EMM2erl

I recently got involved with two nurses verbally debating who is going to write up on a patient who"supposedly fell" This happened during change of shift. Both nurses saw the patient. To make matters nurse the charge nurses were trying to figure out who was going to write about the incident (I was the on-going charge nurse). We called the supe and she said we had to write it up. The day charge wrote the incident. At that point I was already affected by went on I didn't give a ****. Patient assessed and he said he didnt fall. Well sure enough later on that night that same patient got worse. He most likely had another stroke. We kept a viigilent eye on him. We failed to notify the M.D. he had a near fall. So, yeah I let my co-workers behavoir affect my judgment. Furthermore I've been working with a new fairly RN who is so unsure of herself, i feel like i have a monkey on my back. I can't be holding her hand forever.It was her patient that night, all hell broke loose.I couldn't function. I knew I was burned out, that was not the time to lose my composure and compassion. So lesson learn. I've given my self sometime to reflect. I've gotten over it for now.I called my boss coz i was so upset. With that said, it may be time for me to get out and start fresh.

Funny u should bring this topic up. I just finished a mandatory course "Managing a difficult patient" Very enlightening. Don't fight fire with fire. When a patient starts to curse and u can't get ratiionalize with them. I would have sought the help of my charge nurse or supervisor. When the patient gets physical we call security. Being verbally abusive is a no-no. Being physical with a patient is a last resort not unless he is trying to hurt you. We have been taught how to subdue a patient if need be. At times i would have a co-worker to acompany me to serve as a witness. Hope goes well.

Started out on a med-surg unit. even then i got pulled to staff other areas of the hospital. So yes, it's good to get the basics down. I for one enjoyed it, i always learned something from the different areas I worked on. It gave me the oppurtunity to figure out what i wanted to (finally focus on) specialize in-rehab.Good luck.

Go for it. Empower yourself. Get your BSN. I've notice the job ads. BSN preferred, then have certification doesn't hurt. It's an investment to see other titles behind your name.

My mother advised me not to be a nurse 15 years ago. Here I am still taking the "abuse" and trying to get certified (i've found my niche in rehab nursing). It's true, everywhere u go you have to put up with the same "BS" from doctors,bosses,co-workers and other ancillary staff. I've learned to react differentlly to the stresses that this job brings. Ex. In my peon days, when a patient wanted to go AMA. i took it personally and cried.Now, i just have clients sign the form and tell them " u leave,insurance may not PAY your bill. It's no skin off my nose. Either way I get paid. I'll go to the next patient who needs my attention. I hate to think that way but it works for me. You will develope the art of difussing some situtations at your work place.I've told many a people to go to hell, and they look forward to the trip. Another tip, nursing has many fields of expertise ( I've tried school nursing, dialysis, been on the float pool etc.) I've finally found my home in rehab. I find the putting back humpty dumpty back together again rewarding. I go home at the end of the day accomplished. Educate your self, i feel empowered i know I've got skills. Lead by example, i don't hesitate to tell my PCA's if i'm runnin around like a nut case, u better be there runnin right behind me!!!!!

I've been on an acute rehab unit going on three years. After trying different areas in nursing. I' ve found an area in nursing to "cruise" for the rest of my career until I retire. I've been studying my butt to get certified.) With that said, I am the 7p-7a charge nurse who does have her own patient load,depending on census. I take less patients. We always have a PCA (CNA) on the floor not unless we have 9 or 13 on our census, then the PCA gets floated. Mind u we have to get these patients up before breakfast. I am fortunate i have seasoned PCA'S and we get along. At times I have to share my PCA with the orthopedic staff so the nurses know when to help out. The patient bathe every other day. The PCA assist with filling out the FIM sheets. All of our charting is computerized. We chart our I/O'S. My stress level on average is 6. If i am staffed with agency -double that number.