buckboomer

Have anyone tried directly confronting this abusive individual? The direct approach works best. Er nurses can take a little heat, and can usually dish it out! Be respectful, if possible, and talk it over with other staff. Then go up the chain of command, but don't expect much there. This individual should get the message. Think about pulling a few pranks, and see if she has a sense of humor. Maybe getting to know this individual better is another way to understand her points of view. Let her know yours, too. Remind this individual, abuse is violence and will NOT be tolerated. Buenas suerte

We do NOT use therapeutic conversation on this board. However,please use some empathy, understanding, or avoid this board. Many have opinions, stories, etc that they want to share. I rather enjoy the different points of view to help keep or put things into perspective. I'll even go so far as saying it might be a good way of venting. Of course, everyone has opinions and many could lighten up. As a student nurse, how do you have time to read the posts? We all struggle through nursing school. That is REALLY the only bond we nurses have. Get some sleep, keep positive, and go exercise instead of reading these posts. Thanks for your comments and opinion.

10 years or so ago, in MN, a large teaching hospital tried ending treatment to a persistently vegetative person. It received national attention. The hospital lost the court case. A nursing supervisor wrote a paper on it from a religious point of view, (catholisism). The spiritual aspects of the person, caregiver, etc are an issue. My parents both died painful deaths and suffered for months. I used to think that man has no right killing another. Now I feel some patients need a free referral to Dr. Jack Kerkovian. We live in a pluralistic society, and we should have that opportunity if we request it. However, ethical councils would be very helpful with pain management, psychology, clerical, and others involved when this need occurs. A friend of mine chose the terminal weaning and was barely 30, with three beautiful daughters. He was very coherent and not clinically depressed, according to the report. I worked on that floor, with others that knew him well. We still have a tough time dealing with that issue, and can not speak of him. His wife was a nurse and said he was a burden to his family. He did the deed after a Vikings game on a Sunday. I am getting choked up just remembering some of the details. Part of nursing is to allow peaceful deaths, or at least assist with that process. Since none of us is immortal, we in nursing deal with mortality every day. I have a living will, and so do most of my close friends. I also plan on getting a tattoo some day on my chest, DNR, DNI. Good luck with your article.

I like the big umbrella nursing works under. There are many nursing roles ie, school , clinic, homecare, hospital, with many different specialties, and others. If one area starts wearing you down, try another. Nursing has a plethora of opportunities nationwide as well as many places overseas, plus travel assigments. I also try to remember the times, I thought I made a difference to someone, or even heard a thank you. Each of us has the freedom to change, adapt, or get out. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Do Anything about it? ***** and complain? Unions so far have not been successful, either. Benefits, pay, scheduling, and you forgot respect. There is now a report that women make at least 25% less then men. Hilary C has made some comments on that. Does this affect nursing? I think so, dude. We live in a capitalistic society, and our jobs, roles, have been devalued. AMA is strong lobby in congress. Is nursing? I doubt it. Consider the serial killers who are MDs. How were they able to continue to practice medicine? What about the accidental deaths, which is a national disgrace, tragedy. There has to be a way to communicate our needs to the public, and health care administrators. I have appreciated your posts in the past, and I don't consider you a bottom feeder. I choose not to let this sink. Your poll, was for , what purpose? To get many replies? Prove that nurses are not organized? Would organizing really work? Historically nurses have NOT been well organized. What will change that? And will organizing really increase benefits, staffing, money, or other big issues? Lo dudo, or I doubt it. Our president is putting us back 40+ years into another cold war. Let's identify the problems to the correct people, and hope for the best. In my opinion, that requires a well planned effort. Grassroot approaches seem to work better in this country, or democracy. I would hope that could be done without striking. And since you are NOT in favor of unions, and probably a republican, you can spend your tax cut as a wage benefit.

Hey Boss, I reckon you will be disappointed when you see the cost for a nursing license in Alaska. I applied for one about 5 years ago, 250.00, no fooling. I also needed references. Most hospitals have their own websites, which include pictures of the facility, and some of surrounding beauty. The wages are poor, IMHO. I visited Ketchikan last summer, and visited the hospital there. It looked better on the net. The weather during June was wet rainy, and very cool. Ketchikan has 270 days of precipitation. I saw daylight for >18 hours, and never saw the sun. For a week on a cruise, I enjoyed the beauty, but NOT the weather. Winter must be hell. Now I know why chem dep is such a big deal there. Plan carefully, and research as best you can. I would be suprised if you went there for the money or opportunities. Try the Alaskan Extra Special Bitter. What out for bear scat!

I have lived over seas, and NEVER heard a Limey, Kiwi, or Aussie ever say ass. It is always orifice, bottom, not ass. Lighten up, Scottie, if you really are one. You have the dreaded foot in mouth! I barrack for the Rangers. I suppose you like Celtic, or maybe Dundee.

I suggest you pick and choose what you want to read or believe. I support other opinions and ideas. Read Wildtime, or others that are worth reading. Take the blinders off, and realize the dilemma healthcare is in. Nurses are in the trenches or the front line of our miserable healthcare system. Passive aggressive, non confrontable individuals run rampant in this profession. Some feel this is the response, of the stress, that nursing is under. Compromise your values, to pick up a pay check. Is it any wonder, the mean spirited replies, are common place on the board? Think positive, remember the good stories, etc, etc. Forget about the miserable working conditions, and some of the mean spirited colleagues in this glamorous profession. Walk a mile in the bedside nurses's shoes, and smile. Cram 10 hours of work into 8 hours. Deal with guilt issues when you are unable to report to work, letting these same colleagues down, and they will be short staffed, or do mandatory overtime. Try not to become cynical, like others, including myself. Be empathetic, use therapeutic conversation, imagery, to convince yourself and others, of nursing, the noble profession. Care for sick, angry people, with verbally abusive families, and come to work smiling. There are some good moments in nursing, but NOT enough.

Whoa, Todd, you have been a nurse for such a short time. I am glad for your strong faith, but it is yours. You will need it to survive, and keep that cheery outlook. I have tried and failed to not become cynical. I rejoice in my good health, marriage, and other things that I must think of. Definitely not politics, or justice, or hospital administration. Here in Minnesota, the largest healthcare employer is being dragged through public scrutiny, over consultation fees, and perks for the hotshots. We are also in the midst of nursing contract negotiations. I will believe a change, in money or working conditions, will happen when I see it, not before. All the best to you and yours.

Todd, What is the difference between an oral thermometer, and a rectal thermometer? The taste! After working in Er, I noticed a common ailment, saloon arthritis, where one gets stiff in a different joint each night. These same customers usually have dunlap's disease, where the belly done lap over the belt. Read riddle books. They can truly be inspiring. On vacations, my family would get riddle and song books, to pass the time. I also use these same riddles in my neuro checks. I tell a juvenile riddle, and ask the same one 5 or 10 minutes later, to see if they respond appropriately, and or remember the riddle. I was told after my clinicals 11 years ago, not to even think about OB nursing. The rationale, is most new MDs in this area are female. I have seen only one male in OB in the hospital, I used to work in. He was written up regularly. I hope you enjoy your career.

Do you routinely start IVs in the customer's dominant hand or arm? I do NOT! If I have a choice, I will put the IV in the affected arm of a CVA client. Poor pain sensation, nonuse, and leaving the good arm alone, are the criteria I use. As an ED nurse, if others are upset, then they can switch the peripheral IV themselves. If there is a problem with circulation, I have not seen it in 10 glorious years in this glamorous profession. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Just prove to yourself, that you can and will do it. Graduating from nursing school is HARD for every nurse. That is the ONLY thing we all have in common. Keep focused, and slug it out. No nurse ever made it the easy way, at least to my knowledge. The problem for you, will be when you change your status at work. I believe that you should consider all, or other options on graduation. If the doctor's group want to keep you, make them pay more than going rate. I hope there is a tuition remimbursement at your place of employment. And if you have trouble this year, take another shot! Your preserverance, determination, will make it happen. The degree of nursing allows an individual many opportunities. Find the right one for yourself. At your tender or young age, many obstacles seem huge. Put it in perspective, live the life you want to live. If nursing is what you want, GO FOR IT! I encourage you to graduate. Prove to yourself, and family, that you have what it takes. Listen to others that support you. Others have more confidence in your ability, than you do. That will make you the true nurse. Under estimating you worth, or contributions to health care. Someday, you will look back on this episode of your life with a smile. Give it your best shot, NO regrets!

Well, I live in a northern state, Minnesota. I have worked with other Canucks, and encourage you to give it a go. In Minnesota, I am not sure of the requirements, for licensure, but have contacts, addresses, etc to contact here. In the twin cities, or the Minneapolis, St. Paul area, is where we live. This year is a contract year this summer. I expect some acrimonious negotiating. We have many unionized facilities. With a strike a good possiblity. Are you interested in hospital nursing? Also, we in Minnesota are close to you, more civilized people. I also have room in our house, we have 1 20 year old female university student, 2 cats, and an interest in Canada. In fact, my daughter is considering relocating to your great country if Roe vs Wade is repealed. However, I suggest you get a little experience before jumping into work here. The stress, new career, relocation, would require much energy. I have 10 glorious years of experience, mostly in the ED, as a RN. Also I have worked in most hospitals in this market area, as an agency nurse. After 1 years experience, that might be your best bet. Then you could make even more money, and find the facility you like best, as an agency RN. Of course, there are many opportunities at present, in both LTC, and hospitals. So graduate, continue exploring options, and get organized. You can contact me at [email protected] for continuing correspondence. All the best!

In Minnesota physical abuse or assault is a felony, to health care workers. I unfortunately know that. I was assaulted, and received a broken thumb on my dominant hand. I missed 2 months of work. I had nothing but problems with Employee Health, the stupid police, and my HMO. I am still waiting for a court date, 3 months later. Even my fellow colleagues have NOT been supportive. Nothing has changed, and I expect little. I was violated, injured though NO fault of my own. What can repay or compensate me for the bother, pain, and inconvenience. I am NOT satisfied with the judicial, legislative or enforce ment of the stupid laws. The best thing I did, I was told, was notifying the police and pressing charges. The company I work for, writes about respect and safety in the workplace. What a joke! Even regular verbal abuse is ignored from the MDs. Nurses are very low on the food chain in Allina Health Systems. Keep me in the dark, and continue to feed me the BS. Underpay me, give me terrible pension benefits, and the crummy schedules. It is hard to come to work, and hear from the patients, get me something to eat, how much longer must we wait, etc, etc. The work environment is very unhealthy. But what are the alternatives, in hospital nursing? Different departments are not good options, either. Beat me, verbally abuse me, and forget stated values. Allina Health System's Mission: Provide an excellent health care experience for our customers. Forget the employees, but provide something else, for "our customers".

Jenny P, I missed 8 weeks of work! I am still waiting for a court date, the injury was Oct 16, 2000, and is a felony in this state. ( Regarding an assault, in the ED. ) I have a new appreciation for thumb injuries, with a fracture and ligament damage of my dominant hand. I learned to play tennis with a brace on. MNA is a joke! I have very little regard for that organization. I filed grievances, made phone calls, that were NOT returned, and we could NOT even enforce the contract at the facility where I worked. Sorry to get off on a tangent, but I am bitter with the treatment we nurses get everyday. My coping skills are tested to the max, in this glamorous profession. I feel each nurse has to stop violence in the workplace. That includes abuses by our facilities,ie short staffing, mandatory overtimes, consistently rude MDs, poor scheduling, and limiting time off, vacations. We are nearly at the bottom of the health care food chain. Where do we start picking our battles? This profession, we call nursing, in my opinion, is NOT appreciated by management, administration, unless there is some customer service issues, or litigation. The frantic work settings are difficult maintain a healthy work environment. Where is there a proactive administration, that deals with the high RN turn over, or disgruntled staff? In this capitalistic society, we are just overpaid worker bees, to hospital administration. Competition, poor reimbursement, makes hospital administrations, search for ways to cut the budget. Historically nursing gets hit first. We get bruised and battered regularly, in this female dominated profession. Under pay, overwork, and under appreciate the tasks we do. Yet, we continue to show up to work in these conditions. This is a contract year in this metro area. However, each facility negotiates separately, in this market place. How convenient for management, divide and conquer. So we nurses will continue to enable management to continue the course. Now Tommy Thompson, a conservative is nominated by the Bush administration. Get ready for more cutbacks, and compationate conservatism, an oxymoron. We will have to continue to vent to each other, put our collective heads down, and survive another workplace crisis. I have a tough time staying optomistic. I savour the rare compliment. And I have cut back my work schedule, and sought mental health support. I have a supportive family, but I am considering our employment options. What do you do? Just identifying the nursing enabling behavior is a start. Informing others is also being done by you. Being involved with the (supposed union), justifies your activism. Get ready of more of the same, as mangement will continue to dictate on the one way street, this profession has historically allowed. Sorry for getting so riled up.