jgrossberg

I can only say that, on the unit, when there is difficulty amongst staff members or difficulty involving physician conduct, or difficulty in specific patient care situations, there is always the "chain of command" option. If your nursing school is not offering the support you need (notwithstanding all the Jean Watson nursing theory, seldom applied to nursing training itself), I would then go to the Dean of the school and bring my concerns there. Bear in mind you may not get the response you want there, either, as many schools maintain their philosophies as a reflection of their leadership. Whatever happens, may you find peace. In retrospect, I think being a plumber would be an honest and financially practical alternative. Lots of job security.

Anyone ever dismissed from a nursing school after "failing" an assessment skills competency because of getting one blood pressure "wrong"? Just curious. I am a nurse, and it may be about to happen to my (very competent, already has one degree) daughter. Jan from Colorado Springs CO

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses for many years, and an RN, I take certain exception to your use of the word "REQUIRE" in all caps. As Witnesses, we are guided by scriptural principles, and ultimately by our consciences. Our "religious leaders" provide direction and guidance based on those principles. This is no different that what Jesus himself did. However, final actions and choices are always those of the individual Witness making decisions, whether that person is a nurse, doctor, or anyone else. All situations would have to be responded to on an individual basis. If I profess to believe that the scriptural guidelines were ultimately provided by God, I can go check for myself what they state and can use all my resources in resolving matters. Those resources will include the so-called "religious leaders", the Bible itself, and my own trained conscience, as well as legal and ethical principles involving patient care. I am only "REQUIRED" to obey God based on the vow I consciously and willingly took, after lengthy education and meditation, to live as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. You seem to paint a picture that makes our "religious leaders" look like dictators who rule over our very hearts and minds, which is very far from true. In fact, Jehovah's Witnesses have a Governing Body which guides congregational activities and clarifies scriptural issues, just as was done back in the first century over the issue of whether Jews who became Christian were required to be circumcised. Those elders made clear, scripturally-based statements to all the congregations at that time, to assist those struggling with whether or not to carry on earlier "traditions" that were no longer mandatory. So today, we recieve such clear messages. But ultimately, each of us must choose whether to listen and act accordingly, or not. Any JW RN may have conflicts that arise, but no "religious leader" commands that he or she act in a certain way. He or she can check to see what scriptural principles apply to certain situations, listen to the direction given by the Governing Body, if any, and make choices accordingly. She will not be forced into any decision, but would be well-advised to thoughtfully consider the admonition, applicable at times of conflict of law: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." - Acts 5:29. There are times that "saving a life" goes much deeper and has more profound meaning than just getting someone out of the hospital physically better off than they were when they came in.

I heartily second the thanks! Nurses are an amazing group of people.

Don't mean to badmouth Penrose, but when I did clinical rotations there, the nurses were pretty stressed on the units I worked. But then, they were med-surg, and I think med-surg is just that way. However, I do think the ratios are higher at Penrose. Also, Memorial North is REALLY in need of night nurses, especially in the Birth Center. Anyone out there who likes the Rockies and wants to work in a totally new hospital, apply now! Help 'em get this baby up and running (no pun intended, but...)

Sorry took so long to reply. They will provide you with $100 for uniforms, but you can also buy your own. They are solid navy blue. You probably already know this by now. Again, Welcome to Memorial.:welcome:

Always check your IV lines to be sure they are connected to the patient, especially if there are several lines running. Just had the embarrassing experience of administering IV Pitocin to the floor under my patient's bed for a couple of hours. No wonder she didn't develop the expected adequate labor pattern. In this case, no harm done...but no less a mistake. Nursing 101 is easy to forget when you're in a hurry.

Congratulations! With the opening of the North facility, perhaps you will be less busy than before on Ortho/Neuro. Are you working days or nights? Come down and visit L & D some night after shift change. Ask for Jan. I'd enjoy meeting you. Look for the long gray hair...:-) Welcome to Memorial!

Overall, I think Memorial employees are satisfied with their jobs. The hospital seems to be making efforts to weed out those who may be "great doctors and nurses" but who treat fellow workers or patients poorly. The new North facility has some issues, as can be expected, but no worse than any new hospital would necessarily face. I have heard from a friend of mine who has been there for four or more years that Denver's Childrens' Hospital is a really good place to work. I have only been there since last August as a new grad nurse, but I feel that the team I work with is great. They don't "eat their young", and are very supportive. Hope all works out well for you, wherever you choose to go.

Working at Memorial as new grad Birth Center nurse. However, did do clinical rotation on ortho/neuro. Staff is very nice, pace is really fast. 32 beds, 50% discharge rate/day (15-16 discharged, virtually same number admitted daily). Patients stay 1-2 days max, then generally go to rehab (same floor across hall). Nurses paid hourly based on years of experience, same rate for all nurses in hospital, starting at approx. $20.50 for new grad- $42 million in unreimbursed care yearly (I suspect the pay is lower because we all "donate" to that community cause - if you have no money, they will still treat you, whereas Penrose sends you to Memorial if you're broke.) Hope this helps! Jan Grossberg RN, BSN, Colorado Springs, CO

Very cute. Lucky for me I'll be working the Birth Center - not too many testicles...

Congratulations on pursuing that BSN! I am a 53 y/o JW who just completed that process. I passed NCLEX (whew!) and start a new job on L & D floor at local hospital here in Colorado Springs. Your concerns were indeed answered very well by the other posters here, but I would add that a GREAT place to get information regarding not only Jehovah's Witnesses and their treatment, but information on non-blood management of many different diseases and medical conditions, is www.NoBlood.org. Thousands of medical professionals and lay people use the site from around the world, and all are welcome to discuss relevant topics specific to these subjects. So if you choose to do research involving non-blood management of some patient you encounter, check out that site.

"Not dealing with a full deck" appears to describe mental illness. "Slimeball" is a pejorative term that I am surprised a professional nurse would stoop to without being fully apprised of all details of the individual's behavior and possible reasons therefore. Judgmental attitude + firepower = danger.

I know it's been awhile since this thread was started, but I came across it and wanted to respond. I am a senior nursing student and have finally decided that L & D is where I want to be, despite the "bad bad bad" that can happen. In my fifty plus years of life, I have learned that, as Solomon wrote at Ecclesiastes 9:11, "...The swift do not have the race, nor the mighty ones the battle, nor do the wise also have the food, nor do the understanding ones also have the riches, nor do even those having knowledge have the favor, because TIME AND UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCE BEFALL THEM ALL." As nurses, as human beings, we do all we can, we help, but we cannot guarantee the outcome. I feel sure you, and the others who commented here, did all they could. I admire the hearts that can break over unfortunate circumstances, because they care. I hope I work with women and men like you all. Also, thanks for your honesty, through which you teach others.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Many happy faces to celebrate your passage. Work hard, be safe, care for others, but don't forget to care for yourself. Rock on!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: