hello__kitty

Hey there, I'm half way through my pregnancy and have organised to work up until 35 weeks in ED. Then week by week as my Dr will allow. I agree with the above statements regarding the 'fully functional nurse' but also agree there are sensible limitations which should be undertaken by nurses when pregnant. Only doing triage and not doing basic ADL's is just a cop out to be honest. And refusing patients is also a great way of causing havoc amongst your work colleagues. Though on that I have two requests where I work and usually who ever the team leader is gets a laugh out of it. I always ask to avoid swine flu patients outside an epidemic and patients with raging scabies! My co workers usually oblige because they think it's amusing. But on that, working in ED is havoc some shifts. I work up to 8 days in a row depending on the roster and get nights on a fortnightly basis. It absolutely tires me out and some days I come home wishing I could throw in the towel. I guess the biggest thing for you to do is look after yourself, do the best you can and ask for help early if you aren't coping and your manager will understand. Take extra time to do med calcs, double check any designation of skills to subordinates and if you have the chance sit and write you notes as you go. I am very dubious about working up to my due date in ED as in the past few weeks I have been spat on, bitten, punched by a drunk and kicked and had patients pull me over and that's all in a days work. But you get on with it and remember, every woman in different during pregnancy, and you are the best person to know if you need help, to slow down or to just sit for 5 minutes. Your co workers will resent it slightly but always repay them by helping with cleaning that patient, asking if they need a hand and doing good solid and safe practise. cheers! ( i just thought the icon was cute)