nslpriv

I hardly know what to say to this ramble. I've been nursing for almost 30 years in various capacities from flight to critical care to public health and I still consider it a great privilege to be a nurse. I work hard every shift but feel grateful for the opportunity to meet and work with my patients. Yes, physicians and the general public can be a pain in the rear and disrespectful but that's about them, not about me. A person's world shrinks dramatically when they become ill, especially to the point where they require hospitalization, ie, nursing.If I can make a positive difference in their lives just for a moment, just with the tasks,duties etc. I perform then how lucky I am. I don't give a rat's patootie if what I do meets the criteria of what someone has decided a profession is. Here's what I do know....if I were a patient and someone with your attitude and cynacism entered my room I would be immediately aware of your lack of caring and empathy and approach to your practice. Do us all a favor and get out now.

Having been through a very messy divorce I will tell you it is the most difficult thing I have gone through and I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I would however, do it a million times again to be where I am today. If you don't love someone...you just don't love them and there is not a counselor on the planet who can help that. I respect your beliefs but speaking from experience sticking it out for the kids sake...I wouldn't recommend it.

Drop out now and I think you WILL regret the decision. You are going to meet some amazing people and make some lifelong friends over the next 2 years . The struggles you will have WILL be worth it when graduation day comes. Keep your chin up and move forward. Your kids AND you will not regret that decision. Life can be tough but being a nurse ROCKS. Good luck with your studies.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

It sounds like being a preceptor to this particular nurse blows but I must say that being a preceptor is usually a very positive experience. In this case you must document your concerns and bring them to your manager's attention. Patient safety always comes first. If this nurse hasn't been able to grasp the basics by now my guess is she never will. Maybe she looks good in the mirror but her lack of mastery of the basic skills and poor development of critical thinking skills leave her, you and your institution wide open to potential problems. Now is the time for you to take positive, forward action to getting this nurse out of the ICU. She deserves someone sitting down and being very honest with her and pointing out the areas of concern. Don't give up on precepting. You sound as though you have your act together and have alot to offer other nurses. Good for you.

A timely article for me. Very inetresting, very good information and very well written.