iowa27

In this case, an Opsite. But I feel as though any dressing I'm concerned about doing the final removal from the line itself near the insertion area. I've tried using a sterile gauze to hold it in place, but then it gets stuck as well.

OK, I'm sure this has been discussed many times over somewhere in this forum, but I haven't been able to see any discussion to my specific concern. I'm a "returning to the field" nurse after years of doing more "desk type" nursing. Anyway, I'm starting to work with PICCs and having a hard time removing the dressing. I'm pulling from the outside and working inward all the way around, but when I finally get to the insertion site, I'm very worried about pulling the line out due to the stickiness of the dressing. What has everyone found as the best way to avoid this problem? Thanks in advance

Interesting, the Air Force is where I got my start. In good old Minot ND

I guess we were in similar fields. I also worked in electronics as a flight simulator technician at a major airline. Quite a difference compared to this nursing thing :)

I decided to return to school at the age of 49 from a white collar job in hopes of becoming a nurse. My first step was to become a CNA to ensure I even liked the filed. Let me tell you..... My eyes were opened. CNAs do an almost impossible job for way too low of pay. As other posts have mentioned... No, you're not too old, if you're in at least decent shape. And, you most likely will be dissatisfied very quickly and want more in filed (if you like it at all). I did eventually become a nurse. Still very hard work and yet, gratifying at the same time Good luck in your decision

I agree. I've had the compliment a number of times.. Each time, I think to myself. There are so many better nurses here than me. Maybe I just seem to be better with my people skills....

I recently took the test and used Kaplan. Kaplan's test bank is very helpful, However, while taking the NCLEX, I felt as though Kaplan didn't help much. There seemed to be so many questions that weren't covered in their study info. Just like so many other nurses I've heard from; I was sure I failed the test. However, I passed at the 101 question mark. So, I have to assume that the Kaplan info helped me. As an FYI, make sure you know you're med classifications. It will definitely help you in the long run. I felt as though there were many questions over meds I had never heard of........ Good luck

Yes, it was very strange sitting in class with most who were my kids' age. But, I did find that it "kept me young There has been many times that I've felt embarrassed about my questions or needing help, but I've gotten to the point that I've been able to relax a bit, and handle the task at hand. I think you need to get the realization, or at least I did, that you are not going to be the Super Nurse, especially starting at our age. Hang in there and learn something new each day.. It does get easier

I feel for you as I'm a second career nurse at 51 years of age. I've been off of orientation for a few months now and those first few were almost unbearable. I was having many of the same thoughts as yourself and have already made a few mistakes (fortunately nothing major). It is starting to get better as I'm now getting the "feel" of what to be concerned about and what to not worry about. I'm very fortunate in that I'm working on a med-surg floor that nearly all of the nurses (and doctors) are very helpful, understanding and there to help you at the drop of a hat. Never any judgment from them and I've asked them several questions, sometimes over and over. It is embarrassing, but I'd rather keep asking then to harm a patient. About the charge nurse "dressing you down". If that is truly the way it went down, then they were out of line. As a 51 year old, I have no problem with being educated in a positive manner, even reprimanded/scolded if I have it coming to me. But not in front of the patient. How are you to display a confident manner later after that happens? The first time that a nurse belittles me in front of the patient will be the last, I will simply move on. Life is too short. Hang in there, it will get better. Soon there will be more "good days than there are bad".

I'm a nurse, and a MALE. I had a similar incident myself last summer. My wife was out of town and I needed to cut up a tree that had came down. I had the misfortune of the chainsaw connecting with my knee. It really wasn't as bad as it sounds, but I knew it was going to need stitches. I was terribly dirty, sweaty with wood chips all over me so I wasn't about to go to the emergency room like that. A bunch of paper towels wrapped with duct tape, contained the bleeding and allowed me to take a quick shower. I felt better and I'm guessing the ER staff was much more appreciative.. :)

The setting about your shift hits home with me. I too, have those same thoughts while on the floor. I'm constantly behind and feel as though I'm drowning. The shift flies by and by the end of it I almost don't know what I've don,e as if I'm on autopilot. Getting those admits, while you're trying to take care of the ones you're already assigned, simply adds to the stress. Keep wondering if it's worth it. I'll be interested to find out if you figure out what helps you through it all. Good luck.

I understand where you're coming from juana15. I'm also a new nurse and in a few days I will also be on my own. I'm not one to get very anxious and can usually keep my cool. However, I've found that there is so much to think about that it gets overwhelming. Yesterday, I felt like I was rushing through the morning, that I didn't really "soak-in" what I was doing. When it came to my afternoon med, I needed to ask my preceptor how to give a certain med. She reminded me that we give it just like we did that morning. I was so embarrassed and a bit stunned that I had forgotten that I had done this. Now I'm wondering if I'm going to remember anything when I get on my own.

I'm with you newRN..I'm also a new nurse on a med-surg floor and working with a preceptor. I've also been wondering if this is where I should be. I'm a second career nurse, so, a bit older, which makes me wonder if that's the reason why I tend to take a little longer remembering things. On the med-surg unit, everything seems to go so fast (especially in the morning). I find that I'm simply trying to rush through med pass and get an assessment in, while trying to "keep-up" with whatever new orders the Doctor has placed. A few days ago during my morning med pass, I has to "draw up" some medication, when it came to the evening pass, I truly had forgotten that I had done it in the morning, and therefore, how to do it again. I had to consult my preceptor, who reminded me again, which totally embarrassed me...A very humbling feeling. Anyway, I say all of this to let you know that you're not alone. I hear all the time, that this will take a good year to feel comfortable. Let's just hope we both get through that year! :)

Katycar,,,, You have stated exactly what I'm feeling. I'm half way through my preceptorship, and yes, things are getting better. However, I also feel as though I'm only surviving because my preceptor has kept me on-track. I'm always concerned about making a mistake, that I catch myself checking, double-checking, and sometimes triple checking whatever I'm doing. My biggest hurdle is catching up with whatever new orders the Dr. has prescribed or inserting new orders and all the other "little things" that need to be done. It gets overwhelming. But, I just keep going in with a positive attitude that I'm learning something new each day....and hoping to survive.

Thanks Pacu, I've just posted this in a new thread, but I certainly appreciate your advice. I'm hopeful that I someday get to that point where I'm confident and that "I do get it".