danak

It sounds like this is more than a professionalism issue with the happy-go-lucky nurse. Do we want to beat her down too and make her bitter? It sounds like you are unhappy about his care and this be-bopper might be an easy target for displaced anger? I hope the meeting goes well and your dad is soon receiving the care he needs-despite what they call him!

I was also wondering how those with chronic conditions schedule their shifts. It was interesting to hear everyone's stories. I urge you to look into getting your son tested for Lyme disease-not just any doctor and not just one test. Get him to go to a specialist. There is a good website: www.jemsekclinic.com that has a lot of good info. Many times tick-borne illnesses go undiagnosed or have false negatives which can cause chronic illness with a myriad of symptoms. People, including doctors, don't take these illnesses serious enough...I know from personal experience. I hope all works out for him and yourself.

Thanks everyone. I am in the mist of making a change. Hearing the good and the bad really helps.

Every job has its perks and immeasurable things that make it all worth while. :) What is it for you? Of course there is always a downside, too. Just as interested in hearing about that!

Boy do I feel for you! I was in a similar situation when I was a teacher. I had 12 autistic 3-yr-olds and four worthless aides. I was as kind as I could be, yet professional. Then I tried the "hey, lets go to dinner after work and be friends" method. Then I tried going to my supervisor...she was positively insane and abosolutely no help. Eventually, things deteriorated and I hated going in everyday. Nothing worked. I lined up a new job, ended up breaking my contract, and left 2 months before the school year was out. The thought of 60 more days was not worth losing my mental wellbeing over. Here's what I learned from my situation and from being in several working environments: People tend to initially dislike those that are above them in any manner-work ethic, status, etc. People who shine are often targets of envy, jealousy, pettiness. No matter what, you will be the "bad guy"- do your job/protect your license! Your family and friends like you, I know its hard, but who cares if your coworkers do not. Unfortunately, we still deal with ethnic and racial issues, no matter how modern of a civilization we claim to be. THIS was most definitely a factor in my case. I am of one ethnic origin and the aides are another. Just be aware of this sensitive situation as some tend to make issues of nonissues. Teamwork can be achieved, but it takes the right blend of people-each confident of their own skills and willing to seek help for their shortcomings. This situation cannot be forced, is extremely rare, and a blessing when you find it. Being lazy is a not a shortcoming...it is a way of life. These people are not there for the students/patients, coworkers, or for teamwork. They are there simply to take up space and then they want paid for it. Very few people take pride in their work. They want to do nothing and they want compensated for it. Don't ride all of them at the same time-they bond which makes them stronger. Work on one at a time, say one a month. Praise the others for any thing positive you can find. This will weaken them as a whole. The ones you are praising won't identify so strongly with the one who is being corrected. I wish I would have done this. Hindsight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It stinks having to do this, but think of it as a game. Use your chain of command to flush these people out. You are in charge. If they do not respond to this, go to your higher up or the higher-higher up and keep going. Have someone else explain your role to them. Sometimes this works, sometimes things get worse. Regardless, the situation cannot remain how it is. Beware of looking like a wavemaker to the higher-ups, be diplomatic and unemotional. If you get nowhere with your manager, supervisors, directors, etc. (as I did)and the situation remains the same, ask yourself just how miserable does this make you? You can just pick up their slack, go home, and be happy you have a job doing what you love. You may decide to move on. (I realized I didn't love my job enough to put up with the additional hassle.) Whatever the choice may be, make sure you've exhausted all of your options. Be like the phoenix and dare to rise up from the ash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -Dana

I was wondering if charcoal masks would offend the patient?

Okay...I WAS considering nursing school. Now I just don't know. OH, How do you do it?!!!!!!! Is it okay to yak after something grosses you out or are you considered the "weakest link"? I like the idea of Vicks and charcoal masks. Is it considered rude to have this on hand for stuff you just can't stomach? Does it offend the patients? Do your coworkers think you can't hack the job? Let me know. I would be a 2nd career nurse. I don't want to make a mistake! :uhoh3:

Okay...I WAS considering nursing school. Now I just don't know. OH, How do you do it?!!!!!!! Is it okay to yak after something grosses you out or are you considered the "weakest link"? I like the idea of Vicks and charcoal masks. Is it considered rude to have this on hand for stuff you just can't stomach? Does it offend the patients? Do your coworkers think you can't hack the job? Let me know. I would be a 2nd career nurse. I don't want to make a mistake! :uhoh3: