Newby

1. No I don't think we spend enough time at the pts bedside. 2. Yes, i can believe we spend 30% of our shift bedside. 3. I would estimate my day to be split up as: documenting (30%), bedside care (30%), meds prep and delivery (20%) solving problems (10%), e.g. a med missing call pharmacy, pts condition changes need to reassess and closely monitor answering irrelevant issues (10%), e.g. how do we hook up the TV? where can we get a spoon, getting water for pts etc. 4. Documentation needs to be reduced, by potentially having checklists (I do write the same thing numerous times!) and computer documentation at the bedside would also increase accuracy and potentially reduce interruptions because I find the moment I sit down to begin my massive amts of charting..families and staff think your not busy and consistently bug you with the above mentioned silly questions! 5. Bedside monitors sound great..this is one of the luxuries the ICU nurses love. I spend on average at least 20-25mins of my shift sometimes just searching for a vitals machine! 6. I love the idea of the yellow sash indicating we're not to be interrupted but I am anxious to know how effective it is. Sometimes it doesn't matter what your doing people feel comfy interupting. I once was in the midst of a sterile coccyx dressing change and the door was closed..but that didn't stop a family member from entering (without knocking) and saying oh I saw you come in here a while ago and you haven't come by to see my mom..just wondering when you'll be by..she wants to go for a walk! (something obviously NOT urgent!..and I always give my pts a plan that we work out, so we had a plan to go for her walk in 20mins..after I completed the dressing change!) Just to let you know I work in Toronto, Ontario CANADA, on a cardiovascular surgery unit, very busy with coronary bypass pts, heart valve sx, and congenital surgeries. We only treat adults 16+yrs of age.

I just graduated at 31..going back to school after having a career is tough because while you have actual responsibilities your younger classmates may not. Also, i agree with the previous post...its expensive!! I wish I had used my saved school money for a house because now I still have a school loan and no house...still renting! But if you really like nursing then you'll get through it and it will be worth it!

Wow I find that expensive. I am attending BScN courses in Toronto and for each year its 7000, 4year program so total is 28,000! I thought that was expensive....but now I think not.