janeybirdRN

Not sure why you applied for a shift you can't work. Looks like you set yourself up for that one. This is something you should talk with hubby about before you even apply. You're looking for a way to make him the bad guy by doing it the way you did.

Hey Fitnesstepqueen- I just realized you went for MSN-CNL- did you work in that role? Where did you work and how did you like it?

That's awesome! Congratulations!!!

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!! So many posters suggesting to move on and get a new job. The subject line is where your heart is- you need to vent. Any new job is a huge adjustment, nursing or not, granted nursing can be much more difficult. I know this from experience as a second degree/career nurse. Even my jobs prior to nursing I had to adjust to the work culture and the job itself. You have to adjust to a lot in nursing, the doctors, other nurses, learning everything about your specialty. Please give it at least a year. You worked really hard to get here and you owe it to yourself. Try not to buy into the doctors belittling you and also stand up for yourself. For example, I had a doc get upset because I called her for coumadin orders and the other unit had just called her 6 or 7 times that evening- I said I'm sorry but I don't know what the other unit is doing, I'm over here on a locked unit, I just came in at 7 and xyz is going on, you're absolutely right these orders should have been done and I don't know why no one gave them to you when you were here earlier, but here are the PT INRs and here is the dose I would recommend... She chuckled and was actually very pleasant after that. It was scary but I think having walked into the mad house that I did, I had enough gumption to be like look lady I'm not happy about calling you either... Doctors are people too, (some of them)- you just have to remind them that YOU are a person and deserve to be treated with respect. If they make you feel like you don't know something, own it- say you're right, Dr Smith, I should have done that; I'm learning and I will be certain to do that next time. Or, Dr Smith, I did not know that was what should have been done but thank you for teaching me; I really appreciate it as a new nurse and I will make sure to do that in the future. If you have this situation come up and you question what is being done, ASK- what is the reasoning for doing it that way, do you have time to explain it to me- I'm still learning as a new nurse. I would definitely give it a year unless it becomes absolutely unbearable. How long has it been since you have been off orientation? Start your year from that date and go easy on yourself.

Like others said- use the buddy system. We frequently take two people in for patients that have had issues with staff to make sure things like this don't happen. And they don't have to be 'psych' patients. People lie and hopefully you will be on a good team that supports each other and doesn't mind going with you.

Hey its been a month! How are you doing?

NICU for sure. Its a larger hospital means more opportunity and possibility to transfer to other units if you want to go back to adult. It will be a better experience. Plus as a nurse educator the varied experience will serve you well.

You saved the most important reason for last. People on their death beds don't regret not working more. They regret not spending more time with family. You know what you need to do. Change your situation. Its not healthy for you or your kids. It sounds like you aren't doing it for the money. So make a promise to cut back your hours, no more than 60 per week or if that won't work look, for a new position. Above all, make time for your kids. Be all up in their business. You only got one shot.

It is not 100%. You can get false negative but not a false positive. Pay $7.95 for the quick results to know for sure. Good luck.

From my previous career, most memorable unique name was Shady Basta. Still find it hysterical.

Oh my. Oh my indeed.

Love it. Go out on a limb, that's where the fruit is. Great advice all around.

End3r How are you doing? Did you find the answers you were looking for?

It may be time for a pros and cons list to really visualize the decision. Better schedule, less hours, more money - but a lot more kids, new stressors, and unlicensed staff providing care. How important is the better schedule? Will you be leaving your current position in okay status if you decide to return? Can you meet with a few teachers or administrators / principal and ask them most important qualities in their school nurse? You said teachers have complained but there's less drama. Sounds like the teachers complaints are not directed towards the nurse but the system or you at least won't take personally. Which leads me to believe you'll be able to handle that part of it. Also, definitely give the new position at least 6-12 months, preferably a full school year, to decide if it was right for you. During that time don't worry about whether you made the right decision. Just focus on adjusting and settling in. Let us know what you decide.

How many kids total would that be? So its more kids than you have now but less hours? Is that manageable? My state ratio is 1 to 1500. Are the benefits better? Can you talk to the nurse that was there for 20 years re her favorite and least favorite parts of working for that district? What do your kids think? This affects them too. Can you commit to full time long term now? I would consider these and if the only reason holding you back is fear of leaving your comfort zone then go for it.