it is never good enough. I'm always forgetting to chart something...or assess something. I admire the critical care nurses and their ability to problem solve like,if notbetter than docs, but i don't think i'm able to endure the years it takes toget to that level of knowledge and comfort. I can't helpbut feel trapped... i have no idea what else i could do except for nursing. This stress is not worth the paycheck... and I'm considering paying over 15k to break this contract and get out of this terrible field that causes me severe anxiety that is turning into depression ... any advice or suggestions?

try texas...

Earlier this semester, I was offered my pick of units/shifts from the hospital where I completed my nurse externship. However, I did not want to close doors or remain indecisive for too long, so I simply declined. I am content with my decision because I have found that my interests are different than what I thought just a few months ago. I spent a lot of time looking at jobs all around the US, but HR departments are terrible and everything felt so impersonal. Everything either seemed unappealing or extremely competitive(like the JH Internships). Now, here I am graduating this week jobless. I am so discouraged and I don't know where to begin because I feel like applying this late comes off as "lack of motivation." The truth is, I started to struggle in my last nursing course and I prioritized studying over job searching. I am flexible and willing to go anywhere and work in pretty much any shift or unit. I have an excellent work ethic and I get along well with patients. Anyone have any advice?