laughterishelpful

I'm so glad you posted this. I'm working night shift, 3 12's. It is ok and has it benefits--avoiding the crazy traffic, 3-4 day off stretches, etc. But, it has also taken a toll on me and my health. I feel like I'm always tired, and spend at least 1, if not 2 of my days off just sleeping to get caught up. I'm sure my overall health is suffering--diet,exercise,mental state. Plus, I hate driving home after working all night. I feel like a zombie and it is unsafe. I am thinking of going to days, M-F job as well. I'm not sure on the paycut,but I figure I'm bringing the MD office 5 years med/surg;post-op; and mother/baby exp to their office, I working on my BSN as well, I can argue those to get more on the hourly rate (whatever it may be). Plus, to have the 'normal' family schedule will be nice as well. But, I need to make up my mind, update my resume, and then search. Sitting around thinking and wishing won't get me far.

We are hoping to move to CA in the next 1-2 yrs. We are looking at Riverside,Sacramento,Modesto,San Diego areas. I was hoping someone could answer some questions--cost of living really as high as what I hear? What about the schools out there? Will they accept my kids school transcripts from where we are now (I've heard they won't..state law??), RN's wages adequate for cost of living? Any help would be great. I think that we are leaning more towards Sacramento area at this time, but looking at other areas and keeping options open.

Keep applying. Do a follow up call to your application. If you get the interview, talk yourself up. Send a follow up thank you card to the unit director. Basically, keep your name fresh in their heads. If they interview 10 people in 1 day, make sure you are the person who stands out. It is rough out there. Don't give up--keep on trying.

I went to talk with the pt once her friend arrived, but that is when she was yelling and wouldn't allow me the chance to talk. I just left et called nursing supervisor. It was so sudden, just very bizarre. I am not sure if the pt had psych issues, but you don't just change your behavior like that, unless there is something wrong. Iam glad I was able to vent on here with other RN's. I tried not to let it bother me, but it did. I know I did everything I could for the pt, I documented everything. I never heard (as of today anyway) from the hospital or director on unit, so I'm sure the pt was d/c and nothing more will come of it. All of my co0workers told me it wasn't my fault and not let it get to me. I feel like I've got good support there. I've more good compliments from pt's then bad, so I think I am doing a pretty good job :)

I work in a bigger hospital,so while we do get EA (Excused absence-on call), it doesn't happen much. If we can't afford to take the EA, we can work on a different unit--usually as a tech vs RN though.

Worked with a RN who had order for a UA on a pt with a foley. RN went in room with syringe et sterile cup, got the UA. Went into room about 15min later to find foley on floor, urine everywhere. She deflated balloon, got the the sample (the saline used to inflate balloon) that way. She was clueless how to get a UA from a foley. She also had no idea how to insert a foley..... Same RN, had to place NG tube. Sat in front of a YouTube video for 3 hrs watching a procedure on how to place it....finally another RN did it.

I like the 3 day work week because I end up with a full week off every 3rd week, which is great. But, the nights I do work, they can be long, exhausting shifts. When I worked Med/Surg, there would be shifts where your phone rang non-stop, all your pt's needed you NOW, your charting was behind, etc. Many times I felt like I was forgetting something and worried. As for money, I make more now, then in my previous pre-nursing career. Do I make as much as what I think I should? No. But, I am appreciative that I do have a job/career and job security. How many people have job security in a unstable economy? Budget your money wisely as well. That makes a huge difference too.

I do know when I got report from the RN who was taking care before my shift made the comment, 'alot of the other staff has had problems with her', so she was probably just that pt who complained about everything. I think the part that really upset me most was her false accusations. Anyway, its over,pt is not there anymore.

I've been a nurse for a long time and I've had many patients who have tried my patients. However, I've never had a pt fire me. About 3 weeks ago, I had a pt. a/ox3, pleasant, up ad lib. The first 9 hrs of shift was great. I tended to pt, provided pain meds, assisted to RR, etc. Everything was great. Suddenly, the pt just started crying hysterically, called a friend, threatened to leave AMA, then said I was a horrible nurse the whole shift. Didn't want me back in the room. Told of staff members complete lies about the care. Thank goodness I had been charting the whole shift on everything. The staff told me to not let it bother me, but how do you not let it bother you? This person was saying things that could have got me in trouble and yet, I did nothing wrong. Plus, why couldn't the pt just have handled it better? Screaming your lungs out is not appropriate. I understand when in hospitals, pt's feel like they have no control over their health, they hurt, are scared, etc. But really? To insult and lie like that about your RN who there to help you and who is bending over backwards to keep you comfortable,safe,healthy? I've spent the last week trying to let it go ,and I should. But, if does bother me. How do you just let it go? I have now changed my whole nursing approach to being almost too nice. I feel like I am becoming a mat and letting some pt's walk over me,because of this one incident.