mcrow

I think the safest way is to get into the habit of first giving the med, then signing it off. There are just too many distractions that may cause you to forget to go back and to chart that the patient refused. [This message has been edited by bshort (edited April 24, 2000).]

Being overworked may not be the issue as much as working unsafely understaffed as most nurses do. The pay is not a big issue either other than when you compare other jobs in the hospitals where I've worked. A position requiring a license is often paid less than one which requires no formal training or continueing ed. It's a matter of respect. Working for myself at my home based business gives me the most satisfaction. At least I know the work I am doing is appreciated and there's a lot less stress.

At our clinic, some of the doctors schedule the patient to come back for test results unless it is routine lab. Other doctors keep a log of test results they are expecting and call the patients with abnormal results. Most normal test results are not called. It is expected that in those cases if the patient continues to have problems they will come back in.

I have never actually refused an assignment, but at a legal inservice we were told a nurse could refuse an assignment if it was considered beyond their scope of practice or if the assignment was considered a danger to the nurse themselves. That could include a whole lot.

I would have to say that most of the pediatricians we work with do respect us all, but they seem to have more respect for the one RN than the three LPNs in our outpatient clinic. The RN is always the first one called to assist them with procedures, to cath a patient, etc. I don't know if they forget we are also just as capable or if it is just because she has been part of the clinic like forever. Most are very critical of the nurses working in inpatient, even though they are an easy going bunch.

I say go for what makes YOU happy. The wonderful thing about nursing is the many areas you can expand your horizions. I have expanded into an internet business in preventive health that is a great experience for lots of nurses. I have yet to be sorry. Life is too short to be "bored" or unhappy, so take advantage of what opportunities are open to you. BTW, I have been a LPN for more than 10 years, and I was at my first job for almost 2.

We have two hospitals in our town, and I have worked in both over the past ten years. These types of "wars" go on in both, so I don't think it has anything to do with being an isolated facility. I found a home based business I am getting started in my spare time. It won't be long till I am out of the middle of these "wars". Email me if you want info, as it is a great opportunity for nurses. [email protected]

Boy does this bring back memories. My question was more "Was I adequately prepared for my preceptor?". If I wasn't prepared by school she sure made a point of telling me so. I was sooo happy when that month was over. I graduated a LPN program 10 years ago pretty well prepared I think. More hands-on I think would have been helpful as far as making what I learned from the books a practical concept. Luckily, after the first month, I wasn't expected to know all the same things as the more experienced nurses. I try to treat new nurses the same way and help them out when I can.