angiewdm

I agree. At work, it is always Dr. "Nurse Angie" seems somewhat endearing, I don't know what it is about it; but first name is perfectly fine for any nurse :).

Just remember their complaining is not a reflection of you. You are going out there and doing the best you can! Before I started nursing, I was so passive! When I got on a hospital floor, I had to learn really quick how to become assertive (I was "eaten alive!"). I learned that as I frame requests for the needs of the patient; I don't feel like I'm being so "pushy." I also feel I started to get more respect. It's an art to say what you need in a respectful way (and I still have to work at being assertive). Another thing I started doing this year: working out. It really makes me feel an inner peace. I thought I was happy before, but not as much as now. Doing anything; walking on the treadmill, hot yoga, biking, running, swimming, pacing down the hall. The world needs nurses like you that care, make sure you are taking care of yourself too.

Yaaaay! Congratulations beckyboo1!

Here's some advice from a person in the same situation. Keeping yourself organized through the flowsheets and checklists etc will help, as well as carrying a clipboard with all the paperwork attached. Don't lose the clipboard (LOL, I was trying to figure out how to keep that from happening). Take short breaks to collect your thoughts and see where you are in what you need to do. When I first started nursing, it was chaotic. I had vital signs written all up my arms to write down in the chart. You will manage this and succeed, just find what works for you. Good luck!

It does sound like a lot for one nurse. Even though it is ultimately the owner's decision, I wonder if he/she truly understands what you are going through. It might be worth it to address your concerns objectively to the DON; if they don't do anything about it, absolutely don't stay there. You've worked too hard for that license!

Congratulations!!!

I LOVE utilization and case management; I work in utilization management at an insurance company. It is a lot different than other types of nursing, as you don't directly work with other patients. It is very fast paced (it is our busiest time right now); but you can somewhat plan your day, which I like. You can make a difference, but it's behind the scenes. I was able to help an agency yesterday get home health services for an actively dying patient who did not want hospice--they didn't realize they could do that. We had someone call in a month and a half stay for inpt mental health...not the right level of care for that patient...

Amps are only part of the picture, to complete it, you've also got to work on you--and that is to stabilize. It might not be a bad idea to take this time out to get focused by working w/a coach, possibly formal counseling, and getting a job that is easier to manage. Another nursing job could be jumping from the frying pan to the fire. Costco has them much cheaper than other pharmacies, if you are near one (and due to the Schedule II factor, I don't think you can order them from Canada, but not sure on that).

Being self-aware is half the battle, so you go girl! Instead of focusing on inattention, you could focus more in the interview on what you have done with conquering issues related to multi-tasking. I have the same issue. I am always the note-taker in our team meetings. My co-workers are always glad they don't have to do it, LOL, and I find it helps me pay attention; so there's a way you could help your co-workers appreciate it. Good luck!!!

I go to Fort Hays State online for their RN-BSN program. I think it's $186 a credit hour, and the program is regionally and nationally accredited. I do have to take Chemistry, Pathophysiology and College Algebra (womp womp), but it's a trade off.

I do a lot of psych reviews too, and residential facilities/CD treatment can be challenging. The main reason here is that the services provided have to meet the Interqual criteria definition. A residential facility can provide acute services, for example.

I've been a UR nurse for about a year and a half for private insurance. I use Interqual, and although the functionality of the program is fairly easy to pick up on; applying the criteria properly for some cases can be challenging. For example, LTACHs. Under their complex medical criteria, you have a primary reason why they are in there--pain management or two IV ATB, for example. Then two comorbidities that are not considered chronic, these can include wound cares and respiratory adjustments etc. However there is some overlap between the two, and the focus can change while they are inpatient.