ferfer

I just had to reply to this post, it is so full of emotion. For myself, i have one girl, three and a half years old. I have minimal support, but enough to get by. I chose to go to school to provide a better life for myself and for her. It is true that time is limited, but quality is more important than quantity. When I am with her, that time is for her- not homework, not phone calls, not cleaning. It has been a tough road to be honest, but I would not change it for anything. I am only months away from being an RN and she is not so old that I have missed everything in her life. I stayed home with her as a baby and now she goes to a fantastic daycare, Daycare could be another thread in itself, but it depends how you look at it. I shopped around, so to speak, and found an excellent facility. My girl has made friends and learned how to socialize and interact with other children. Her language skills have excelled and she is cared for by a wonderfully supportive staff. I feel she will be better prepared for the structure of school. They teach the kids manners, cleaning, they do crafts and have theme weeks, they have story time, and they go on field trips. She is in swimming lessons right now. It in no way replaces "mommy" but I do not feel that I am just dumping her off. It is true, there is guilt associated with not seeing your child as much, but I always weight the benefits over what I would be doing. If not school now, where would I be? I might be working two full-time jobs at minimum wage, just to make ends meet, and would see her even less. My advice, never give up on your dreams, and remember to prioritize. Some days, there will be times where you might have to put the work down as the kids will need you more than getting an A on an assignment. But it is possible, whether you do it now or later. Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!:)

I will help clarify. I have one friend , or supposed friend, which is the woman that called the lab. The person in the lab is a good friend of HERS, not mine, and the one that gave out the info. I am concerned that if she could access my lab data results once, than what is to stop her from doing it again in the future! The way it works in this city is all the labs are under one umbrella. It is a huge computer database that has all previous bloodwork/labwork ever done, etc. It could be accessed at any time and that is nobody's F**king business!!! I have nothing to hide, but that is my choice, to reveal that or not. I don't like having that right stripped away from me. I am almost kind of afraid of this "friend". She has severe mental illness and I do not know what she is capable of, whether it be personal harm, or harm to my child or telling lies to my place of work/school or.....who knows. Obviously someone that would do this to a friend in the 1st place is not right in the head! Nevertheless, this friendship is so OVER and I will not stand for this. I will report it and just hope that this doesn't turn into some big chaotic thing in my life. Goodness knows I am busy enough!

Thank you for everyone's responses. I am still very upset by this and deciding what to do. I have never heard of HIPPA, perhaps because I live in Canada. But I am sure we must have some sort of privacy law as well that regulates this. I do want to report the lab person and her, but again, fear repercussions. I wrote an e-mail to this person asking her what she thinks I should now do and explaining that I am hurt and upset because I trusted her and she broke that trust in a terrible way. She did not respond. So I have some decisions to make on how far to go and how far I will let this affect my life. But, I do know I cannot just let this go completely because she can now look at my info at any time!! Even in the future. So, something must be done. Perhaps calling this lab 'friend' and asking hher to coffee and explaining how much this has affected me and threatening that if she ever does it to anyone I will sue her and get her fired, etc etc will end this. Do you think? Is that just foolish and wishful thinking? Sigh.......cannot believe after 3 days I am still just as upset as when I first found out.:angryfire

A friend of mine knew that I had some bloodwork done. She called her friend that works at the lab and had her check her databases for my results. I am outraged and feel so personally violated. Not to mention that it is so illegal. The problem is, if i were to take any action I would be alienating a friend that has a lot of issues going on- possibly severe mental illness. There is no telling what she is capable of if I upset her. She has made suicidal threats in the past....she would be the type to go out of my way to make my life hell if I did anything. But i am so angry about this and feel no one should have access to my personal information without my consent, and that something should be done. I need advice on what to do without facing repercussions!

My opinion is one slightly different. This cannot be a cut and dry issue and there is not enough info to go on for a proper response. Is this worker angry, perform unsafely, grumpy to pts or just staff? Some examples? If his behaviour is out of line and jeopardizing things than maybe the best thing to do is approach him on a one to one basis. There are often so many hidden things that people deal with at home and outside of work that we are not aware of. While that does not excuse his behavior, maybe he just needs someone to point it out to him in a way that is very open, honest, and non-judgemental. We do not know why he is this way in the first place. Just ask. Saying something like " I have noticed you getting very upset lately and I find myself feeling scared when I am around you" is honest and opens up the conversation in a way that he may give you answers or finally realize how he is acting. If this fails, than absolutely begin to up through the chain of command. Always document as well.....all good advice from previous posts.

I am about to start my psych rotation at an imfamous "mental hospital" and am curious what it will be like. I am very nervous, not sure how to communicate with those with mental illness, not sure if I might say the wrong thing. Plus, what kind of care will I be giving? Besides meds, these people do not have physical things to watch out for as much and I wonder what I will be doing all day. Any ideas? Any misconceptions I have that should be cleared up?? Edited to Add: I also hear manipulation by patients can be a challenge. How can I avoid this??

:) I know exactly how you feel. It is nearing the end and you wonder if this is even right for you. And the more you wonder, the more you think it is wrong. The only thing I can say is that even if you do not want to do it now, do not stop school! If you finish, at least you are giving yoursef the opportunity to change your mind. And at least you will have a diploma or degree behind your name. It will open up many opportunities. Nursing is not only floor care, but can be home care, school nursing, community health, management, doctor's offices, private business, etc, etc. I know a nurse that had 2 kids and started her own business, "strollercize" for new moms. She exercises with new moms and babies than they have healthy snacks afterwards and gab about their kids and life. She makes great money and loves her career. I know another nurse that teaches in schools, does CPR classes, and nothing else. She loves it. Trust me, do not give up at this point!! It is true, you have come so far. And even if you do not ultimately choose this as your career you will be so glad that you finished! You will have such a sense of accomplishment and a lot of skills and traits that would be valuable in a host of other careers. Also, knowing that this is a very common feeling among many of us about to finish may help give you that needed push to finish it up and give yourself TIME to think things through. In the mean time, explore the other options in nursing. Shadow some RNs that work in other areas for a day. Write down a list of the things you like and don't like about nursing. Review why you began in the first place. DO NOT STOP AT THIS POINT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU WILL LEAVE NURSING!!! You will be so glad you did! I wish you the very best of luck!:)

You know, I have been thinking about this since I posted yesterday and I really hope you got him to go in!! Especially considering the extreme thirst. You don't want to take chances with someone so important to you. Keep insisting if he hasn't gone in yet. Let us know how you make out!

Yikes! There are many possible reasons for coffee ground stools - yes, one can be a bleeding ulcer, or bleeding in the intestines, hemmorhoids, GI cancers, colitis. One must not assume that this is something that can wait. Hemmorhage is a possibility and can prove fatal. Now that is absolutely WORST case scenario, but I always err on the side of caution. Don't panic, but do have him go to the doc's ASAP!! As for the tough macho man thing, I know it is a hard thing for men to give up on sometimes. The only thing I can suggest is telling him the seriousness of this!! This cannot wait a few weeks or days. I would, if it were me, go in right away. Just persist in trying to persuade him. Also tell him you are only pressuring him out of love and concern!! I have no other tips for that issue. However, if he chooses to not go in right away than you need to keep a close eye on him! Track his stools, see how frequent they are, how much, if he gets severe or worsening pain, make sure he is getting enough fluids as to not dehydrate and be prepared to call an ambulance if he lets this persist for any length of time. Having all the info by keeping track will help the docs/nurses out. Good luck- I'm rooting for everything to be OK!!:)

:) We have a cure!! Here in Alberta, Canada, one of the hospitals discovered a "cure" several years ago. It is islet cell transplants from pancreas donors. The cells are implanted and begin producing insulin, leading to a complete cessation of injections!!!! The unfortunate part is that there are so few donors and these treatments are reserved for brittle diabetics. Type into a search engine the "Edmonton Protocol" for diabetes.

So sorry this has happened to you. It is true, some of us come on here just to vent for a moments time. We all get angry or upset or irrational in the moment, when the next day we are truly fine. The person that did that had absolutely no right to do so! And yes, you have every right to be MAD!For a lot of us, this is a safe place because we do not personally know people, and we also assume that other nurses will understand and relate. We can receive support without being made to feel bad or weak, etc. I never thought of the possibility of this happening but I can see how it might. Guess we need to protect our personal information more carefully. I know I have said things on here that I do not regularly share with friends/family because I do not want to. And unfortunately it has made me think twice about doing so any further:angryfire The person that did this to you is absolutely out of line and must not have anything better to do in their OWN life. Good for you for bringing this issue up! I am interesed to hear what others have to say about it!

:) I know where you are coming from, my 3 year old daughter has struggled with the same since birth. It is unfortunate but these things seem to all go together, allergies, asthma, imunnosuppressed children. Keep in mind that the prednisone has its good and bad points. It may help to control the asthma and chronic inflammation in the airways, but it suppresses your child's natural immunity and makes him more susceptible to infection (bronchitis, pneumonia). Is he in daycare at all? That makes things 10 times worse. Increasing the meds can help and often times specialists can prescribe doses that are not recommended by the manufacturer out of liability, but in honesty are safe for a child to take when there are no other alternatives. My little one hates the neb. When she got a bit older we switched to using a spacing device with her inhalers. It allows to her breathe it in naturally and as she has gotten even older she now understands that she has to breathe it in DEEP. But, if your child is to young to understand these concepts you have to go with the neb, even when he hates it.I do recommend you see a specialist. My daughter sees an pediatric immunologist that specializes in the testing and treatment of asthma and allergies. It has helped immensely. I also had a tiny spot of black mold in my bathroom at one point. It seemed to get bigger and my daughter was very ill. After I did research I realized we had to move and have had minimal problems since. Plus, furnaces irritate children with asthma/allergies as it just blows dust around. Get it cleaned, change the filter bi-weekly. If you have carpets, consider getting hardwood. If this is not an option, get a vacuum with a hepa-filter on it and use it DAILY. Its a pain in the rear but makes a difference. Also you can buy air filters that help, as well as certain types of humidifiers. Don't be afraid to increase the meds if your child needs it! But if you are very uncomfortable with it you can always seek another opinion! Good luck!:)

You already know that something fishy is going on with your daughter/father and their relationship. You need to do something about it, even if it is just to get to the bottom of the real issue. If your daughter refuses to talk about it that is a huge red flag. I am not accusing him of anything but this warrants further investigation on your part!! We as mothers, have such a responsibility to care for our children - please don't drop this just because she won't talk about it. I hope you are realizing from the response on these threads that this is sending out red flags in all of our minds. Even if you have not recognized it, it should tell you something that some of us are believing that this is not normal. Our only wish is for the well-being of you and your daughter!!!! It is also fishy that he insists she showers at his place. LOOK INTO THIS FAST. As for the bathing, once every couple days is fine for a child that has not entered puberty and has dry skin. Your doctor will agree with you. YOu should not be pressured into bathing her more often because HE tells yo so. Best of luck!!!:)

:) :) BBQ time babay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring is in the air- I think I have spring fever! The birds are out the sun is shining the air is so fresh and crisp, I am just sucking it in and loving it! I got some some beautiful lillies from the store purple and white and gold/yellow.:) Nothing like a little sun to lift my moods! I've been out for a walk, out to the park with the little one- how's the weather there???????

:eek: Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa!!!!!!! Hysterectomy should be a last resort- especially at such a young age! There are many complications to having this done at so young, and it should only be used when all else fails!!!! There are many causes of cramping and bleeding, endometriosis, cysts, scarring of the bladder or uterine wall......I can go on and on. I hope that she persists in seeking help. Trust me, just getting a hysterectomy is not going to be the be-all and end-all of her problems!! Just my advice.....

The reason she is not being looked at seriously is that she can eat and drink, although it sounds as though she is having difficulty swallowing a bit. Who knows! I give up on doctors right now, I am frustrated

:eek: Sounds very similar to what my daughter has right now!!!!! She had strep but was given Erythromycin. 2 weeks later....she now has these spots/lesion type things on her mouth and tongue, red eyes (thought it was pink eye) and her face is swollen!!! Thought it might be from steroid use (she has Hx asthma and allergies). Took her to doc who seemed less than concerned, took another swab for strep and sent me home. Told me to give her "warm drinks":uhoh3: Wonder if I shouldn't take her back in pronto after hearing this!!! My prayers are with you and this little one. Keep posted.

I need quick replies as I need to write a position paper on this but haven't picked a side yet. The real question is do you agree or disagree with the statement "mental health nursing require many skills and interventions that are also required by other areas of nursing (ie. peds, med-surg)"

:uhoh21: I have been hearing a lot lately about what REALLY hits you when you graduate and how much there is that you don't know and will need to learn. Can anyone tell me their experiences with reality shock out of school and/or why it happens......and/or tips on how to deal. It will be nice to know what to expect when I get out there. I am graduating in December this year and VERY nervous!! I'm thinking OMG, I am gonna be a nurse? Responsible for someone by myself!!!:chuckle

Wow, I do know exactly how you feel to have the feeling of uncertainty. I have had blood in my urine and abd pain for over a year. It took several months to convince my doc to do further investigation......though it shouldn't have!! Then I had a bladder scan, normal. Then a kidney/bladder ultrasound- normal. Then a cystoscopy which showed scarring, redness, and swelling on the bladder floor. Doc said no big deal- says it results from having previous UTIs that have hurt the bladder, but not a malignancy. Says come back if you have any more problems!! What?! I am nimrod! I have pain all the time. Recently I have looked into something called intestitial cystitis and sounds like it fits my profile, although I have recently seen a new doc and he wants to do all this kidney testing. Sigh......enough about me! Just wanted to convey that I know it is hard to think positive and you might get the run around like i did. However it sure beats thinking negative and the power of the mind never ceases to amaze me!! Also, keep in mind there are cases of completely benign hematuria. Hang in there and it will all turn out for you:)

Nurses that are brilliant but do not know the difference between contraindication and contradiction! :rotfl: [video=youtube_share;23NI4OuxB9A]

I absolutely agree with you:p Some of the names you mentioned I have not even heard of yet and I am almost done!! Are you in the US- that may explain different learning. Some of the models I have learned- Nightingale, CFAM, McGill, Roy, Orem, Watson Anyways, I agree, we do need to keep our eyes open to new possibilties and challenge ourselves to stay open minded. It is only when we close ourselves off that we stop learning:)

I absolutely agree with you:p Some of the names you mentioned I have not even heard of yet and I am almost done!! Are you in the US- that may explain different learning. Some of the models I have learned- Nightingale, CFAM, McGill, Roy, Orem, Watson Anyways, I agree, we do need to keep our eyes open to new possibilties and challenge ourselves to stay open minded. It is only when we close ourselves off that we stop learning:)

I may only be a student but I do see the use for nursing models already in my practice. No, I could never say "what would Florence do?" or any other theorist for that matter. However, we use these and variations of these models to guide our practice. It may not be a conscious action - for example your assessments and interventions may be automatic for you, but in reality they may be right from a model or two. I do agree with you, however, that some of them are quite, well, . Perhaps they are not quite on the money yet. I do know that I put them down for a long time until I worked through one with a patient and saw how much I had missed and how much more effective I became afterwards. Just a thought...........