Underoo

I've worked at Harrison! I was employed there, not on assignment. I enjoyed it. I felt pay was average for the area. I loved the staff I worked with. I felt confident in administration and had a wonderful supervisor, very supportive. As a Navy spouse, I can imagine I sometimes felt like a travel nurse since I move around often. I felt right at home at Harrison and it was easy to learn who I could depend on if I needed help or had questions. I will say that the patient population in Bremerton was not what I was accustomed to. A lot of ETOH and heroine withdrawal. Also saw a lot of suicide attempts. Not many psych resources here. I would not live in Bremerton, although I was at Sunn Fjord for a while and loved those apartments. They just weren't close to anything except the hospital. Silverdale is nicer, but apartments are tiny and expensive. Poulsbo is nice. Cost of living here is very high compared to what I'm used to. I found that you pay a lot for not much space. And make sure you've got central heat! I almost froze here when I first came. :) Good luck! I hope you enjoy Harrison. Everyone there is so nice.

I would definitely do a few assignments and get a feel for the area. WA was a complete culture shock for me. I don't care for the Tacoma area, mainly due to traffic and some areas just aren't the safest. Seattle can also have terrible traffic, but I hear wonderful things about some of the hospitals. Not sure if UW has travel nurses, but I'd jump on that one if they do. Harrison is nice if you don't mind being across the water. Many people take the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton. I wouldn't live in Bremerton, but the Silverdale/Poulsbo area is nice. I don't know what the average pay is for travel here, but I was making around $31 at Harrison with good hours. Good luck!

Ew. If I were in your position, I would be looking for a new place.. a new floor, a new hospital, etc. Med/Surg is hard no matter where you're at, but facilities vary. That ones sounds like it really sucks. 7 patients, no tech, AND you're a new grad? Of course you want to quit, who wouldn't? It will be overwhelming at first anyway, but you do need to think of safety. Do you feel safe providing care in that environment? Do you feel safe having little orientation? Look for experienced nurses who can offer advice when you're unsure (I still do that!), but honestly it may benefit you to look for another place. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time.

I've been an RN for almost three years, working in a small community hospital on a medical floor, then a bigger hospital on med/surg. My most recent experience feels more on the critical side, having several patients that shouldn't even be on our floor. Many different types of diagnosis and lots of experience with alcohol/drug withdrawals and psych holds. I hate just about everything about med/surg, except for actually spending time with patients. I feel like my entire day is spent running in circles, trying to get my thoughts together, charting charting and more charting, and lights/bells/phones/NOISE. Once the shift is over, I don't even know where the time went, don't feel like I spent adequate time with any patient, don't feel like I even had enough time to thoroughly assess them, and lay awake for hours because my brain is going nonstop with the sound of call lights. I'm lucky enough to be moving far, far away in a few months, so now's my chance to try something else.. but WHAT? I scroll through the list of specialties on here, and nothing says "Pick me, you'll like me!" I am scared that I'll pick the wrong thing and will hate it even more than what I do now. I can't think of any other career, and I know that I would miss caring for people if I did leave nursing. I'm 27, married, and ready to start a family. My career is not the number one thing on my priority list, however I want and need to work and would like to actually find something I enjoy. To you seasoned nurses who have worked in different areas, how did you find the right fit without job hopping and seeming unprofessional? What do you love/hate about the areas you've been in? I feel so overwhelmed and confused, but I've got to make some decisions quick, as we're moving in less than four months. Help! Help!

I have thought a lot about working in home health. I want to try something completely different from med/surg and want a new setting. I am moving soon and am considering trying out and agency and home health position until I find something solid. When I think about home health, especially in a new area, I worry about going to strangers' homes alone. Has anyone felt this way or had reason to feel this way? Is it smart for me to start off with an agency for my first home health gig? I just know that I need a CHANGE, but I want the flexibility to move on if I absolutely hate it. Help!

Our patients on ANY isolation are encouraged to stay in their rooms. Of course we can't make them and if they're independent some will go out to smoke or wander in the halls anyway. As far as PT goes, they do what they can in the room. If the patient has to go somewhere for testing, they wear a mask if droplet, otherwise they wear nothing special. Our techs transferring them will gown/glove up. We are initiating a "safe zone" which is an area within the doorway that you can safely enter without putting on PPE. Makes perfect sense to me and I'm excited about it. How many times have I just needed to ask a quick question and had to stop and dress up just to pop in for 30 seconds. I do have my own issues with isolation precautions, like why is it so important to be fully dressed for patient with a history of MRSA? If you don't touch them or sit on their bed, just wash your hands and be on your way. I think the majority of our society in my area probably has MRSA anyway! Then there are some people that aren't appropriate for isolation, but make me want to gown up anyway..

The longer I'm a nurse, the better I get at time management, however each day is different and unpredictable. I think the reason I don't go to the bathroom enough at work is because my brain is so jam-packed with information that I actually don't even think about going until I'm about to bust. I get what you're saying about having 2 minutes to grab some food, but who wants to choke to death cramming a (probably unhealthy and fast) snack down their throat? It's better than starving, but still not okay. We seem to have adequate staffing, in fact the best I've ever had, but our patients come in sicker and sicker and some days if I have 3 patients I'm running more than if I have 5. Also there's only 2 bathrooms nearby and a lot of times they're occupied during my 30 seconds of free time. I have started keeping a water bottle close by, which helps me get more in and makes me feel a lot better too, but I somehow always end the day with having to pee really bad. Maybe it's just a problem that comes with my particular area of work. And Heidimc - what a great idea! I try to remind my coworkers to EAT and will offer to cover for them if I'm able so that they get a break.

I work in Med/Surg and more often than I'd like, I have contact with patients who act like your SP, whether it be from dementia or substance abuse (usually substance withdrawals unfortunately). I had never experienced that behavior until I moved to a larger city where drugs and alcohol are more prevalent. You're going to find psych issues in every aspect of nursing. I hated L&D and post-partum in school due to the crazy drama. Psych as a specialty is absolutely not for me either. I would think community nursing would also have it's strange encounters as well. If you're really unhappy, don't torture yourself. Yes you're a new nurse, but that doesn't mean it's okay for you to be in those kinds of situations. Start applying for other things!! You should probably get a year or two of Med/Surg because that's the foundation for everything and will get you anywhere. Also Med/Surg is like a casserole.. there's a little bit of everything there. You'll be more likely to find your niche there. You'll probably have days that you hate, but at least not every single patient will have psych issues. Good luck! Hang in there, don't give up yet. :)

Hi Suzie, so nice to meet you! I am a Christian and RN as well. I am living in Washington state, but am originally from Georgia. I love the Panama City/Pensacola area of Florida. It is where I met my husband and where we were married. It's so nice to see so many comments from fellow believers. Living here in the Pacific Northwest, I have found that there are few Christians in my practice, and most are silent about their beliefs. I do not preach my beliefs, but I am proud of who I am in Christ and I enjoy talking about Him and His blessings. I am very interested in your outreach, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. I would love to talk more with you as I am certain I could benefit from your outreach. :)

Anyone been diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue? I am awaiting lab results but my doctor (who is an MD but has changed her practice to alternative medicine) is almost positive I have moderate adrenal fatigue. After browsing the internet and purchasing a few books, I am just starting to dive into the new lifestyle that will hopefully promote a healthier adrenal system. Seems like a pretty common diagnosis for women especially, and I'd bet it's highly untreated among nurses. We work so hard, long hours, in stressful situations, few breaks.. we're probably all somewhat at risk. I encourage you to check out adrenalfatigue.org and take the questionnaire. For those of you diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, what have you found helpful? What kinds of foods have you added to your diet? Have you had to alter your job situation? Any resources you recommend?

Was caring for a patient who was entering into the dying process. He kept staring across the room, so I asked what he was looking at. He said, "Look at all of them.. It's so beautiful." He died within a couple of hours. Made me smile. :)

Codes always come in threes... Scary but true!

Not using common sense. (1. Bragging on facebook about starting a cool IV, then having a coworker see it and try to get me in trouble.. 2. Being facebook friends with a frequent-flyer patient who ended up being somewhat crazy.. 3. Hanging IVF for a family member of mine and not knowing it breached HIPPA and then I ended up getting suspended, even though the patient's nurse was busy and he needed some fluids and he said, Please make this thing stop beeping.. didn't even think about it.) Thank God I finally got some common sense!

Oh Em Gee.. I just felt like I was reading my diary. I have been an RN since 2010 as well, but have worked in Med/Surg in two different hospitals in two different states. I too am at my breaking point, but yet I'm afraid to move on to something new. I LOVE taking care of people, but I don't agree with most of the medications I give and I have more of a holistic mindset when it comes to nursing. My dream is to have a show on Food Network and publish a cookbook for healthy foods that don't taste like crap I find it very interesting that I read your post after having the same discussion with my husband just this morning. I am considering starting the BSN program just in case my culinary dream doesn't pay the bills. My advice to you (and to myself) is to follow your heart, but be smart at the same time. I would quit your MSN program before you waste money that you could put towards your culinary degree. I would change to PRN if you are okay to not have the benefits. I would then start the culinary classes that you're talking about. Why can't you open your cupcake shop and work PRN? If you don't make the money you need from your shop, just pick up some extra shifts. If you make it big, then quit your nursing job. That's what I would do. Good luck to you! I would really love it if you'd keep me updated on your progress as I'm in the same boat as you! Feel free to email me sometime at [email protected].

Awesome! Thanks for recommending the book. I just bought it and am looking forward to learning more about this type of practice. As an RN just starting my journey in hopes of being a holistic nurse, I completely agree with everything you said and I am excited for you as you start this journey. You are right: it definitely starts with you. You will be helping yourself while you help others, and isn't that what nursing is all about? I have an appointment with a holistic MD in our area and I am looking forward to seeing if she has any advice on how to begin practice in holistic care. I wonder if you can find an MD as well that may give you some guidance? Good luck! I'll be happy to see other postings from you about this journey.

I am an RN but not a holistic nurse (yet), however I truly believe that GMOs are dangerous. My husband and I have recently began a lifestyle change in our diet and we are already finding that we feel so much better when we eat only organic foods. We have eliminated corn and are trying to eliminate wheat as well. My digestive system seems so much happier as I used to suffer with chronic nausea, but since we started limiting our intake of processed foods and really paid attention to food labels, we are both feeling a lot better. If you're looking for some information, try to find the movie "Doctored". It's primarily about the benefits of chiropractic care, but speaks some on GMO and how our foods have changed. Do you know that the soybean has been genetically altered so much that it's nothing like the soybeans that originally grew? And look at how many products contain soy, when in fact soy is probably one of the most harmful things to eat. Why would you want a male to consume something that could potentially increase his estrogen levels? Very scary stuff.

I've been an RN for over 2 years, focusing on med/surg units in a hospital setting. I am finally at my wits end and so tired of our healthcare culture where I spend my entire day handing out pills that usually don't "fix" the problem. While I do support some pharmaceutical treatments, the longer I am in nursing the more I know my calling is holistic nursing. After seeing proof that alternative medicine works, whether it be through chiropractic care, herbal supplements, or massage therapy, I have decided that I've had enough and I'm ready to do something that I truly believe in and support and as a patient who has repeatedly been left with no real answers, I am ready to turn my focus to a new style of healthcare. So where do I go now? Is it worth it to join the AHNA? Should I get a certification? What kinds of settings can I be used in as a holistic RN and how do I make a living from this? I'm ready for a career change but I need some guidance before taking the big leap of faith. Thanks for your advice and feel free to share your stories in holistic nursing. God bless!

Hi- Im trying to get involved in medical missionary clinics, whether it be local or overseas. I have 2 years in med/surg. I just joined our county emergency relief team, but wondering if anyone has any advice as to what my next step is. I want to make this a career, so what specialty should I be in for experience, who should I be in contact with, and how can I still make money without doing med/surg (which I hate). Thanks!

Hello- I'm a med/surg RN of 2 years. I am very much interested in getting involved in overseas medical mission trips and making that my career somehow. Any advice? Where should I go from med/surg to get the right experience for overseas clinics? I've never been on a trip before, so im not sure what the best fit for me is or who to get in touch with. Im currently in Seattle. Thanks!

our CNAs are usually 7-10 and they do vitals, baths, feeding, I&O, EKG, bladder scans. No foleys or blood draws or blood sugar checks. They work hard, but they do complain about their loads and I think "seriously, I had 15-28 patients as a CNA, you don't know how good you've got it!" I think 10 or less is good, they have time to spend time with the patients when the nurse can't.

Im seeing more and more IV drug users and ETOH withdrawals.. Like at least one a day. Their crazy behavior takes up all of my time and my sweet little old people barely see me. Makes me sick. Also makes me less and less empathetic. And seems like families are getting crazier too. Don't even get me started on family members. :/

Honey, don't I know exactly how you feel! Im 2 years into being a med/surg RN and have worked at two totally different hospitals on opposite coasts. Seems like med/surg is pretty much the same everywhere, minus different RN/patient ratios. However 4 patients can feel like 10 and if your CNA happens to not be very helpful you could drown with 3 patients. I joined med/surg as a new grad to gain experience, and after 2 years of misery I'm still trying to figure out how to get out! I wouldn't take anything for the knowledge I've gained, but I fear I'll lose my mind if I stay in the chaos much longer. My advice to you is to stay at least a year and just suck it up- it will be so worth it for the experience. When you have moments of panic, hide out in the med room or bathroom and take some deep breaths and gather your thoughts. I pray a lot too. Accept the fact that your day will not go as planned. Make sure you're using a user-friendly report sheet- I made my own and I have a checklist of things I must chart for my shift. It helps on those chaotic days where I don't even know what my name is. :) Get your ACLS and anything else you can obtain. Then after your year is up, get the heck out and try something new. Good luck, and know that you're not alone! And find a nursing mentor- someone older and experienced that you can trust.

Thank you for the informative feedback. I guess I'm trying to find something that gives me more time to breathe and actually learn about each individual, and less chaos and stress. I have thought about ambulatory care in a hospital setting - would give me tons of IVs to start, better hours I think, maybe less anxiety? Wound care is also a possibility. I love wound care, but get so stressed when there's no time to devote to learning about the wound and causes/treatments.. Don't like slapping a dressing on it and running to the next thing. Also, does 2 years med/surg/tele give me a good chance of getting a position practically anywhere?

What about school nursing? You'd have less stress, more time to relax and catch up on paperwork, plus you'd have the same schedule as your child once he/she is school-aged. The money isn't as good, but if you love children and weigh your health and sanity over money, maybe it'd be a nice try. Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear of your situation. I am also frustrated with nursing in general, but I keep telling myself there's light at the end of the tunnel. I started on a small Med-Surg unit in the Southeast. I didn't make good money, I worked my butt off, and honestly I didn't learn a whole lot. I moved to the Northwest where I jumped back into Med-Surg in a larger hospital. Wow. I've learned SO much.. but I still hate my job for the most part. There are many positive aspects of nursing.. Look at how many lives you have influenced, how many lives you may have saved. You may be the only positive person they ever meet. You may be the only person who's ever cared for them and shown them compassion. Those things are what get me up in the morning.. It's not the money, or the absence of "thata girl!"s, or the fact that my bladder, back, and feet ALWAYS hurt, or that I go home feeling defeated more than successful.. It's the little things that keep me in nursing. I completely understand why you want out. Some days I do too. Just make sure you weigh all of your options first. Make sure you've tried new things, new places. You may be surprised to find that something you never anticipated is the right fit for you. If you haven't already, try to find a seasoned nursing friend that you can go to for advice. It helps to talk to someone who's worked in many areas of nursing. Good luck to you. I hope you find the right fit. :)