JeneraterRN

I think you were thinking of the night I just had! People in the hospital can be miserable and you happen to be the nearest target. Most times I can talk them down, but tonight was an exception. Good luck!

You know you're a nurse when you unconsciously palate your husband's or wife's veins when you hold his/her hand (I do this constantly and it drives him nuts!)

Thank you. As I said, it seems I was misinformed.

Ok, so I did some research outside of what the hospital gave me, and it seems true that insurance covers most AMA discharges. I learned something new, but I still bristle at stating I was lying to patients as this was what the hospital was teaching us. It seems administration was either seriously misinformed or lying, but I don't think staff was being malicious.

Show me the info that states this is not true. All the info I have states this can happen. I don't recommend saying I'm lying to a patient without literature to back it up.

We don't make them sign an AMA form if refused, but we can still discharge them that way and document the proposed plan of care they are refusing. I don't necessarily agree with our non-smoking policy because it is very rigid. Some patients may not get the treatment they need because they are too attached to cigarrettes. We do offer nicotine patches, etc. Many choose not to use them. Under our state law, there is no smoking allowed in any business or public building. They way it is written is how the hospital is able to have this policy.

Our patients sign a no-smoking acknowledgement on admit. It states that should the patient be found outside smoking they shall be discharged against medical advice and insurance will likely not cover their stay. I've only seen one person do so anyway, but the nurse did not enforce it.

Congrats everyone! I really had no idea what nasty truly was until I read this.

Oh yes, I certainly have. Also, if I was going to goof, it was usually in front of someone important. My first NG insertion inspired this:https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nervous-nurses-guide-616231.html You'll do fine, good luck.

Ha, I'm hoping mine was. I really couldn't leave it alone.

I smell a one-sided story. I wonder what your coworkers would say to that comment?I'll hand it to my DON, she only shows us the positive comments really. She knows how irrelevant many of the comments are.

I say do the same thing that you do with a scurvy pirate-make her walk the plank. Sorry, my kids were singing that all day, and the title reminded me of that song again. Good luck.

Well said, CheesePotato, well said. I was particularly moved by, "Superglue of awesomeness.". . Your words mean a lot.

Thank you all for the kind and encouraging words. I've been in a faith limbo lately, but perhaps this is God's way of bringing me back.

Your comments (both of you) have brought me to tears. It's good, maybe I can cry it out and get it out of my system. Thank you, truly, your words help a great deal.

Fun, fun, fun in with the actors, er, I mean, patients. Glibness aside, most patients in the ER do have something wrong, but a percentage play it up to make certain we know about it.

I'm sincerely trying not to do so. I think I'd feel better knowing her current status. I know her sister-in-law, but I don't want to bother her in this terrible time.

Thank you. The family said they were fortunate to have me. I can't help but feel like there is something else I could have done.

Heartache...absolute heartache. I won't go into the details due to patient privacy, but yesterday I had the most horrible experience. My patient was being grossly misdiagnosed and being discharged despite my frequent but respectful objections. The doctor involved was having a terrible situation at home, and my charge nurse and I believed her to be emotionally incapacitated. Our DON was contacted, and the dispute eventually was presented to our CEO. The doctor was replaced and we flew the patient to a specialist. I don't know how she is currently doing, but it was a 12 hour long process to get her there. I fear irreparable damage for her due to the misdiagnosis and delay of treatment. I'm personally a mess from the experience. I can't sleep tonight, and was assured by everyone involved that idid the right thing from the start of the shift by being an aggressive patient advocate. I fear for her. The thought that so much hinges on our actions is paralyzing me. I don't want to be a nurse anymore. I don't want to watch people succum to illness, lose their children, or have their lives shattered any more. Kudos to all who can deal with this better than I. May you all find the peace that eludes me.

That truly is the best thing to hear.

I hate that one, too. I've spouted off about it to multiple coworkers, but became curious. I looked it up in the New American Dictionary, and it is a word. It still sounds wrong.

I say ANgina because female chest painers thought I was talking about their female parts when I said the other.

One word-whirlpool. I've only done that if they are admitted. It's difficult if you treat and release. Our bath oil helps remove dead skin. It's also the reason I would never use the whirlpool in a million years if I were a patient.

"X" is just crazy, and is trying to make me so. Good luck.

Far be it from me to criticize nervousness (I could write a book), but I think you're being overly sensitive. You are not confident in your skills, and do not want to be pushed-am I right? However, someone pushing you to do better helps prepare you for what's ahead. Though there are bad preceptorship out there, !itch is a very strong word. One of the most intimidating nurses I work with was the most knowledgable. Be passionate about your patient, and gracious with your coworkers. Life will be a lot easier.