G MA RN

I began as a CNA and worked my way up the ladder. I have always answered the call to help, I have never and would never not answer the call to help even when I had pulled 72 hours in a row. Its what I do its what I CHOSE. I also had childern at the time. They learned by what they saw not what I said. Thay are all in good professions. Its the LOVE not the TIME that makes a good parent. We are all very close, closer then most. I don't talk the talk with out having first WALKED THE WALK. Get it?

I spent years working weekends. I also have worked many years on the floor. I received my degree to teach. There you go assuming you know, when you have NO IDEA.

Thank you, I found your post to be kind. Please forgive me if I came off harsh. It was not meant to be. I have been in this game a long time and sometimes forget others have a different view then me. I love my profession, my patients, Doctors I have worked with, and learn most from the families of patients and the patients themselves. I don't work OT for the glory of the pay, I do it because in my time that is what was expected, but most of all I do it for MY patients. :)

I have found most established Nurses like to TEACH and help out the newbies. If the Nurse is secure in her skills and not worried that you may know more then she does, because you are "fresh" out of school and possibly remember more of the educational aspect, she should want to help you. If for some reason the Nurse is unkind and unhelpful, it may be she is unhappy being a Nurse and wants to be else where. Kepp looking for the Nurse that is willing to help, She is there.

Be yourself. There is nothing wrong with being quiet. I have found some patients don't always want a "talker". Its about 50/50. Relax and be WHO YOU ARE, and not who you think everyone wants you to be. You sound like a very caring person and that is enough! God Bless and Take Care.

Good Advise. A true Nursing Professional.

How exhausted can a weekends only Nurse get? Most of us do not work the "9-5" jobs and work 10+ hours a day 6-7 days a week. We have a family too. It is not the "problem" of the employer that one wants to be with family either. Have you read the Nurse Creed Lately? Being familiar with a procedure does in no way mean you can perform the skill adequately. I have assisted in many surgeries and I am "familiar" with the process, but this by no means suggests I should be allowed to perform the surgey. These day the attitude seems to be "its not my job," or "its some one elses fault." No wonder the Medical Profession is in such dire straights. The patients used to trust the Nurses and Doctors, now they no longer have respect for the Medical Professionals, and I can see why.

Do the PO meds first, other meds, g-tubes, then nebulizer txs. Can the laptop be pluged in at the patients room? If finger lances are called for they are usally morning orders. Those are very important. Remember ADL can some times be left for later. If you need to document, you can carry a scratch pad to make notes for later use. I hope this helped.

With that attitude, you may not keep a job for long.

Its not their responsibility that you have children either. Special Training cost money, you do hold some responsibility to pick up the slack when the need is present. We as Nurses have had to pull 2 or 3 shifts, many weekends, Holidays away from family. Why do you think you are so special? That is what the Medical Field is all about, giving of yourself no matter the difficulity. We do it for the GOOD of the PATIENTS not ourselves.

And whom do you think should do the extra work while looking for replacements or training the new nursing staff. You do not seem to know much about "wound care." It is a highly "Specialized" field and not all can be trained to do this position. The ones calling her usally means they have not had this traind and there for can not preform the duties. Not answering the calls is not the soultion. I have worked in the feild for more years then I can count. When did it become OK to over look the Patients needs for our own. With this attitude, the medical field is in a very bad place.

Any time you recieved "special corporate training" you are pretty much at their beck and call. Not answering or ignoring the calls can and will cost you your job. Many medical facilites have no replacements in line when some one leaves or is fired. It is up to the regular staff to pick up the slack. Working in the Medical Field holds a different level of responsibility and commitment then the other work force. Just think for a moment, what if your child, mother, brother, or other family member had a nurse like you that did not answer the call for help to do her job. How would you feel? It is Nurses like you and others like you that give the patients cause to complain. Nursing is not a job its a calling and if you are not prepared to fully commit to your duties as a health care giver, find another career.

OK, people are people no matter what the profession is..... Remember, no one is guaranteed or intitled to a happy, stress free work place. Unless you are being UNDERMINED, or in Jeopardy of losing your job due to Untruths, or sabotage SUCK IT UP.... Stop the POOR LITTLE ME cry. Do you really want to be responsible for some one that has worked just as hard as you to become a nurse losing their job? There are many people that think thy are OWED something. Forget what THEY are doing and DO YOUR JOB to the best of your ability. That why we went to Nursing School RIGHT!!!!!!!

Be yourself. Never answer a question with any negative responce. Examples: No, I don't know, can't, wont, don't, haven't, never. These are big NO's NO's

Go with your HEART. I can tell you from personal experience that being a Charge Nurse has hidden factors you may not have considered. The responsibility IS overwhelming. You will answer for any and all errors, attitudes, patient complaints of your subordinates as well as daily dealings with Doctors and Interns. After I had returned from a well deserved vacation of 3 days, I was quetioned regarding medication counts, supply orders, longer lunch times enjoyed by the nursing staff, and documentations that left alot to be desired. The fact that I was on vacation during the period of time in question had no effect. A Charge Nurse carries alot on her shoulders, if any thing maybe you will have some empathy with regards to your Charge Nurse. Its a rough position to hold. I have left Nursing as a practice and now Teach. Think about what it means to be a Nurse and you will make the right decision. Good Luck and God Bless.