CarryThatWeight

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, Texas does not have state disability, and I somehow was an idiot when I started at my hospital five years ago and didn't elect the coverage. I've been kicking myself ever since because if I applied now they would have to do a medical review and no way I would pass with my shoulders! I do have vacation and sick time to use while FMLA will protect my job. Sucks to empty the bank but I would get paid for most of it. I have also heard that there is no light duty. I wondered how they did it for me last time but I think my boss then really needed the help and didn't really tell anyone I was working clinic and not infusion. Thank you again for your input!

Yes, if I was a floor nurse, there would be no question that I'd need three months. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

Hi everyone. I haven't posted in YEARS, but you know, life. I need some input and I know you all generously share. I'm having shoulder surgery soon and my surgeon said I can go back to work as early as a week after if someone can hang my bags for me (yeah right) but a few weeks if not. I work in a chemo infusion center. The thing is, he said absolutely no chest compressions for three months. When I had my other shoulder done, my employer let me go back on light duty and I worked in the clinic for two months. I don't think the issue of compressions ever came up, so I didn't give it a thought. Now that I know, do you think my hospital system would allow me to work in any location if they knew that I can't do CPR? I know if your certification expires they yank you off the floor with no pay. I really don't want to be off for three months, but I also know codes do happen here - rarely (carbo, taxol reactions, etc). Do you think it could be a liability for my license if my hospital does let me come back and something happens and I yell for someone else and bag instead of being the one to start compressions? We are crowded so people are always around, so I honestly think patient outcome would ultimately be unaffected. The likelihood of that happening is so small... I'm thinking I'll just be honest with them and see what they say, but I also worry for my license. I hope this doesn't make me sound like a terrible person. Any input is appreciated. I'm glad to be back with you all!

I'm confused. What does this have to do with my post?

Well... The Commuter has a point because take a look around on here and how many "I failed the NCLEX five times!!" posts do you see? Not every one of those students are from a for profit school, either. I precept students from a major university with an esteemed nursing program often and just to be frank, a lot of these students are not the sharpest crayon in the box. It boggles my mind.

That's ridiculous. Why would you have to tell anyone you take any medication, unless it's one that shows up on a drug screen? It's no one's business what medication I take, least of all my school or the board.

When you "share," you put people on the spot and it makes them uncomfortable. When you hand them a gift--and they don't even know you--that is awkward and uncomfortable. I for one resent people who put me on the spot. I have had several patients ask me straight out if I know Jesus. In my area, the majority of people ascribe to Christianity, so it's not unusual, but that doesn't make "sharing" acceptable behavior. I do believe in God but even so I find this very off putting. What I believe is none of your business. And I don't want to buy your Avon either.

If you are so sensitive to be offended by this relatively gentle, straightforward info, you'll never make it as a nurse. Sorry to say. You asked for information, you got it. I'm not sure why you're so upset.

I had a really hard time adjusting when I was a new grad in oncology. It is a tough speciality. I can imagine it is even more so when you have parents involved. I went through a period of depression for sure. It is hard to see hope, especially when all you see is suffering and death. You eventually get "used" to it. It never gets easy but it is so rewarding. Oncology patients are the best patients, by far (in my opinion). Even though our patients become family (at my job anyway) and we grieve when they die, it is worth it for me. Maybe you just need to give yourself time. I was feeling pretty burned out a while back but then I got a second wind somehow. It is also possible that this specialty is not for you, especially since you mentioned ER where there is less of a relationship formed between the staff and patients. I think you will find your way. One day at a time.

Maybe I'm missing it, but you didn't really say WHY you're unhappy with your job. Is it just that the caseload is too big? Because if that's it, it will be the same if not worse in nursing. The patients are very sick and no matter what you do, it's never enough and people aren't happy. You simply can't be in more than one place at a time but you are expected to. And have all your meds done on time. My speech language pathologist when I was in school was the best. She saved me from a lifetime of embarrassment over not being able to pronounce things correctly. She made it fun and that small portion of the day was my favorite!

Do you mean "schizoaffective disorder?"

I call xx

What I don't understand is how this mistake happened. If she gave this drug all the time, shouldn't she know the amount to draw up? Without even thinking about it? For example, I give Ativan all the time. I know that 1 mg is 0.5 ml. How did she draw up 10 times the amount and not notice that it didn't look right? If the bottle of calcium was a different strength, more concentrated, wouldn't she have noticed that the bottle looked different than usual?

You still have yet to offer the OP any advice - which is what he/she asked for. OP, I would not let this go. I think you're doing the right thing by going up the chain of command. Let's not make excuses for people because they might be good at what they do.

By the way, "inversely proportional" means that as one goes up, the other goes down. So the better the surgeon, the worse the people skills. If you were intending to say that the surgeons with poor surgical skills tend to have poor people skills, the phrase you needed would have been "directly proportional." Please think carefully before posting.