ED18yrs

I wouldn't pretend to be able to understand your experience, not having been through it myself. I can imagine it must be frustrating, frightening, etc. on many levels. One thing I do know that ED nurses are good at, though, is flexibility. This might seem simplistic, but what about urgent care? Many of the same ingredients as the ED, without IV placement. Many urgent cares have phlebotomists for lab draws. Granted, different facilities in different states, etc. have different practices. I am sure somewhere out there your experience and skills would be valued, and could be put to good use.

Sleep when you are tired, try to stay on one schedule. Eat well, get some exercise, take all of your vacation time. That one is mine. I like the old surgeon's mantra better, though: "Eat when you can, sleep when you can, !#@% when you can, and don't touch the pancreas."

Wow, 53 units. Your lab techs deserve a handshake. I like the Belmont over the Level 1. Haven't used the new versions of the Level 1, though. Love working with ED docs and trauma surgeons that put in immediate Cordis.

I would consider 6:1 unsafe. On the other hand, when I sit in on ED RN interviews, I suggest hiring RN's who have worked in the south, as they usually have great time management from 6:1 and higher ratios. The most I have ever had was 8:1 non-critical, 4:1 acute and criticals. Now I am in California where the legislature helps us out. Definitely easier, safer, more enjoyable. Still busy.