CameoRN

At my hospital, nurses are the hands-off part of surgery ("circulation nurse" who stays out of the sterile field, preps necessary items, counts sponges, and runs after more supplies if needed.) We have specially trained Surgery Techs that are First Assists. I've been told it's because the Surgery Techs make less $$. That is sad because they have a very important job, but I digress. The other thing I've seen is Nurse Practitioners that work for surgical groups around here will sometimes work First Assist (and see follow ups in the clinic) but they are in specialized practices, not general surgery: Like a Cardio Thoracic surgeon does the opening of the chest and the surgery for a CABG while the NP harvests the leg vein and does the majority of the closing after the surgery. Not sure that's how it's done everywhere, but that's the way we do it here. I live in the South.

I really REALLY appreciate your post. I can relate to the question of shock? maturity? cold? I have recently been questioning myself, too, in regards to an afternoon in the med room with another nurse and an extremely dehydrated 2 month old. I was at first worried about participating in the cath and IV stick, and yet, when it was time to help position and hold him down, I went into auto-pilot, much as you mentioned. I felt nothing. (being honest.) I came home and cried later...not because of my nursing actions, because I knew getting fluids running had already helped the little fella. I cried because I asked my husband, "What kind of monster doesn't hurt inside when doing a procedure on a baby?" And of COURSE, I didn't want the baby to hurt, but I knew that the end (re-hydration) justified the means (an IV start.) Anyway, I fought the same feelings you're expressing about seeing the deceased and wanted you to know you're not the only one. It helps to just talk about it and debrief a little. We're not cold; we're doing our job and helping people...and many can't do what we do. Hugs,

Oh, and the other thing I meant to say...I would never give a reference for someone who didn't ask my permission first. Ya know what I mean?

When I was in a position of hiring/reference giving (non-nursing) our policy was to only state if the person was eligible for rehire or not. So I would tell the inquirer that was the policy, and then "yes, they are" or more often than not, "No, they're not."

Sparklie, I love that phrase...I will be using that! And thanks for making me feel welcome!

Lux, that is too cool/exciting! What area are you getting into? Cheers to you too! :cheers:

Ooooh! Cool stuff. I have been part of a "Healthy Ager" program, and I have many resources for you! You may have to dig around a bit on these sites, but hope this helps! (yes, everyone, I know assisted living doesn't necessarily equate geriatrics...speaking generally here. Plus, the wellness side of geriatrics is one of my passions.) http://www.niapublications.org/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=45&cat=All+Age+Pages http://consultgerirn.org/resources Other important related topics in retaining mobility are urinary incontinence (running for the bathroom is a fall risk), The Beers list (meds that make you fall), and the PSQI, *Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Hartford Institute has some great questionnaires for those. Can't wait to hear more about your presentation!

Thank you Lux! Super sweet and encouraging of you to say. :) Woot for newbie sponges! lol Wish you lots of luck on your first day, and can't wait to hear all about it!

Thanks Tokmom! I really appreciate the welcome. :) Clinical Decision Unit is called Observation in some places. I think the new name is to help keep it truly a After they are in my unit, they are either discharged home or treated as a new admit to the floor.

I've been using the Littman Lightweight II. It doesn't hurt my ears, is actually light enough to not hurt my neck after 12h, and I hear great with it. Not saying it's the BEST, but I like it a lot. No complaints. And at around $45, a much smarter buy for a student. (yay, amazon prime!) Let your family buy you the $150-$200 scope when you graduate.

Super fortunate here...I applied for 6 positions, & was called to interview on one. I interviewed and got a 7p to 7a job in the Clinical Decision unit. It may not be as 'sexy' as some positions, but I think for a new grad, I'll get to see a lot, and see it fast! I'm quite excited about it. Now to get through my last month of 36h / week clinicals + 8h / week preceptorship (for school, not job) and my last class... and then boards. I'm in a 2nd Degree BSN program of 22 students, and I *think* I'm the first to receive employment.

Do-Over, thanks! That's really what I wanted to hear...it DOES get better. :thankya:

Thanks Kay! I'll be working in the Clinical Decision Unit as a staff nurse. They tried to implement this unit a few years back but they didn't do their research and it ended up being more of an overflow. This time, they're doing it right. Great advice--poker face and asking someone who knows. And thanks for making me feel welcome around these boards! Happy 4th!

The title says it all. I'm new here to allnurses, brand new to nursing, & proud as heck to have been offered my first job as an RN. (very humbled and thankful, too, as I realize it is hard to find ANY job right now). So the kicker is, I'm scared like heck, too! Here comes the reality of responsibility. "New-grad-in-a-month" seeking encouragement here. I know the 'real' learning starts after school...just feeling the enormity of being a nurse...! Thanks.