ataymil8

You are not alone. I suffer from the same issues with similar origins. I would freeze during labs when I was being tested. My anxiety would ramp up so much that all I could muster was an autonomic fight or flight response. I was in fear every single day for clinical. Looking back now after 6 years with my RN, I should have gone to the lab and practiced those skills until I could do them backwards in my sleep. Muscle memory takes over when the mind can’t function. Also, don’t let anyone smell your fear. Fake it until you make it! You can do this. Once you get all those skills down it will free your mind to get the thinking done. Don’t give in to your fears. Courage is being afraid but doing it anyway. Best of luck.

I can relate 100%. I work nights on a high-acuity pulmonary floor with vents, chest tubes, feeding tubes, etc. We still manage to get everything else like psych and ETOH, fresh post ops, etc. we are constantly short-staffed and short on techs. Every once in a while, like one night last week, I found that I could not get to all my call lights that were going off. This went on from the moment I walked in at 1900 until about 0315. Every time I sat down to chart a light would go off. I felt like a pressure cooker about to blow my lid. We had one tech that was sitting at the front nurses’ station. I was the only one at the back station while mother nurse was sitting around the corner cheering on her cow. Finally, I went up front and said the tech needs to sit in the back. She was on break at that point so there was no one. The other nurses helped me out which was awesome. The point though, is that I was so angry I thought I was going to have a stroke. I had no control over it. It was pure frustration that I couldn’t give my patients what they needed and my fear that I wasn’t going to be able to get everything done before day shift came. I felt so helpless that my anger turned to almost crying. I didn’t take it out on patients or staff, but it’s a terrible feeling. It’s frustrating not to be able to give patients what they deserve because of acuity and/or, lazy techs with attitudes. So, you are not alone!

Rotating shifts are not for everyone, just as days vs nights are not for everyone. If you interview for other positions in the system, tell the interviewer just what you said in your OP. You love your job but the rotating shifts are wreaking havoc with your health and you need....(fill in the blank.) Most hiring managers will work with you. Good luck!

My mother is 92 and I have her cape, just like the one in the picture. My grandmother would be approximately 120 yrs of age if she were living and I have HER cape which is floor length. You can’t imagine how well made these capes are.

I’ve been lucky, I guess. I graduated nursing school in 2013. I’ve worked a few different positions since then, namely med-surg, icu, dialysis and home care. I was hired over a year ago for a bedside nursing position which I had totally missed. I was 56 when I was hired, but have yet to experience ageism that I know of. I feel like I’m still 28 and look younger than my age...perhaps this helps. I make an effort to be friendly with everyone. As far as being pushed out of jobs I have to wonder if that has more to do with saving money in respective salaries than anything else. I’m not disputing that ageism exists, by any means, just sharing my experience.

Thanks for the input. Most pts will be respiratory distressed, septic, and ETOH withdrawals with complications, renal failure, etc. we have Telly on my current floor and I've been studying the rhythms. I'm very nervous, but excited to move forward.

Go for it! That is a LOT of prep time! I've been a nurse for a year now, working on a medical floor with a high acuity. I just got hired for an ICU position and I'm only getting 8 weeks with a preceptor. That's it...and classroom time. Leap and the net will appear!

I was offered the ICU job today. I'm going to accept the job. Can anyone recommend any study materials for now? Thanks.

I really need feedback since I'm getting nothing constructive in my year's experience on a medical floor. The last year has been like trying to drink water out of a fire hose. It has been very difficult. The unit where I work has mostly renal patients, COPD, diabetics, heart disease, amputations, tube feedings, etc. The acuity is very high and med lists are miles long, it seems. I keep getting passed over for full time, although I have worked full time hours for a year. I have asked my unit manager repeatedly and have been told that I "take too long in report." The exact full time hours I had been working for 8/9 months were filled by a new hire. Since then, someone on orientation also got full time. I have good attendance and work ethic. I get along great with my peers and patients and families like me. I often get feedback from my patients. that I am a good nurse. I am slower than the other nurses, but I take time to do a complete assessment and really connect with the patients and their families. Other nurses do not end up doing my work.When asked, an aide once told me that I was considered "the weak link." I am learning everyday. But most importantly, I have never been called out for serious mistakes or have been disciplined for any reason. The lack of feedback from my boss is eroding my self confidence and self esteem. Long winded, I know. I'll get to the point. I interviewed for an ICU position. If it's offered, should I take it? Am I ready? Will I be able to do it? When I am nervous it's really hard to learn. My biggest fear is looking stupid. But, I REALLY want to work the ER or ICU. I have a lot to give and I like challenges. I like learning. Should I work another year to have two years of med/surg under my belt or should I go for the ICU position if it's offered? I liked the environment up there, and the nurse manager. Many thanks for your anticipated feedback.

I just graduated in May and passed my boards in early June. Resumes out all over the place. I have a BA in an unrelated field. I am going to be 52 in the fall, but still plan on getting my BSN. I'm beginning to think I've made a terrible mistake.

What are you being punished for? You already paid your price back to society. On what grounds would they fine you? Best of luck.

My first patient EVER in nursing school had PRES.

I graduated from nursing school on May 16th of this year and just found out yesterday that I passed my boards. I am SO psyched. I have a 2007 HD Deluxe with 55k original miles on it. Riding is my passion. I take long trips a few times during the summer, by myself. Love it!! I figure if I wait for a boyfriend to go with, life will pass me by!! Unfortunatley, there is a lot of rain in the forecast the next few days...now that I can FINALLY relax and enjoy the ride with nothing hanging over my head. Ride safe, everyone!