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New Grad Needs Advice - Hostile Work Environment
I’m sorry this is happening to you. If there is any possible way you can save up some money and get out, I probably would. To me, staying at a job that you’re miserable at is very difficult. Being a charge nurse as a brand new nurse is very unsafe and can be overwhelming. Usually jobs that force you to sign a contract you should steer clear from (the contract is usually because they have really bad staffing issues). In the meantime, I would definitely document everything and make HR away of these issues. I’m hoping you’re able to find a resolution ❤️
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Second Guessing Myself. Did I handle this situation correctly?
Sounds like you were an excellent advocate for your patient, good job!!
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Pittsburgh salaries
I would check out the VA in Pittsburgh as well as St. Claires. They both seem to pay higher than AHN and UPMC. Good luck!
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I want to apologize to my instructor. Please help me.
Stuff happens sometimes, I see that you're feeling bad. It is good you wrote her an apology email, I would definitely leave out the part about taking a pill to stay awake. I just wouldn't let it happen again, learning is stressful, and it's even worse when things are tense. Hope you feel better soon and the rest of the semester goes by quickly.
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Intermediate Cardiac Care unit?
I worked in intermediate care at a level 1 trauma center and it was a step in between med surg and ICU. We did all drips, except for pressors. We took vented patients if they had a tracheostomy. The patients on the floor were pretty sick. I hope this helps!
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Pittsburgh salaries
I moved from out of state with 5 years experience and the pay was significantly less. I received around $28/hour. Good luck!
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Reporting a Patient to Police?
We’ve had to call the police at one of the hospitals I worked at a few times. We’ve had nurses press charges too. I was even encouraged for verbal threats, management there was extremely supportive to their nurses and they would not tolerate bad behavior. There were signs all over the hospital stating they don’t tolerate abuse. It is very scary when something bad happens and we can’t defend ourselves. It’s even scarier when the person is completely alert and oriented.
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Famous person as patient?
When I was in nursing school I took care of someone who was in a band and a very famous movie. I actually had no clue until we were talking. Was very pleasant, told me I was choosing the right career and it’s something to be proud of. Very nice person. Other than that, I have taken care of our “VIP” docs/admin, who have also all been very kind.
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Are Big City Hospitals Really Getting Hit With COVID-19 Pts?
Most hospitals in MA are getting hit really hard. One of the small community hospitals I worked at is overflowing with COVID. My old floor is COVID only, they had to make the PACU into an area for COVID as well. I will say, the population in MA hasn’t been taking the virus seriously. I have since moved to another state and it’s not bad here at all, everyone for the most part are social distancing and wearing masks. But I will say that back home, it is a mess! They made a few hospitals COVID only. I know a few people personally who have the virus.
- I just got hired in a plastic surgery clinic. Are these red flags?
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Critical Care Eliticism?
Out of all the places I have worked, I noticed the critical care team always thinks this way. I used to care, but not anymore. There are definitely strong personalities in the ICU, let me tell ya. I think you should do what makes YOU happy. At the end of the day, you’re the one having to live your life. What’s good for one person (thinking their life is the best) doesn’t mean it’s the best for everyone.
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How would you improve the nursing profession? (beyond better staffing, higher pay, etc)
Have nurses work together and not form cliques and bully people. I’ve seen it a lot and it makes for a tense environment. It also doesn’t promote teamwork... who would want to go ask a bully for help? I also believe that nurses are expected to do too much, the remote is broken, garbage needs to be changed, calling family members, clerical work, etc... the nurse is expected to take care of it. I’ve worked places that won’t staff properly and on top of it we won’t have a CNA or a secretary, phlebotomists, EKG techs, etc. I wish the burn out wasn’t a real thing, unfortunately it is though.
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"My Nurse"
It depends on who says it. Sometimes it sounds degrading but other times it feels like you’re part of a team. For example, a boss says “my nurses are the best”, you feel like part of a team. If you have a random doctor that you hardly know say “let me get one of “my” nurses to help you”, that is uncomfortable. We aren’t someone’s property. I’ve never heard anyone say “my nurses” in a hospital setting.
- Terrible experience with nursing staff
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Rapid response
DNR doesn’t mean do not treat. He was in distress and needed immediate intervention to make him more comfortable. If his heart stopped or he stopped breathing on his one, a code blue would not have been called. I am glad he was able to pass comfortably, sorry for your loss. * If he had medications available to help with his breathing (morphine, Ativan, etc.) I would personally give those instead of calling a RR and see how he responded. If I couldn’t get in touch with the MD promptly and didn’t have meds ordered I would call a rapid to ensure he is comfortable.. I would make the team aware that he is comfort measures only but I can’t watch a patient struggle and not intervene.