UnewmeB4

AMEN! I once dealt with a pts son everyone "Knew" was planning on suing. His Mom had been "dropped" on the floor after knee surgery when getting her oob. Since then, she was always given to the agency nurse, or float pool nurse. The DRs wouldn't come when he was here, exacerbating the problem. I took a deep breath, and had a heart to heart with him, telling him everyone was doing the best they could. His initial response was,"I don't think so". I said I was sorry he felt that way, but, I reiterated that NO ONE came to work to injure anyone, and that we all came to work hoping to get our pts better so they could get out of here. I went on to say we are all human beings, caring for human beings and that is the best we can do. I was indeed sorry for what had happened. That calmed him down to where we could have a conversation. ANd eevn when handled well, it is exhausting. Just DON'T take it personally.

Unfortunately, we all run into a Dr with SMS(short man syndrome) who has to compensate by making himself appear much bigger by attempting to make others appear little(by belittling THEM!). I agree, ask him where he REALLY wants to be, because there is nothing worse than being at a place you do not enjoy.

Better yet, why was the pt even ordered a pill if he had an NG. THAT order should have been clarified before giving it, p.o. or via NG

The Red Cross in Harrisburg, Pa is giving one day courses to prepare people to go, stating they will need people in shelters for the long haul. Maybe it depends on how the organization functions, region by region? One thing I will give them credit for, my nephew assisted a pilot who crashed into their trailer park, and they did excellent follow up and counselling with him. Again, his Mom had a not-so- good experience with them in the next county! I guess the organization is as good as the local people runing it.

All I can say is...GOD BLESS YOU! Personally...housework always was the least of my concerns. Seriously. How old are your children?

OMIGOSH! THAT was the answer to end all answers :chuckle :chuckle

I have been a nurse for 30 years. I love it as much now as when I started, possibly more so. There is no greater reward than having a job you love. I have shared people's greatest joys and deepest sorrows. My life is so much richer. My daughter initially was going to be a school teacher, and had one semester in at school and hated where she was. Came home and was working in daycare(You want to talk about sucky PAY!?). She decided she wanted to be a nurse. I was THRILLED. I told her to work as an Aide so she knew what she was getting into, and sent her to work on the hardest floor in the hospital(but, also with the BEST group of nurses). She graduated in May, and has passed her boards and is a nurse in PEDS. NOw, we are BOTH happy nurses.

Know that you are going to survive this. PLEASE! I see that pounding heart, and it makes me feel so sad the way new nurses are treated. I can only imagine how many new nurses are going home getting ulcers worrying about losing their licenses after someone has ripped them apart for "not knowing". This is not a job you learn in a few weeks or months. I have been doing this for 30 years and am still learning new things all the time. Try not to let these people make you feel incompetent. You at least documented your conversation with the Dr. I would have charted it in the nurses notes as well.

All I can tell you is the experience of my nephew. He was probably adhd. He was extremely busy from the get go. He was a handful(and an only child...wonder why?) He played football, the wrestling, which was the turning point for him. Wrestling, with all the physical endurance was his "cure". He did well in high school(after being held back in 8th grade by his Mom). He finished college. He now has an outdoor job, which is physical. He taught himself to play the guitar in college, and is now a well adjusted young man. Other people I have worked with have their kids in the martial arts, which has made a huge difference for them.

When it rains, it pours, and the older you get, the more you will see the cycle that is "life". We all go through the same process when someone we know dies. Doesn't matter that we are "professionals". When we have a loss, we are in shock, we grieve, we ask "WHY", even with all our knowledge, we are not spared the effects of death. Just remember, it isn't the end for them, it is a transition to another life. We are the ones left feeling the loss. They have no pain, no grief.

I do sometimes think age can be a factor as well. The old lady with a broken hip may do fine with tylenol. A young person who has never really experienced things like childbirth, broken bones, smashed fingers, etc. is shocked at how much something hurts! I do think as well, people do have different pain tolerances built in. Some people feel better yelling with pain, others whimper, all human.

Just for the record, I brestfed all my kids. For me, it was a matter of cheap,health, and ease. I do not advocate guilt trips. Serve NO purpose, otherwise, we would have no booze,no tobacco, no sexually transmitted disease, etc. There were breatfeeding advocates protesting in front of our hospital yesterday, decrying how our policies "Damage" babies. These Moms and a couple dads, had their infants and toddlers with them in 95degree humid weather. some allowed them selves to be arrested, going limp, being handcuffed...in front of their CHILDREN, who were too young to comprehend the whole scene...and they are that worried about the hospital "damaging" their babies for a couple hours away from them??? What in God's name were they thinking?!? I, personally, thought a well written editorial citing reasearch would have been the wiser way to handle their concerns.

Perhaps, WIC should not give vouchers for formula, thereby, allowing us to teach these young moms that they already have a full milk supply built right in...at NO COST! And, I always tell them, it is lesss "stuff" you have to carry around in the diaper bag. Cheap, easly, no bottles to wash, buy.. etc. Sometimes, it is easier to appeal to the economics of the situation, especially, for those where money is an issue.

Write a note to her manager as well. It is good for her eval. There is nothing more important than thanking someone who is especially good. The acknowledgement (for me) is the most important thing we can do for other nurses.

Bless your heart! Not many people "get it", that we don't know everything about everything. Bad things happen when a patient does not understand what is going on...no matter who the patient is!