Evolving RN

When patients die, I do not usually get emotional. This was weird for me at first because I am a very emotional person. But I consider it a blessing because there is no need for excessive feeling in these situations. As far as how you handled the situation, you did what you were trained to do. Consider becomine ACLS certified. I just went through the training and new I am better equipped to handle a code situation. Also, depending on your resources, you may want to consider asking if you can tag along with the rapid response team for a day or two. My thinking is that it might help you to feel more comfortable with emergency situations.

As another new nurse, I do not think it is weird that you do not get stressed out. Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I took patients the others did not want and just did my job. The thing that bothers me most about other nurses is the lack of effective nursing care. They do not understand pain management and will not give a PRN medication unless the patient specifically asks for it. A patient complained about pain constantly but no one would give him his hydrocodone because it was PRN. Also, they would do accuchecks 4 times a day on patients and give no insulin in return. Even though I showed them how to talk to the doctors to get the accuchecks reduced or stopped, which reduced thier work load and was better for the patient, they still were not capable of proactive care. Congrats on your well deserved success and I am sure you will continue to grow.