BellionRN

I think you did exactly right, and that the patient was incredibly fortunate to have you come in that day, even though you had to deal with your coworkers hissy fit.

I don't see advocating for your patient as being an opinion.

I haven't asked them NOT to, unless it's at me ... but I have on occasion reminded them that they're not the only one in the room & perhaps could they not scream ALL OF THE swear words as I'm doing everything I can do to manage their pain. I've been known to drop f-bombs like nobody's business so I don't hold it against them.

Was he not capable of shutting your door himself? Or is that too hard, along with basic household chores... Anyway, people don't get it. Don't expect them to. & if doing all that extra stuff around the house bugs you, don't do it. He sounds like a big boy... he can probably manage.

I don't really have much of an opinion as a Canadian but I'm finding this thread quite interesting! Do hospitals have to specify upon hire that you aren't allowed to carry a concealed weapon to work?

I went to ICU as a new grad. Like you, I had worked as a Student Nurse Employee in the same ICU in which I was hired. I did a mentorship program the summer between my third and fourth years of Nursing and picked up during my fourth year. When I graduated, they encouraged me to apply there as a new grad. And again, like you, I wavered because I didn't think the ICU was any place for a new grad. I had actually initially applied to the General Surgery unit. I took a critical care nursing program that included a 3.5 wk preceptorship at the end of the 3 month program. After that, I got an orientation to the unit that was approx 8-10 wks (I can't remember exactly). It sounds like you are already a step ahead because you know the unit and the staff. It also sounds like you have a good rapport with them, so you'll have people to go to when you are unsure or have questions related to certain disease processes, drips, tests, etc. I'd also be very surprised if you were denied an extra week or two of orientation as a new grad in an ICU if you weren't feeling ready to be on your own just yet (keep in mind you won't feel 100% ready... ever! ). I think you should follow your gut on this one. As much as I didn't think I had any business being in an ICU as a new grad, I wouldn't change my experience for anything. I was careful & I asked a lot of questions. I had wonderful support from the nurses on my unit. I learned an incredible amount. In ICU, you are never alone. Good luck! I'm not from the US, but it sounds like you are incredibly lucky to be offered two jobs as a new grad from what I've read on this website re: job shortage.

We've used them before, you can titrate for output & the steady infusion sometimes seems to work better for certain patients who don't respond that well to a push dose... Don't ask me why lol! I don't find it that common, though. To the OP... We've all done it. It is what can only be described as a horrific feeling when you realize what you've done. Be kind to yourself. Learn. Move on. ETA: sorry, I don't consider myself "experienced" with 3 of my 5 years of nursing in ICU! I only saw you asked for an experienced opinion after! Apologies.

Often, if the cyst has ruptured and symptoms have resolved, there isn't much to see on an U/S. Maybe a bit of free fluid, but perhaps not depending on size. Just because your U/S was normal doesn't necessarily mean you didn't have a ruptured cyst. Speaking from experience.

Typically I have two patients, or one if it is an ICU, a sick stepdown patient or otherwise someone who is requiring more of my time (pain management problems including q5min drug Adm, confused/aggressive, etc.). I would recommend reviewing post op main management and airway management to start! :) Good luck, I love PACU :)

Why did you leave the job you loved? If you don't love it, I don't see why "sticking it out" will benefit you in anyway way, unless you are using that area as a stepping stone to something else. Would you be able to go back to your other job?

[quote=Lev Actually... Where I work we do say "call in", kind of short for "called in sick". Took me a little while to figure out what "call out" meant when I first started frequenting this forum! Haha "Are you at work?" "No, I called in!" :) ETA: (Sorry my quote didn't work! Referring to Lev's comment about "call out" vs "call in"!

I took my BN in New Brunswick. Practicing on each other wasn't included in our program but some of us did it just to get used to it. The dummy arm was a joke.

Maybe because they know nursing students (& students in general) are poor & it's a good opportunity for some easy/extra money ...?

That was a weird post. & I admit, a little concerning. My nursing related anxiety didn't start until about 1.5 years after I graduated. I look back now, to some of the situations I was in as a new grad in a busy ICU and I cringe. At the time, I wasn't fazed because I had excellent support from my coworkers and was very aware I was a new grad in a critical care area (& that I didn't know it all. Haha, or anything!? Kidding ... sort of) so I talked through things with my more experienced coworkers but, ****, really? I managed, I learned, I'm so greatful for that experience ... but now I look back and think, wow. My point is, & I find it difficult to even articulate properly ... I think the more you learn, the more you discover what you didn't/don't know. & the more you realize what you still don't know. If that makes any sense. I think it's nice that you don't feel anxious. But your post concerns me, as it does a few other posters. My anxiety was pretty unit/situation specific and with a few moves, I have been able to find a bedside job that I don't dread going to, but I do still always have in the back of my mind, "what if I do something wrong? What if I miss something? What if...?", and I firmly believe that if you don't have those questions in your head sometimes, you should be very, very careful. Nursing is stressful & I hope that those that have major problems with anxiety don't take this post to heart.

Those restraints sound like hobbles. Not something we use. Did she run out screaming or did she calmly express her desire to leave & provide a reason why? Did she express this desire to you or just try to sneak away?