socalRN3

All it takes is one person to not like you for whatever reason and make you their target. Who knows, right? Like the other posters have stated, start looking elsewhere and get out of the toxic environment you are in. There is high turnover for a reason....

Hi! First, I feel much empathy for you feeling this way and you are absolutely not alone. I worked as a new grad on nights for 6 months and while the job itself was not that stressful...nights almost killed me. I could only sleep for 4-5 hours between shifts so that left me exhausted at work and on my days off when I couldn't get quality sleep. when I was this exhausted I became lonely, sad, and unmotivated to do anything at all. It was really sad and I didn't like who I was turning in to. So I saw an opportunity for days in the ICU, applied for it and got it. While the job now has its stressful moments (more so than the surgical unit I was on) being on a normal sleep cycle has brought me back to my normal self. However, for various reasons I do not like the hospital environment so I am going back to school to get my NP or CNS. Basically, try to hang in there until you can find an opportunity to switch to a day shift position. If that doesn't work out, its ok, and try to continue to search for something you enjoy. Feel free to message me if you need to vent or if you have questions.

I hate my job too but I started in an ICU about 8 months ago with 4 months on my own...it sucks. So I don't have much to offer, but you are not alone.

What an unbelievable toxic environment you are in. I don't get how people can be so disrespectful, but in my short time as an RN I have noticed that NA's/MAs, etc, or people with little education do their best to try to make those who they feel are more "powerful" than them feel like complete crap. (Not all of course, but close to the majority). Get out of that toxic environment. Good luck.

Violin 9, I am going to be very honest with you. It really is interesting how our family of origin always influences us no matter how much we do or don't want to be like our family. You have a lot of core issues that need to be dealt with in a professional setting, like a counselor/therapist. I'll give you a personal story, my sister was my dad's favorite and he has a very arrogant side to him that is opinionated and nothing could ever measure up to his expectations. My sister is in her mid 30s and never has held a long term job and is a career student because she always believes there is something better out there for her. Its very sad because she is highly intelligent, but low functioning. However, she is very arrogant also and will never see a therapist to work on her issues. I wish she would... Good luck to you.

The hospital I work at recently implemented computer charting and it is HORRIBLE! I am young and grew up using computers all the time and I still cannot believe how horrible this program is. It is super slow, time consuming and takes away from patient care. I hope they trash this program and get something else, but I doubt it since the hospital administrators are only concerned about saving money.

CONGRATS!!! I started out on a pediatric surgical floor and what a great experience that was. It is a busy floor and patients and families can be very demanding, however, this will be a great starting point and you will learn a ton about different procedures and surgeries. There will be a large focus on pain management, post-op care, teaching and discharges. Good luck to you! let us know how it goes

Sensitive person here.... I recently read a book which was recommended to me and its called the "Four Agreements" by Miguel Ruiz. They are: 1. Be impeccable with your word 2. Don't take anything personally 3. Don't make assumptions 4. Always do your best This book has helped me gained a greater understanding of how to find inner happiness without seeking outside approval. The four agreements sounds so simple yet following them is difficult. I noticed that when I do follow them I am not as hurt by what others say to me.

I'm taking PALS in about 2 weeks and still have to prepare. Is this enough time to prep or should I postpone the class? Thanks!

My goodness those responses by the NM would just irritate me... We all are going to make mistakes, however, patient was not harmed and you learned something from this. I know someone who I work with that hung vanco to the lowest port in the primary tubing without programming it to the pump, so as you can imagine the vanco infused in about 2 minutes!

I should have been more specific. I am referring to pediatric congenital heart defects where there is "right-to-left" shunting. The docs are big on making sure there are no air bubbles in the lines.

Quick question...I understand there should be no air in any IV line, however, why is it especially crucial to not have air bubbles in IV lines for cardiac patients? Thanks!

hmmm that's a tough one. If it were me I would just suck it up and work the 4 unless you have a good reason to switch...

Good luck to you! I also am a new PICU nurse and the best advice I can give is to be yourself, show interest and enthusiasm in the interview. Don't rush through the answers and don't be afraid to say you need a moment to think the question through. They also want to see that you are willing to learn and become educated because they know you are not going to know everything. Have some questions prepared to ask them. If you are a new grad like me they asked me behavioral questions and not clinical questions. Good luck and please let me know how it goes :) you are going to do great!!

Thank you all. You helped me feel better about missing a day to take care of myself first. I will most definitely bring in a doctor's note and ask to make up this missed orientation day later this week.