justanimals

Sorry it took me so long to respond. It really does sound like we work in the same hospital. I too worked hospice for a while and enjoyed it. I worry about leaving the hospital for too long because my skills really suffer that I need there. But the autonomy was wonderful in hospice.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I love the patients and families and derive my satisfaction from them. But you have to be very careful how who to and how you speak your mind. Things can really back fire on you. I think if nurses were more supportive of each other it would help. I do understand that many of them are the only financial support for their families and fear administration. But, unfortunately, the patient ends up suffering. What field are you working in now?

We receive a faxed SBAR and a phone call to verify receipt. There is a standard time for arrival of patient, but that doesn't always happen because they may be waiting on a doctor to complete something. The nurse calls if she has any questions about SBAR. There is no perfect system, the information is only as good as the nurse giving it to you, if you know what I mean.

I realize I am getting in a little late...but as everyone else said you have to do your BLS that is your CPR. Even if your plan on working med surg it would benefit you to get your ACLS. American heart association has great info. and classes offered. ACLS is a course that teaches certain algorithms based on cardiac arrythmias and conditions presented by the patient. It covers intubation, administration of certain medications, arrythmias. There are short courses for renewals and extended versions for first time users. BLS is required and works in combination. I don't know if your were ever involved in a code situation during clinicals, but initial response usually starts out with unresponsive patient>vital signs>CPR(BLS)>code team reviews situation (they are ACLS certified), they hook up heart monitor to patient and make the physician makes decisions regarding intubation, shocking, medications. You will need to take an EKG course prior to the ACLS. Plus side, it is continuing education while you wait for a job and it looks good on your resume and to employer, most require within six months anyway, can write off on your taxes. Negative side is more money spent when you don't have a job. Hope it helps.

When the need increased for nurses some years back many community colleges expanded their programs and/or started new ones in addition to four year colleges. I live in northwest Arizona and we have a community college that feeds three branches into an area that has five small hospitals. That doesn't include clinics, nursing homes, etc. They graduate about thirty a semester more or less. That is quite a few to absorb for an area. It doesn't have to do with not taking new grads either, it has to do with creating a balance on the unit so that the floor has plenty of experience to safely care for the patients. Nursing school is just the beginning of your career, stepping onto the floor is just the next step. I consider a new grad nurse one for two years. New grads have to be willing relocate to areas that may not be choices for others with experience. There are many other options to include military, federal government. Hope this helps.

I have been a nurse for a about seven years, it was my second career. I have worked in most all areas of the hospital now and even did a stint as assistant director. But, I just can't help but feel frustrated. I work in a very busy unit, everyone works hard for the most part. But, I continue to find that on most days I am not able to give quality of care to my patients. I am so busy trying to initial, sign and fill out paperwork for JCAHO or some other governing board. Don't get me wrong because I believe in care using evidence based practice. But there are times I struggle just to keep my patients safe. I was reviewing the AZ State Board rules/regulations. How many times a day is our license being placed at risk. Anyone else have the same problems?