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Can you tell us more? How's it going? What exactly are you doing? Very interested!

We have been using it in the ED for while. I was resistant at first. I have found it better for pt's. They are introduced to the new nurse and told "good bye" by the off going RN. Many things come up in report that the pt was not aware of and yes errors are found. Bedside report does not replace reviewing the chart. It is really just a common courtesy I think we ignored in the past. As a pt I would expect it now. Also, best time to reposition patients with 2 staff present. Just my thoughts.

I never saw myself in emergency nursing but it has been my niche for a while. Loved long term care, enjoyed ICU, had fun in med/surg at first. In ER you are a primary care nurse to many who cannot see MDs as they should. Definitely hands on. Whatever you try, give it time to get past the smoke and fog of being new. Wear armor to protect from negativity. Excel in that which intimidates you and it it no longer will. You work too hard for that RN title to let anything take away youe enjoyment of it! Good Luck!!

A great trick is to take a glass of water and hold the cup/bottle. Explain you throat has been dry from pharyngitis if you have to. Everytime you feel nervous sip a drink of water while gathering your thoughts. Learned this from a lawyer friend and have found it to help. You can slightly fidget the cup/bottle without looking nervous but you cant play with it. However, if yo survived nursing school you should know you are only slightly below super hero status now. Many quit, failed, or bailed and you know it. Remember that and be confident!!! Good luck!!!

Thanks a lot. Calrion has seveal conferences after speaking with them. Thanks again. Jeff

I have a hard time giving many patients all very good ratings. Face it, some of them are demanding, smelly, whine a lot, try to tell me where they want the IV, cough in my face, even tell the doctor things they denied to me. I am not sure how to get all patients to rate very good. It would be a great place to work though if all patients were straight "very goods". OH, you meant the patient was rating the nurse. That isn't fair or fun. Jeff

Due to the several other occurances and your daughter's age I tend toward the anxiety theory. However, you should be consulting your primary care physician rather than an ER nurse board. Asking RN's for diagnosis, etc is a laibility issue in ways. I have seven children and can offer non medical observations that all of my children have more "going on" than I could have dealt with. Thirteen is a time of extreme changes socially, biologically, and developmentally. We should pray (any religion/sacred kitchen appliance of your choice) for kids in todays world. Please note that this ER nurse does not attach deep psychological problems to anxiety attacks nor do I believe them to be ridiculous "just in your head" "get over it" complaints. They are very real and scary to those having one. I try relaxation therapy also known as lamaze breathing wiht great success. I still believe as I emphasize to ALL patients, "Any ongoing medical complaints need to be addressed by your primary care physician to avoid your care being fragmented and below your expectations and needs." Jeff

I am looking for any conferences of a 1-2 day duration anyone knows about in Illinois or Indiana. Topics such as ER Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Etc. Offered by hospitals, Nursing colleges, Organizations, Etc. PLMK Thanks, Jeff

Champaign ER, Hola!

Replied to earlire thread also. Press Gainey is a way of measuring what patients feel about hteir care. Please have a rep speak with you. 30 minutes should help you understand them. I was amazed that less than 5% of our patients rated our nurses low. Most were very nice. Used correctly they do help improve patient care. With seven children (oldest in college/youngest 6 y/o) I have dealt with some pretty poor experiences in ER and some wonderful ones. I as a pt have the right to some kind treatment from staff and so do my patients. Lets get our head up and realize how we can help a frustrated parent, child or patient feel better by simply being freaking human. Enough! Sorry! Vented a moment! Where's my ativan? I became involved with PG after considering killing the rep. They are not scary but simply misunderstood. I bet your patients say a lot of nice things. Check it out. Don't focus on the Jeff

I would recommend those using press gaineys contact them and have a rep come speak to your staff. They do present a levelized play field based on hospital size, pt load, and setting. They do measure what the patient feels about their visit. Better than 90% you will find repond positively. Blows your mind but less than 5% just complain. We all have them so they are muted. I used to complain but after taking a whopping 30 minutes to understand them I am no longer fearful of them. Also, just like an SAT test, a small increase of 1 or 2% jacks your score heavily (remember levelized play field or handicap for you golfers). Honest, check out your rep. Jeff

Nursing is full of negative people as well as most professions. Many people will complaine of pay, hours, patients, etc. I have to tell you that I love nursing! It is sad that so many great people become trapped in "jobs" that leave them so miserable in such a wonderful career. If you are unhappy move to another area of nursing or at least a different facility. A flower is a weed growing where it looks good! If you become a nurse simply vow never to let anyone make you hate your life. Everyday I "Debrief" myself on the way home and focus an a couple of patients I made a difference with. How rewarding! Good luck with nursing school!

On the bright side? I went to a school that was just as unkind. Did the class rep thing and all. Graduated with a cum laude in spite of the psycho uncaring instructors. I love nursing. There are better schools out there. My wife attends Illinois State in Bloomington Il and her instructors and experience has been wonderful (NP MSN Program). Do not lose faith. Nursing is not any more difficult than other professions but does have intrinsic rewards others do not. If you are meant for it YOU WILL SUCCEED!! I believe that. Find positive mentors, positive people, positive instructors (every school has them), positive hobbies and positive spiritual leadership (whatever religion/philosophy). Nursing administrators and old hens/roosters are also in the workforce. If any positive is to be found in your unfortunate experience it is that you being introduced to the dynamics of nursing. There will always be a negative force and a positive polarity. Nurses either like there career or do not. Run from those who do not and embrace those who LOVE IT!! Keep your chin up!