Louie18

I live in Michigan and wish I had learned it. I feel so helpless when I am not able to communicate with any person. I'm Louie

But LTC care sucks. I'm Louie

Is a good start to see who is paying attention or cares. I'm Louie

My first bed making day was what I thought a cakewalk. So I go and collect all of my bedding and come back to an empty room. No bed, No patient, NADA. First thing I thought was I killed her taking her vitals. Needless to say she went for tests but hey, I was only a student, why tell me?

When I became a nurse it was for job flexibility in hours as I raised our 4 kids. I never even thought of gender differences, nor do I today. To have that on your mind as you work takes from the "team" concept. I have on several occasions been approached by some female nurses in jaw dropping fashion and had I been in the same mindset as when I was a drummer, patients would have been my bottom priority. It sure helps to have a sense of humor but most of all, NEVER EVER THINK we (men) come close to the capabilities of a woman. If I am fortunate enough to be around to vote for a woman running for president, she has my vote. I have also been in work environments where the supervision had a blatent resentment against men but usually learned fast and moved along to another workplace. While in nursing school I saw many women with 4,5 and more kids, no child support and no income yet they not only graduated but never complained of their situations. It was then I realized what women are made of. Today I am 61, look 81 and feel 101 and when looking back still am amazed at what I did for 30 years. Louie

They called me "One-Poke-Lou" and I'd say I hit about 80%.

Man, What an education. I've always thought women led. I go to Florida in a Cadillac with a Honda, Cell phone, atm card, and condo for the winter. Do you think I would have been retired for ten years and own more than I would ever need had it not been for a woman. Louie

My name is Louie and I am participating of my own free will. 1. 27 years 2. 3 years (ADN) 3. 2 4. 122 5. none 6. ALL 7. Charge 43 different areas. 8. from ER to Neuro, to prison to weight loss clinic to hospice to substance abuse to . . . 9. around 10% and power has never been in my assessment of anyone in health care. 10. 90% and same as 9. 11. To work when I wanted, where I wanted. 12. Never payed any attention. 13. Never noticed I was usually too busy to worry about that. 14. NO 15. NO (nor do I feel men are more suited) 16. never noticed, but in looking back the ratio was proportionate to the gender census. 16. To each his own. (I was also a printer-UNION) 18. Is it? 19. You are welcome.

Without a doubt when in my ob rotation and I saw the doc grab the scissors and "SNIP" the epesiotomy, my knees felt it.

Now ain't that just something. The beginning of this story had two pertinant facts if I recall. The only thing that didn't fit right with me was th mention of an eating disorder. As I scanned each post became worse and worse until at the end we were talking about violence and junkies etc. Man, the lady took Ativan, SO WHAT! However, she mentioned it to you, WHY? I would say with the mention of her also mentioning to you she had an eating disorder red lights should have flashed in everyones head. There is a book called the "Pain of Obesity." I read it, but none that I have given it to have read it. If you never do another bit of reading I would highly recommend this book. Obesity is a topic possibly safe to toss around here what'd'y'all think? Louie

MAN! If any of you nurses know how to retire please let me know. What is there, a switch you just turn off. I have been working the streets a majority of my life and trust me with the insurance companies being bought out by GM etc. to stop paying workmans comp.there are many sick people out of work and out of insurance and still they get sick. Will work t'ill I have the last shovel dumped atop of me. Louie

Whatever yoursituation now, as they grow things will change and probably when you are getting ready to retire and they break out those "conditions" that you overlooked way back when. It's these "conditions" that have you spending your last 7 years on the threat of dismissal or any other implications to unstabilize you. Thus: there goes the pension and benefits. "No condition is permanent" It must be kept permanent and Unions do just that.

Now THAT was an excellent post. As I climbed through and was taken astray I never saw a dungeon (dang close to it though) I have no idea how I would react, shove me and you automatically become a patient. I assess you, and based upon that act accordingly. If indeed you are a neurosurgeon, my hat is off to you sir/mam. If not we will find out. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, security will be called and you will be escorted from any floor I work. Should I ever see you shoving another nurse on my floor, HALDOL would be my drug of choice. (based on the phone order received.)

How old is sophie? I will pray for her. Louie

Buck, You got 63 responses to this post, all taking the time to fill out your questionairre. If you would have gone to the webmaster of this or any other nursing site they could have made it more available and convenient. this is good info, but without reading your follow-up post I already feel like you are building your case and finding out (like a politician) where your cards are before you voice any opinion. Louie