Msleely212

I started on this site as a nursing student. I loved the wealth of knowledge and variety of the postings. I rarely post but like to come and look around. I have noticed the increase negativity also, which granted is everywhere. I have noticed this is the norm for most sites. Read a news article comments and it will quickly turn negative. Sometimes we need a pat on the back, a little encouragement, or a reality check. I have been a nurse for 5 years, and many days I am ready to throw in the towel. I chose nursing to take care of people minus all of the other "goodies" that come along with it. But I have to take the good and the bad. This site use to be a good place to vent but now it's a great soap opera. Grab a glass of wine and have a seat!!

Congrats. Don't let anyone or anything stop you. I barely made it into nursing school with way too many obstacles but it all worked out. 5 years later I can say I love what I do and the people that touch my life daily. Keep your head up. HIS plan is so much greater than ours!!!

I will get on my soapbox just for a few minutes. I have been a nurse for 5 years. I have always loved taking care of people. Nursing school was an experience I would not wish on my worst enemy but it was well worth it. I think there are a lot of differences between nursing school and the profession of nursing compared to 25 years ago. Basically the nurse has to do everyones job including the MD, pharmacy, and everybody else. We must be on top of everything to keep our patients alive and as a nurse that is what we signed up for I get that. But basically we call the docs and give them orders, we have to make suggestions, and hold everyone's hand. You have to come out of the gate ready. I have recently left the hospital setting, I love taking care of patients but the drive by nursing care, kicking patients out the door before they have recovered knowing they would be back by the time your shift starts in the am was too much for me. I want to help people get better or assist them through whatever transition, they are going through. I have since ventured in to home health. It's amazing how much information you can share with a patient when you can focus your attention on one person. It is also interesting to see a patient on Coumadin and Lovenox and it appears that the teaching was lacking. I could go on and on, but anyway. I know how it is trying to discharge a patient, give pain meds to another, and admitting another, and try to keep the other two breathing all in the blink of an eye. I am about quality not quantity. I agree nursing is hard in any era, but many things in nursing come with experience and someone taking the time to share knowledge. Instead of being negative take a moment to help a fellow nurse, because someone will have to care for you at some point.

I started HH at the end of December after working in the hospital for 5 years mostly telemetry. The company I work for uses an android device. Once I got use to the software I am getting faster. I am loving HH because I was usually the nurse ready to help when needed but did I did not socialize much with co-workers. People always assumed I was the quiet one but I just preferred to take care of my patients and stay to myself. I feel this job fits my personality well. I have to go into the office once a week for case conference, also if I need supplies or new packets. But all the needed info is on my android, including a rolling 7 day calendar with my patients, with access to H&Ps, orders, and other notes from SN, PT, OT, MSW, or the office. I am enjoying being able to focus on one pt at a time, I actually feel like I am accomplishing something. I was very nervous to leave the hospital because I felt it was more stable, but I was miserable and losing my passion for nursing because of all the tasks and issues on the floor. I am not saying HH is perfect because there are some things I run into that drive me crazy, but at the end of my day I LOVE NURSING!!

Great post. I have been a nurse for 4.5 years and I must admit your post means so much. The hussle and bussle of the floor really makes it difficult to spend quality time with our patients (which is what I truly love about nursing). When I get a moment to bathe a patient or feed them I just love it. We get to be human and interact with our patients. With all the new devices and treatments there is nothing that can ever replace true compassion, caring, and human touch. I understand your excitement. Don't let anyone take that away from you. True nursing is a gift that very few understand.

I worked in the PACU for about 6 months. One night I grab my husband's arm while he was sleeping and told him he had to stay in bed. He was startled because he was only trying to turn over in bed. I thought he was one of my pts trying to get out of the stretcher. It was definately a good laugh, my husband didn't know I was that strong.

To send a little encouragement. I was accepted into UTA with a 3.0 GPA. It was a rough road, I was wait listed twice and got accepted on the second go round. Only a semester after my initial application. I always say once you're in everybody is on a level playing field, because nursing school is like no other. Some people have book smarts and can't apply the info and there are others who have difficulty with the material/test but are great when it comes to clinicals/direct patient care. I would say I was in between...LOL. I graduated May 07, passed NCLEX with 75 questions and just began my ACNP program this fall. Currently taking 2 classes while working fulltime with an 18 month old and husband at home. Adv Patho 92% avg and Theory 91%. I am telling my story because it is possible. I believe in prayer. Good luck to you and your friend.

Hi everyone, I just started my first semester for ACNP program/part-time (2 classes). I am trying to decide if I should switch to a weekend (two day alternative) position. I am looking at the 7p-7a shift. I have a 18 month old at home and a husband that works 8-5 M-F. I currently work in a day surgery unit 9a-9p 3 days a week. Things are working out well for me now, but I am not sure if I should switch. I don't know if this will be beneficial for me when clinicals begin. I just wanted a little feedback from others who are/have done this shift. Thanks

Hi everyone, I am looking for a little advice. When I graduated from nursing school I went straight to a medical ICU unit in a small hospital (10 bed ICU). Long story short, I had a baby and returned PRN. I had also started a new job in a day surgery unit PRN, while still working ICU PRN. It started getting slow at both hospitals and the hospital where I was working ICU had no positions open. I was offered a neuro ICU position elsewhere and also a PACU position at the PRN hospital. I decided to take the PACU position because it was already at a hospital where I work, good hrs (so I thought) and closer to home. Survived for 6 months due to unsafe staffing, and just all around putting my license on the line issues. My dilemma now is that I have moved to a much nicer hospital but I am working in a day surgery tele unit. I truly miss ICU and I just started school this semester for ACNP. I would like to transfer to the CVICU but I have only worked MICU and it has been about a year. I feel that I am so rusty with my skills. When I worked PACU we would care for CCU patients but only for about an hour, I haven't run drips, dealt with vents, etc in a while. What do ya'll think