NursePatty24

Go for it and apply to all of the ABSN programs in NY and in surrounding areas if that's what you are truly interested in! Binghamton University in upstate NY has an accelerated 1 year program for individuals with a previous bachelors degree as well.

You have already had the opportunity to experience nursing in a variety of settings (hospital, HHC, outpatient and telephonically) which has given you insight. You need to examine what you liked and didn't like about each of these roles with a professional or loved one. You should also allow yourself time to reflect on why you left so abruptly and what you can do to prevent that from happening again. If you left on good terms at the previous hospital system where you worked med/surg and psych consider calling HR and speaking with a nurse recruiter- perhaps they can help find you a different position if you let them know that you are serious about contributing to their hospital and would be honored if they gave you another chance. If that is not an option I suggest getting your resume up on indeed.com and speaking with staffing agencies to find out if they have any permanent placement opportunities. If you enjoy working with kids you can send your resume to school districts in your area and get on the substitute school nurse lists. I also suggest applying to any type of outpatient OB-GYN position you can find, that would look good on your resume and hopefully help you get that postpartum job down the road. EVERY nursing role has drama, confrontation and difficulty. Every new nurse and seasoned nurse at a new job has to learn a whole set of new skills and it is not easy. Whenever I start a new job my dad tells me "it takes 3 weeks just to find the bathroom, keep your chin up." I suggest you remember that and keep fighting; keep applying and remember you got through nursing school so you can do this if it's what you truly want. Be kind to yourself and take one day at a time but be sure to choose your next job carefully with the intentions of making a long term contribution.

Dear OP, My thoughts are with you! What you experienced is definitely upsetting and a hit towards your self esteem. I stuck myself with a dirty needle while giving Lovenox to a woman two years ago. (I had been a nurse for 6 years at that time.) I raised her bed up, cleaned the area, had a good pinch and gave the injection successfully. After I pulled the needle out and before I pushed the plunger in to secure the safety device I proceeded to poked my right finger with the dirty needle I was holding in my left hand. I replay it in my head often and think of the potential reasons... it was 10pm and I was behind on my med pass? Patient was extra talkative? I was too relaxed? CNA hollered at me that a patient had not voided all day? Too much coffee that made me jittery? Maybe I was thinking of too many upcoming tasks in my head at once? Anyways, I wish you the best and even though you have not met us in person, you have all of our support. Make sure to follow your hospital's guidelines on blood testing intervals after exposure and make sure to write it in your planner in case the occupational health office does not remind you of your appointments. I hope you are able to take one day at a time and stay positive. Thank you for sharing your story, you have reminded many of us (including myself) to remain mindful during the workday and during tasks.

Papermate Profile 1.4B!! I like it in black. Gel pens aren't my thing, but this has a little gel feeling to it.

wonderful find!! Thanks for sharing, I bookmarked the page to share with my nurse friends. :)

That's a good idea putting them in kitty litter at home.

Every time I waste a narcotic down the drain due to a partial dose order, I can't help but cringe. My floor does not want us to waste meds in the sharps container, and we do not have any other type of disposal method except the drain. Can you imagine the amount of drugs we put into the water supply each day? Have any of your facilities adopted a different type of disposal method? I'd love to share options with my manager/ pharmacists. Thanks :dancgrp: