citylights89

As a research nurse, I've been feeling the same way. Then, my institution decided to prepare for the possibility of a surge by having all nurses in the institution do online module training in case they have to be called to go back fill the positions that were vacated by nurses who volunteered for the COVID-19 team. As soon as it seemed like a firm possibility, I didn't want to go anymore. Fortunately, they are not putting anyone in a role that they do not feel comfortable with, designating several levels of care for people to be assigned. Our research patients need us too, and I just try to think that I am still helping out because my patient's needs don't go away because COVID-19 exists.

Mission Control at NASA or an automobile design engineer. I love cars! NASA would be a trade of stress for stress, but astronomy has always interested me.

I say let them be there, if they wish, as long as they don't get in the way. However, from my personal experience, I would NOT want to be present to see a family member of mine being resuscitated and can't understand who would want to. Unfortunately, a little over a year ago, I had to leave work and go to the ER (in the same hospital) because I was told that my Mom was sent there. I was scared; I didn't know what was going on. When I found her and saw her unconscious, my world came crashing down. When the Rapid Response nurse identified who I was and told me she had coded upon arrival, I broke down. Even though I wasn't there, since I have seen how CPR goes and knowing that my dear Mom went through that tore me up. They got her back, but she was only with us 6 more days until I lost her. I can barely handle a code now, even when they aren't mine. I nearly had an anxiety attack last week after just seeing the Code Team; I didn't even see the patient. It brings back sad memories. I thought I had healed some, but apparently not.

We got cake, food catered from an outside restaurant, and pretty nice thermos with a penlight and scissors inside. Last year, we got the same cake and food, along with a portable charger.

CityLights = a combination of song titles from two of my favorite bands. "City of Blinding Lights" by U2 and "Big City Lights" by Black Stone Cherry. And, I like city skylines. 89= the year I was born

I've never been in bedside, so I really can't compare the OR to the bedside in my experience. However, the OR has it's own caveats. Get ready to be a runner for everyone. Sometimes it feels like there is no respect and you are a handmaiden. Stress from patient interaction is not really an issue since the patient is sleep, but stress from interactions with your coworkers, superiors, and physicians will replace it.

Every day that I hear that phrase I am reminded on how silly it sounds. I am a nurse, not a waitress, not a maid. I just figure if I can do some small task, so can you. Don't be such a needy baby. Then again, there are people in my department who can't even throw away their own trash. Babies.

I only do OT when I'm on call. Other than that, most of the time I'm at work I'm thinking about when I can go home. The best part is when I get my paycheck and I start the cycle all over again. Good thing I don't have a lot of addictions and fancies. I try to keep my bills to a minimum. Less bills = more simple life.

I work 10s. It's right in the middle for me.

did they do an x-ray of his abdomen for part of his testing? my Mom was nauseous all the time until she was rushed to the ER and they found an abdominal perforation. It was too late at that point.

Wow, these tales are really descriptive. Although I appreciate it, I have to stop reading this thread. I'm about to cry. Too many bad memories about my Mom.

Dang, I would have jumped on that opportunity!

Sometimes I have good days, but there are a lot of bad days when I feel a modicum of disrespect. And what is up with people asking for things all at the same time? If I'm feeling feisty that day, I let them know that they basically need to take a number.

Now that's just lazy of them. I didn't know it could get that bad. In fact, one of my co-workers told me that they heard one of our anesthesiologists (who I actually respected) tell a resident that the OR nurses were their nurses, also. What does that even mean?

Mostly anesthesia. They can never do anything for themselves. I get that they have a lot on their plate, but when they are 4-5 of them screwing around at the head of the bed and only one of me, why can't one of them pick up the phone or some other mundane task anyone can do? I've been in the OR close to 3 yrs now. I feel like the teamwork only goes one way- from nurse to everyone else. We are expected to help out but I have to ask others to help. It's not automatic for them.