LOLRN

You do have a good job. I work on a telemetry floor with cardiac, neurology, and medical patients (a variety!) and our ratio on days is 6:1 normally, and it is the same on nights! I even reported one night to a nurse that had only 5 patients, and I had 6 on day shift. Grrrr... Feels unsafe at times. And, I want to give all my patients great care.

All I know is you have to report the medications you are on to the employee health nurse at my hospital. I am sure there are nurses out there on narcotics for chronic pain or stuff, and if they have a drug screen, they have a prescription for it. The important thing is not to be impaired at work. I knew a CNA that had a prescription for a milder narcotic for back pain, if she had a random drug screen, what can they do? She was not impaired at work ever when I worked with her. She was a great CNA.

I agree...Walmart...hmm... I have the opposite problem with weight. I have always been small, and I am losing even more weight lately, but some of that is due to no time to take lunch and some to loss of appetite. Even when I do , it is hard to relax and chill to just sit and eat and enjoy that time. Thanks for your input. I want to be nurse, I do have my good days some and know it is for me, and I do enjoy taking care of MOST patients (haha), but it is a high stress environment.

I am currently not on anything...just considering it. Benzos are a prn option we are thinking about...I would probably take at night to help me sleep a little better. Even a lower dose in the AM to help. It would not be a problem drug screen wise with a prescription, as long as alert and focused at work, of course. I've heard Klonopin is a good one and discussing it...it sounds like a good option with less sedation and lasts longer/longer half-life in system...and "smoother" (if that makes sense) than Ativan or Xanax...guess b/c it is like a slower release over time in the body. I know like any of these meds, it is one that you get over initial side effects of maybe some drowsiness. I am researching it, considering my options. I have tried positive self-talk, journaling, but still may need a little medication to help with this anxiety, even think I am having anxiety attacks (not full-blown panic attacks...yet) and maybe some minor depression.

I say go back, go for it. We had girls that were pregnant while I was in school. One even had her baby while still in school. Only thing was she was back really soon....came back ASAP, but she did fine. Good Luck with your decision.

Sorry, I will search and check it out. Thanks. Figured it had to be a topic in the past at some point.

I am curious, and this may have been asked before, but how many, who are willing to admit, have had to start an anti-anxiety and/or anti-depressant medication due to job stress or for personal well-being? I find myself making this decision due to worrying too much, not enjoying my days off like I should, like I am still worrying about my work when I leave or when not there, getting stressed out too easy, not being healthy about eating right (although some days it is just too busy to take that lunch), etc... My floor is just really crazy busy. I am considering starting something for this, and discussing it with my PHP. I had a doctor tell me once our general medical health is like a continuum, and you cannot expect to go your whole life without some kind of illness, medical problem, cold, etc.., and that mental health is the same thing, it is a continuum, and you cannot expect to go through your entire life without something, whether it be due to a stressful event or whatever...thought it made sense. I have to learn to take care of myself first, huh? A lot of nurses just do not do that.

I have noticed a lot of gossip at work. I know there is gossip at most places you go. We are a very, very busy floor...how do you have time? You walk around the corner, and find a small group of women gossiping. Well, the other day day I had a patient with a high blood pressure that met the parameters for Clonidine. The family was asking about it (they were very involved in the care!!). Told them she had a "high" blood pressure, and I was giving her this for it, they were fine. Well, one nurse told me I should have said "elevated"..."it sounds better than high or too high". Ok, true that...take it in. She has lots more experience than me. I can take constructive criticism well. Still think I am learning from day to day... I come around the corner THE NEXT MORNING, and she is telling the night shift nurse going off and one other nurse about it...in a laughing manner...ok, laugh at my expense..haha...(and maybe I am being too sensitive on this one, but it does make you feel stupid and hurt your feelings to find someone talking about you). But, I notice this a lot...a lot of whispering, talking, gossiping. How much are they really talking about me? And, I have overheard them talking about other people. I just don't like being a joke to them or being talked about. I know, there is nothing I can do about it. I could be running around like a crazy woman, and some are standing around just talking, on internet, etc.. You may need some help, and you cannot get their attention. I am more quiet too, friendly and talk to people though, but do not have time for all that. I am too busy with charting, orders, meds, pt care, etc... I do not even have time for lunch some days. Anyway...solution-I will continue to work hard, continue to improve as a nurse, be nice to everyone, etc... AND HOW LONG ARE YOU STILL CONSIDERED A NEW NURSE? I have been a nurse for 2 yrs, but I am new to this floor...totally different floor than was working before.