PACU R/N

Other suggestions? Yes! All universities are known for inaedquate nursing training! Nursing has deteriorated since University training was adopted. I and most of my hospital trained colleagues would say - attend Uni lectures - 2 blocks of 8 weeks per year. And spend the rest of the time doing paid work in the public hospitals. With 3 months in each ward and operating suite, to gain a grasp of how a ward/operating suite functions.This would address declining nursing numbers. Ohh, and the new registered nurse can confidently take on the role. As it is at the moment, the new registered nurse cannot perform all duties because they have to waste a year working under new grad conditions. This is my observation after being in the nursing workforce for 27 years and still working! There is always hope for improvement.

Hey dream8, I'm another "happy" bedside R/N back in Op Suite, as anaesthetic/recovery room nurse, and on part-time night duty! Had to go to the wards for 15yrs, as the hosp. admin. would not give me part-time shifts when I had my beautiful daughter 17yrs ago. Ended up in Cardiology on nights part-time. Always wanting to return to Op Suite. "Good things do come to those who wait" And it can get hectic at night...to me this is rewarding work.

Hi, keep your chin up...remember we nurses are in demand. I must ask though, what amount of nursing practical did you do whilst doing your training? Oh yes you're smart enough...Is there a particular area of nursing you like? Perhaps doing some aged care nursing will help - less pressure. In my area of Western Sydney(Australia), the undergrads don't spend much time in the different areas of nursing. During my General Nurse training(was hospital based training, no University then), we had to spend 3 months in each area, working all the shifts. That I feel gave us good grounding to be able to work in any setting. Back to the present, there are clinical specialists and clinical educators in all wards and specialty areas to assist new grads and older nurses returning to the workforce. I don't know how the American system works in hospitals. With the nursing shortages you have, one would think that you would be welcomed with open arms... cheers

Hey Lizz good question...By age 15yrs I felt nursing was for me. I did have a religious upbringing, maybe that had something to do with it. Wanting to help humanity. You don't have to have to be pretty. We're always in demand, a machine won't replace us. A guaranteed job for life. I've been in nursing for 28yrs. Enjoy the interaction with people. This is our community service...OK we get paid, we have to live. Yes we can close the door behind us and leave work there. Wondered what I would do when I retire. Worked as a volunteer for Red Cross for 2yrs giving Cosmetic Care to Nursing Home residents,whilst working part-time nursing. And loved doing it. I would most likely go back and do this in the future.:)

Hey Lizz good question...By age 15yrs I felt nursing was for me. I did have a religious upbringing, maybe that had something to do with it. Wanting to help humanity. You don't have to have to be pretty. We're always in demand, a machine won't replace us. A guaranteed job for life. I've been in nursing for 28yrs. Enjoy the interaction with people. This is our community service...OK we get paid, we have to live. Yes we can close the door behind us and leave work there. Wondered what I would do when I retire. Worked as a volunteer for Red Cross for 2yrs giving Cosmetic Care to Nursing Home residents,whilst working part-time nursing. And loved doing it. I would most likely go back and do this in the future.:)

I agree with you. There should be a requirement to look neat and tidy. In my early nursing days, we had to use title and surname when speaking to Doctors and senior nursing staff. I don't address my self to patients using my first name. Always state - Sister Tozer. You can tell I'm of the old school.

From an Australian R/N perspective Kora - I agree with you. In our hospital uniform we now look like the office worker, and it makes me feel as though I should be sitting in front of a computer with headphones on. Yes, I would like to wear something white. Prefer the pants, with a plain coloured top, and pockets of course. Some of our shirts have such a busy print on them. I wouldn't like to be a sick patient having to look at them. No caps. I was one who had to wear starched caps, cuffs and wide belt with the white dress uniform and starched apron over the top. Must say it did look good, but was uncomfortable. While we are here, I would like to be addressed as Sister, not by my first name/christian name. Doctor still gets addressed as Doctor by the patient.

Yes some ward nurses do forget how critical the nursing gets in here. In the OR that I work in, we are rostered to be anaesthetist assistant on some days. I prefer pacu. When doing call, we are expected to be anaesthetic nurse and also circulating nurse, and recover the patient as well! I get the feeling they (management) will try to get us to scrub as well. Multi-skilling? I've been back in the OR for a year now, after 13yrs night duty in a medical ward.

Hi Lace, Can you remember why you got together in the first place? I do when difficult times appear. Also look at the relationship as cheque and balance. You say you are changing. Sounds like you have fallen out of love. Is he still attractive to you? He should be at the centre of your life. Do you want to make an effort to change together? Don't stay, because of your son. It is difficult parting company...Sometimes it is for the better. And yes I'm changing too...I guess that's why I'm kinda glad I work different shifts. 31yrs together now. We have almost parted company a couple of times,but had discussions about the difficult issues. Don't know how the future will pan out for me. We have a daughter doing her HSC this year. I don't want to disrupt her emotionally. I will re-evaluate our relationship at the end of the year. Follow your heart, I say. I suppose a marriage has ended when 2 people are not sharing their lives together. I wish you well whatever your decision...

:) Hey there, I can understand your "burnout" in acute care nursing - do take the step to switch nursing speciality. You will be welcomed. Say you want a change...you can still use your clinical skills and have satisfaction in nursing! Actually have done the opposite to you. I started in OR but had to go to wards as I wanted to do part-time. I was devastated for quite some time. Went onto night duty for 13yrs. Poor sleep patterns were beginning to affect me. Always wanted to go back to OR. Attended ICU/ED introductory course and Anaes/recovery room nursing quick course. Am much happier and sleeping better. Goodluck Girl - once decision is made you will do well