Acarter2618

Crushing these pills can be dangerous because they are more rapidly absorbed and can cause GI problems. It might not be a med errror but it isn't good for patients. The pills are huge and for a 90 lb 100 year old woman they are huge!

Everyone is different. It can still be done but for people who devote their lives to helping others sometimes they forget about themselves. I think we know better than anyone how important it is to take care of ourselves. I don't think it is "whining" maybe some people just need encouragement.

Thanks for all of your posts! I am wondering if the tablets are dissolved are they more rapidly absorbed? Do they cause GI problems ? Also any ideas on the expense of different pills. I work in a dementia unit and cost is a factor.

Being a new nurse is a little scary. They must have faith in you if they hired you. Use your training and make sure you ask your supervisor who you can turn to and count on if you get stuck on something. I feel better when I know I have back up. That being said there are a lot of opporunities at most hospitals for internal employees. After you have worked for a while mention in casual conversation that you might like to try med surg or OB "someday" then when they have an opening your fellow employees will mention it to you and you can apply.It works well because it is best to have nurses in depts where they are comfortable and happy. This improves morale for everyone. I have rarely met a nurse who has only worked in one dept their whole life so it is okay to move around a little.

Nursing is difficult and there is a lot to do. It seems many nurses make "short cuts" to get things done rather than doing them right, maybe at the expense of the patients. Warmth is a quality I have noticed that many nurses have lost particularly in long term care. I was offered a really good position after a short time because I smile! Funny huh? Actually kind of sad. The bottom line is money and time is money so they want you to get your work done quickly no matter how it is done. I would not worry about rapport with coworkers too much because the gossip is out of hand in a lot of places. Have rapport with your patients they are the ones who need it most. I would suggest maybe home health or hospice if you can do it. It doesn't pay well sometimes but for an older compassionate nurse you might really feel rewarded by giving care to someone who desperately needs it. Keep up the good fight and I will pray for you. Just from your post I can tell you are a great nurse because you care and that is the core of every good nurse!

Is there an inexpensive alternative to the giant potassuim pills? Big pills can't be crushed and they are too big to swallow.