rnccf2007

A Unit Secretary, who is a family member of our CEO, was recently hired. I was told who she was related to by other employees. To be honest, I don't care who she is related to, as long as she does her job. Many people have told me, "Watch your back...be careful what you say and do, etc." Once again, I don't care, because I am a good nurse. If I have what may be considered a "complaint," it related to things that effect the nursing care of my patients and advocating for them. I then follow the chain of command to my voice concerns. However, she (the Unit Secretary) is starting to overstep her job description. Some examples of my personal experience: Last week, she came into a room where I was starting a blood transfusion. She informed me, "You have 30 minutes to start that." I just ignored her. Last night, I asked another RN and an NA to assist me with a blood draw on a confused patient. The next thing I knew, she (the Unit Secretary) was at the foot of the bed talking to the patient, agitating her even more. Now, the charge nurse hearing the commotion is in the room asking "Do you need my help." My response, "No, we can do this, but I don't need an audience." She got the hint and asked the Unit Secretary to leave the room. Later in our "Team Huddle," my Nursing Supervisor asked me about the HPI of a patient, because she had not been there in several days. The Unit Secretary told her! "I just looked at her and said, "Wow, you know more about my patients then I do!" I have long suspected that she is looking at patient charts that have nothing to do with her job description and need to know...HIPAA violation. Nursing Supervisor said nothing. I am posting this, because I am not sure where to go from here. According to co-workers, they have voiced their complaints, but nothing has been done. I am just asking for any suggestions. I have never been in this position.

One fine day on a Tele unit, I was told in report that a totally a&o patient refused to have a Foley catheter inserted. The doctor who ordered it had been informed, and this was documented in the Nursing notes. When I assessed the patient, I educated her and explained why it had been ordered. Once again, she refused. A couple of hours later, a very rude Resident demanded to know why the Foley catheter wasn't placed, and I explained why. She stated, "I don't care, that is a doctor's order and you have to go in there and put it in NOW!" I said to her, "i guess they don't teach you about assault and battery in med school" and walked away.

Not the ATC in my area. Found out that the ATC franchise in my area has been undercutting me by $5.00 an hour compared to nurses from three other agencies that are working at the same hospital. DONE, after almost five years of loyalty to them.

HUC=Healthcare Unit Coordinator

Not in the area where I come from.

NedRN: Thank you so much for your input. I have already started planning my route...and love your rule of thumb r/t overpacking. And LOL, not paranoid, but since I am driving such a long distance on my own I purchased a GPS, car charger for cell phone, stun gun, and pepper spray.

Hi Everyone! I have been an RN for 10 years. In the past four years, I have been an agency nurse (local 15-60 miles); so I am used to going to different hospitals and learning their computer systems, protocols, and just fitting in, etc. So I have decided to take the plunge and start traveling. My first assignment is going to be in Reno, NV; which is approximately 2,300 miles from my home in Ohio. I'm excited...LOL but also terrified. What scares me the most is that I have tentatively decided to drive my car to the assignment, instead of leaving on a jet plane. Babbling here, but I would like to get any input from experienced travelers about traveling cross country.

I prefer 12 hour shifts, may be because that is all I have worked since I have been an RN. About a year ago, I took a position with four 8-hour shifts and hated it. And also depends on the facility you work at. At some healthcare facilities you have the same patients for the entire 12-hours. However, if you work at a facility who has both 8 and 12 hour shifts, expect to be moved after your 8 hours (if working a 12).

*****, 52 years-old. I will have to work until the day I die, if God willing.

Worked 4 12s in a row. Had two days off, but asked to come in for an extra shift on day one off. Was willing to do it, but I was so tired I didn't think that I could be a safe nurse for my patients.

Back in the day (way back) this was standard practice when I was an STNA in LTC. However, I have been an RN for 10 years in hospitals. We are NOT allowed to do this r/t to risk of bowel perforation and only a physician can do this...order or not (just remember a doctor's order will not mean JS if you find yourself in front of the BON). But then again, depends on where you work.

Why I stopped posting on this site.

I sure felt the same way. The NCLEX is a different breed of animal in test taking. AFTER you graduate, get a few reputable books on taking the NCLEX and take as many tests as you can, or take an NCLEX review class...many are very expensive. I opted to self study. Since you are in your senior year, there is enough anxiety. Concentrate on your classes right now.

Would like to read these articles. Please post.

Sad. Read about this in my local newspaper. I graduated from Youngstown College of Business and Professional Drafting (now ITT) in 1984 when I was 19 years old. Even back then they were "shady." Found this out related to misquoted tuition amounts. I am surprised that ITT has lasted so long. To all nursing students...please only apply to a reputable community college or university.