JWestbrook20

Haha! Thank you all for your responses! And Biffbradford, I will have to try that. I just need some idea to try, so thanks!

Hello yall, I am Tech in my hospitals' Emergency Department, soon-to-be RN. I've been working in the ED at nights (7p-7a) for almost a year now, with 2 years of Cardiac Tele under my belt. I am a young (21y.o.) male, with a fit physique, I work nights on the weekends (Fri-Sun) and ever since school has started back up, I haven't been able to workout like I typically do (although work in the ED keeps me halfway in shape). It seems like the my first shift every week (Fri), I come home with my both my legs aching like CRAZY!!! It seems like at the end of the shift my legs have no blood flowing and are just completely dry, I guess that best describes the aching feeling. I don't know what sickle-cell pain feels like, but if I had to guess, the pain I get is on point with so. I use great running/jogging shoes that give great support and are tightly fitting to my feet. And after the rest of my shifts of the weekend, my legs feel normal. I don't know if my legs are just getting a hefty workout that first shift, since I'm hardly able to workout anymore, and all the muscles in my legs are just tightening up and are reducing the blood flow to my legs? But what I'm coming here for is any thoughts on this, if any of yall have the same problems and what you do to resolve this issue. I've heard buying TED hose socks from say Walgreens or CVS (non-prescribed). But I believe just a pre-shift excercise would do some justice. If so, what kind of light workouts/exercises would you recommend (legs only)? Thank you so much for taking time to read this. "God is God, and God is good"

Thank you all for your replies! I thought of this to be a very fun article. It's great to hear everyone's point of views and own personal experiences! By the way, does anyone know what nurse2033 meant by his "Bunker Gear"? What all does that consist of?! Thanks!!!

I was just curious, how many of you all have put your expertise to use outside of the hospital setting? As in like one fine day someone collapses and you have to you use your clinical judgement to help this person? Or maybe someone has a MVA and you have to use your nursing knowledge. And I am not talking about first-aid or what have you. I am talking about stuff you actually have to critically think about and use you "Trauma-esque" expertise to help save this person's life or stabilize their health. I was just curious since I recently have transferred down to the ED at my hospital after 2.5 years in Cardiac Tele and currently in nursing school. Of course I would be prepared with the knowledge, but does it happen often that you put it to action outside of the hospital setting. And once again, no first-aid stuff, more critical, emergent, and urgent cases. Thanks yall!!!

sammijornbsn, thanks for listing such great ideas! i will have to check into them. thank you!

Once again, thank you elkpark! I believe that is some great advice that I will keep in mind as my career goes forth.

sonoritygenius, whispera, elkpark thank y'all! i appreciate it. i had a hunch that it was crossing boundries, but i didn't feel like looking through all 20 text books to find the answer! thanks!

I am a nursing student, first semester, and during clinicals today I grew a huge heart for my patient! She was a close-to 60 year old patient who has had a lot of previous medical conditions/procedures such as; CAD, CABG (2), MI (3), Stents (6). She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, last September I believe. She has no psychosocial support whatsoever! Her husband died 9 years ago, both parents are deceased, dog has passed away, brother is in Australia and maybe calls once a month, and a sister who lives fairly close to her, but yet since her diagnosis of cancer she has never came around to see her. You can very much tell she is depressed, and for obvious reasons; no one to support her through this hard time, mastectomy, no hair, etc. And she seemed to use sarcasm as a coping mechanism for her depression.. After trying my hardest to get a social worker in to see her before her discharge, and before I left clinicals, I went in and just sat and talked to her that it would be very healthy for her to join some support group in the community, even going to church and joining a life/small group. I have been around a few family friends that have been diagnosed with cancer, and a team of people would join together and create a support group for whomever and would do charitable stuff for them. The question I had about legal issues is, am I able to find her phone number and/or address in the phone book and ask when or if I could bring her dinners some nights? Or just going over to clean the house, mow the lawn, etc..? And if this is possible, would I be able to just grab it off of our computer-based system? My heart grew a lot for her and I feel so bad Thank you so much! (And please do not mention to me that I cannot let my heart get in the way of caring for patients, because if that day ever comes I will be retired or deceased! And also don't act like my parents and tell me that I cannot do this for every patient I grow a heart for. I put my heart and soul into my job now (PCT) and will continue to do the same as a nurse.) Thank you!

Thanks K+MgSO4!! This is one of the more important questions I had about travel nursing! Like I said, I've always dreamed of visiting Ireland. Visiting might just be the best thing. Working there might be another... But thanks for some of the information I would need if I ever do decide to work in Ireland! Thanks!!

Thanks a lot Skip! First response and I clearly have an idea of what travel nursing is about! I've been a PCT on Cardiac Tele for two years now, I am going to nursing school through my hospital and thereafter I owe them 2 years. So like you recommended, I will gain some experience through those mandatory 2 years. It sounds like a lot of fun! Cali/Florida in the Summer and Colorado in the Winter! Once again, thank you so much! Jordan

I am only 21 years of age, just started nursing school, and I have no plans to start a family here in the near future. I was wondering if you all would be able to give me insight of what all a travel nurse consists of. Here are a few questions to help you out, and if you could answer any or all questions that would be greatly appreciated! 1) Do you get to choose where you travel to? 2) Do you get to choose how long you will stay in a certain city/state? 3) Are there companies that allow you to travel out of the country? 4) Do you have the option to decide what hospital you will work at? 5) Do you have the option to decide what department you will work in? 6) Do you have to apply for "seasonal nurse" position through whatever hospital? 7) Living expenses and moving.. Is it paid for? 8) What kind of pay salaries are offered as an RN-travel nurse? 9) What are some well-known agencies that deal with travel nurses? The reason I ask all these questions is because I Love to travel, and I've always wanted to go to Ireland for months at a time, and it sure would be nice if I could continue to work and do so. I also want to work in the ED or ICU/CCU, but I don't want to become a travel nurse if I can't decide which hospitals and/or units I work in. I've also heard that a lot of the living expenses and moving are paid for, but does that mean your pay salary is cut than a typical RN in a hospital setting? Thank you guys for taking time to read this, and answer the tons of questions!!

Ah-ha! I see Old.Timer, thanks a lot for pointing that out and giving me future advice! And I am so glad yall have found this article as moving as I did. I look forward to the many days I spend with you all as I continue on with nursing school!

with that last bit, i think you understand where i am coming from. the show i was referring to, is actual events, and i have been in codes myself, i know that the docs aren't the "ringleaders", but i think i just want know that i have so much power and knowledge that nothing cannot be done to save this persons life. thank you for your helpful and caring words!

I have, but I figured if I am going to put that many years into studying, I mine as well become a doc... But I really need to do a bit more research on PA's. Years of school, pre-reqs, pay, etc.. Thank you!

I really have thought about becoming an NP and specializing in Trauma/ER. As I did research I found out that even if you do specialize in those areas, you will most likely be working with the Ears, Nose and Throat patients... I know, I know. Not everyday is going to host a adrenaline rush event, but when that time does come, I don't want to be probing a persons ear for infection or whatnot.. Thanks for your advice, I will still keep that option available as the years go on.