NursErin07

Get you a foot tub from Wal Mart. I think there is a Conair brand for about $20. It bubbles the water and you can add some Epsom salts and soak your feet. You just put in warm water. It doesn't keep it warm but it still feels good. Definately helped my feet after 12 hour shifts and is cost effective. :)

The only actions you can control on your own. If you hear these people saying things that bother you you can simply say "I don't feel that you should be saying that and if you have an issue with another person you should discuss with them first instead of everyone else". It's hard when you are surrounded by a bunch of bad additudes but try to set an example with you having a positive attitude and being the bigger person. Don't let other people's attitudes bring you to their level. And I always remember the 3 B's "No ********, bickering, or backbiting". It doesn't benefit anyone, sounds like they need to learn them! Good luck and stay strong, it's not about them and if it doesn't improve talk to your supervisor and they may need to have a talk about attitudes.

Delegation definately becomes easier when you are a busy RN with 15 things demanding your attention at once! It's as simple as telling the CNA to get your VS for you on a patient or just asking them to get something to help you. You will learn in nursing school what you can delegate and who it can be delegated to. Do not freak out about it right now - you still have time to learn all this! But remember, delegation is not just telling someone else what to do, it is also following up timely to make sure it was done and done properly. Good luck, you will do great!

I worked in a very busy ER and my charge nurse and manager could not take a full assignment because they have to be able to deal with the issues when they arise and be available to go where they are needed when they are needed. With a full load of patients you cannot be the resource you need to be for your nurses.

If the patient is dying, refer them to hospice for general inpatient care at the hospital. The hospice have to have a contract with your facility but they foot the bill for the stay and meds, etc. Definately more cost effective and hospice is a huge benefit for the family. We do it often in my area.

No problem dear, I know what you mean and I'm glad it helped!

Trailing zeros are a JCAHO NO NO!

I would wait it out to be safe. You do not have to go into detail as to why you needed time off of work. That is personal. You could just say that you had some personal issues in your life and needed to deal with them. You can do it, stay strong.

Sister, let me tell you about my first med error. It was my FIRST night off of orientation in the ER. They were short handed and took me and another new RN off orientation early and let us work an area by ourselves. We had a little old lady come in via ambulance and was very combative. The other RN had went to take a patient to the floor. The doctor ordered 0.5mg Ativan IVP. I drew up the 2 ml/2mg that was in the vial and was waiting for the other RN to come back so I could waste before pushing. About that time the patient starts to go crazy and I started her IV and forgot that I hadn't wasted yet and gave her the entire 2mg. I immediately freaked out. My charge nurse didn't thank goodness but the patient's doctor was a complete jerk about it to me. The patient's family on the other hand said it was the best sleep she'd had in years! Mistakes happen and you learn from them. Don't beat yourself up. No one was hurt and you will know what to look for next time. Let it go and learn from a mistake.