MCF

I like your end quote - thanks!

actually the one on ruby lane is from a different state, and has already been sold - but i appreciate the heads-up! mcf

I've checked pawn shops in the city where mine disappeared, but you gave me the idea of checking in the city/state where I went to school - thanks!

I like your end quote! Thanks!

Hey! I see there's already a thread about "what you think of nursing pins", but I've been online for hours about this and this is my last stop tonight! Briefly, I got my RN 18 years ago, after 10 years as an NA and LPN. For most of my career, frankly I didn't wear my pin, although at times I had a little clip-on "badge holder" with it and other pins. Two or 3 years ago, it was "lost" at the huge hospital where I worked. Offered $100 cash reward - no luck. Someone could have hocked it for a few bucks, or maybe it fell in a trash can. Since then, I've been out of work due to chronic illness, waiting for disability settlement any day now. How many seniors and disabled people have I felt for, in their sense of being a "has been" or a "nothing"? I've made a point of not asking people, "What did you USED to do?" (substitute, "What kind of work have you done?"). My point: now it would mean a lot for me to have that school pin, or even a pin from any "St John's Hospital and/or Nursing School". My school merged with a university, and they don't even make those pins any more. Maybe someone out there has a "St John's" pin that they don't want. Or you may have some info that I have yet to find searching the Web. One site had almost 300 old nursing pins! but not one I could use. Lots of St Mary's and St Luke's,etc, etc. Finally, let me just say, "Don't be too quick to decide you don't want/need that pin." Try looking down the road a few decades, when you may be retired or disabled or in another field. That pin might be a priceless memento from this unique part of your life. Or you could just go out and get one of those cute "I Love Nursing" pins with the syringe, bandaid, etc! Oh, I will always be a nurse, whether for pay, as a volunteer, or just as a big part of "who I am". Thanks for being here:nurse:Marie

Hey! I see there's already a thread about "what you think of nursing pins", but I've been online for hours about this and this is my last stop tonight! Briefly, I got my RN 18 years ago, after 10 years as an NA and LPN. For most of my career, frankly I didn't wear my pin, although at times I had a little clip-on "badge holder" with it and other pins. Two or 3 years ago, it was "lost" at the huge hospital where I worked. Offered $100 cash reward - no luck. Someone could have hocked it for a few bucks, or maybe it fell in a trash can. Since then, I've been out of work due to chronic illness, waiting for disability settlement any day now. How many seniors and disabled people have I felt for, in their sense of being a "has been" or a "nothing"? I've made a point of not asking people, "What did you USED to do?" (substitute, "What kind of work have you done?"). My point: now it would mean a lot for me to have that school pin, or even a pin from any "St John's Hospital and/or Nursing School". My school merged with a university, and they don't even make those pins any more. Maybe someone out there has a "St John's" pin that they don't want. Or you may have some info that I have yet to find searching the Web. One site had almost 300 old nursing pins! but not one I could use. Lots of St Mary's and St Luke's,etc, etc. Finally, let me just say, "Don't be too quick to decide you don't want/need that pin." Try looking down the road a few decades, when you may be retired or disabled or in another field. That pin might be a priceless memento from this unique part of your life. Or you could just go out and get one of those cute "I Love Nursing" pins with the syringe, bandaid, etc! Oh, I will always be a nurse, whether for pay, as a volunteer, or just as a big part of "who I am". Thanks for being here:nurse:Marie

Yes, I need a job, but I'm an RN. Ten years exp in LTC plus more in med-surg. Must work in the central/Middletown area. Just had a disappointing experience due to a chronic health condition. I was out of work quite a bit last year, so I agreed to come in two nights without pay to "shadow" the regular nurse and prove that I could do the job. She and I were both enthused and sure that I could. Never did that before and never will again! They would rather keep paying an agency than take a chance on someone with a disability. Think I'll call the Dept of Labor tomorrow. Oh well - I believe in myself and so do a lot of other people. Can't afford to get sucked under by resentment or self-pity. "God bless us all!"

thanks for your response - yes, I dumped the inadequate shrink who was supposedly an ADD specialist. I have many years experience dealing with my moods, including 10 years in 12 Step Recovery. Great stuff! The re-programming approach at the web sites I mentioned is most encouraging, as a drug-free treatment (hopefully!)of the roots rather than the symptoms.

Hi, sorry I don't have time to read ALL these posts today, even though I'm not gainfuly emloyed. But I have to relate one of my horror stories. I was being treated for ADD last year (finally got an official dx). Strattera exacerbated my interstitial cystitis, so the doc tried Concerta. I took it for 2 weeks, and then stopped because I was feeling more aggressive and impulsive which increased my interpersonal problems on the job. Yes, my manager and co-workers were informed and supportive, but that only goes so far when the workload is putting everyone into meltdown. Anyway, 2 weeks later I found that my manager had audited most of my work during that two week period and found an incredible number of errors, ranging from the trivial ("she never complained about that before!") to the serious: e.g., I had entered some work as being completed when in fact I didn't even begin it. This was following on the heels of a few incidents where I made awful mistakes even though I was really trying. For instance, failing to report a patient who was apparently suicidal. I'm wondering if other people with either bipolar and/or persistent anger/aggressiveness have similar problems with stimulants. I've found some benefit from an online training program at http://www.brainsynconline.com. Also http://www.ADHDfree.com. has lots of info that may already be familiar to you. Anyway, I just wanted to make a little contribution - see you all later, Marie

Sounds like you may have some interesting stories about patients in those categories? (Republicans, lawyers, sports figures, journalists) How do you find out the political affiliation of all your patients? Personally, I try to avoid controversial topics on the job - why add to the stress! But some folks find it exhilarating!:Snow:

Hi again! I appreciate all the helpful responses to my request for advice about sedentary jobs. Now I'm thinking of writing a paper on a subject which has influenced me deeply: COLLEAGUE ABUSE, sometimes called NURSE ABUSE or STAFF ABUSE or . . . Several years ago, I saw some articles on the subject in popular nursing magazines. There was a consensus that nurses have "often" treated each other with less respect, empathy, etc. than we treat our patients. It makes sense, sadly, that when we are under tremendous pressure not only to get the job done, but to present the image of being always kind, patient, wise, highly informed . . . when "something has to give", it gives in our behavior to the person with least clout, our fellow nurse. Is this truly improving? Is there an overall trend, or does it just depend on where you are? I have quite a few horror stories, and I would like to understand some of the variables involved. Such as, treatment of colleagues as a function of one's inner self-confidence, sense of job security, degree of autonomy, support from management. I'm not looking so much for more horror stories, but for your perception of trends, variables, constructive approaches. Thanks, GB, Marie RN:Singing:

:Melody: Thanks for responding! I have considered teaching.

TO HENAYNEI: Thanks for sharing so much of your story with me; I think we can find encouragement sometimes simply from being survivors. As for your move to N. Carolina, my cousin moved there recently - near the coast. He says many areas are no longer "rural" as in down-home, lower cost of living, but that it is becoming an upscale retirement haven. I hope you will find what you want and need. Peace to you and yours, Marie RN:Singing:

TO BIPLEY AND DAYTONITE: Thanks very much for your timely responseS. I will look into these possibilities. Sincerely, Marie RN:Melody:

I used to be a very active, outdoors person. One thing I loved about nursing was being able to get up and move around pretty much ad lib, balancing the paperwork with the patient care, etc. I loved the greater autonomy of working nights and long-term care. For five years, I've had a very painful organic illness (Interstitial Cystitis)which has almost entirely disabled me. But recently, on a temp job giving flu shots, I realized that yes there is still work that I can do, as long as I'm sitting down all the time (in between half-hourly bathroom breaks!) I have no special training in QA, UR,etc although I've done my share of JCAHO-mandated databases, MDS's, and such. Any suggestions? I have varied experience over the past 26 years, and used to be good at Hospice care, but I cannot go to people's homes for a couple of reasons, including the bathroom issue. (Yes, I have extensive information and experience with various approaches to IC; was very blessed to find an informed urologist and pain specialist early on. Also the awesome people and resources at http://www.ichelp.org) Thank you all for being here - I "should" be doing more zine-surfing: maybe now that Christmas cards are out and a dear one has passed on.:Melody:

Hopefully, we have all learned that grooming issues like this involve far more than hygiene. As others have pointed out, one's appearance, including hair, is a major issue in self-image and identity. Whether or not the family is "over-reacting", it's always best to consider their wishes and try to maintain a good relationship. I was taught that this is a good way to avoid legal problems! Even more important, this CNA should have been aware of the mental status -dementia - of any and all of her patients. This is crucial in knowing how to interpret their behavior. Just because the patient didn't appear to object, doesn't mean that his moustache was no longer important to him.

Based on the records of other disciplinary offences (e.g., drug diversion, patient harmed or dead due to negligence), I would say she should receive a warning from the facility, perhaps inhouse probation. Sounds like an isolated incident. If this is repeated, then perhaps a final warning and/or action by the Board. Some facilities make a clear distinction between staff deliberately taking a nap, and accidentally falling asleep over their work. She should have ensured that someone would check on her periodically - or the charge nurse should have - but apparently she had no expectation of falling asleep. (Yes, she should have considered that as a possibility.)

Hi people, I'm still kind of new to this scene and don't know where to find all the answers. For instance, I was reading a recent thread, and started to find some of it irritating. But since the thread is "closed" (why? how? etc) I can't comment. Should I look in Terms of Service or where for this kind of information? Thenks again for being here! Later, Marie :smiley_ab

Yes, it's me again - still learning! Somehow I entered 2 copies of this. Keep trying to delete one, but no go. GB, Later, MCF:rotfl:

Hi Jeanie, You are in the right place as far as understanding and encouragement. A few thoughts: I have 9-1/2 years "clean" - actually was on methadone 2 of those years. At first I was turned down many times. Too little experience for a triage service. I was optimistic about MDS coordinator and treatment nurse positions, but they wanted someone who could float to the floor if needed. Many times people wanted to hire me tomorrow, but when I mentioned the restrictions they said, "Oh that just wouldn't work out." To avoid wasting my time and theirs, I started mentioning my consent order early in the interview. Finally I was refered to a DON who was very supportive and had some other recovering nurses on board. This was in longterm care, my first love. Everyone knew about my restrictions - they were pretty obvious. Most were supportive, although it was a hassle for them to pass my control meds. A few - in two places - were ugly about it, but they were pretty unpleasant people in general! I'm not sure how to help you with attitude. I feel in my case that it's a gift from my Higher Power, and from others in recovery. Partly I accept some of the fear of being judged, because after all I'm paying the price for my behavior and it could be much worse. Last week I had an interview in which they first asked if I had a current license ("Yes"). Do I have any restrictions on my license ("No"). Have I ever had restrictions ("Yes"). I also feel somewhat proud of myself and all those who helped me, but I haven't expressed it before. I guess I feel this is something I have to offer, especially at state mental health/addiction type places. My husband is working in home care now, just got his CNA! We both helped family members who were close to death. But I first started diverting from Hospice meds which were being discarded. I now have a very painful physical condition, and two psych problems, with several meds for all of these. I really want to go back to patient care, and feel like the right job will appear, as long as I'm looking hard. : I'm grateful for all the people here and available. Will try to be one of them, and not too long-winded. Love to you and God bless you, Marie :Melody:

(I'm new and I'm not sure how this thread and post business works. But if I've goofed, I'm sure someone will kindly let me know!) I just posted an introduction, but the issues of my recovery got too lengthy. I was working with Hospice patients 13 years ago and found it very rewarding. People appreciated the work I was doing. But I was in unbearable pain, mentally and physically, and started using morphine which was being discarded. I rationalized that I wasn't stealing, and that I deserved the same care I gave my patients. Yes, I was doing all the right things: psychiatrist, counseling, meds, journaling, meditation, exercise, prayer group, supportive family. But I had not yet been officially diagnosed with manic-depression, which is why I responded so poorly to treatment aimed solely at depression. For almost a year, I used in a very limited manner, and it helped me function and relate to people better. But when I started using IV, things went down hill fast. I almost lost everything, career, family, health, self-respect. Never quite got caught, but confessed in two separate jobs. Wound up on probation with BON in 3 different states, totalling 9 years! Reading some other folks' stories here, I realize how much worse it could have been! I never did lose my license, thank God, but did all the meetings w/ logs, random "pee patrols", regular reports from numerous people... At this point I want to offer a word of encouragement for you addicts in early recovery - you are in massive turmoil, you wonder if life will ever be good again, you may find it impossible to avoid feelings of resentment towards all the wonderful people trying to "help" you. When I was there, I couldn't imagine how other nurses with a few years in recovery could be so at ease with the program - the huge amounts of paperwork, meetings, urine screens, etc. But I got there too, and that in itself did so much for my self-esteem. ONE OTHER THING: Please, when you send correspondence or required reports to the BON - send them by certified mail. I learned this the hard way - how many times things just didn't arrive, and each time I got a non-compliance, costing over $200 a month. After moving to a new state, it took them over a year to issue my license, even after they stopped "losing" everything that was sent to them! A lawyer advised me to keep a record of ALL correspondence, including phone calls. To write down what was said, and then mail them a copy "just to be sure there are no misunderstandings." She also advised me to contact them at least once a week, in a very pleasant and professional manner, just to keep myself on the front burner with them. Of course that would be if you wanted something from them. All the recovering nurses I know in this state - CT - had lawyers to the tune of $4-5,000. In my home state, MO, and my other residence, CO, nobody had one. When I asked this lawyer what she could do for me that I couldn't do for myself, she said ,"Nothing really." Of course that too might depend on the individual situation. Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on. BUT I HAVE A QUESTION OR TWO. I have an organic condition of the bladder which is extremely painful for part of almost every day. I'm on lots of meds, just got scheduled for a pain clinic. This is the main reason I had to leave my last job; also because I have a lifelong attention problem, somewhat responsive to treatment. I was in "case coordination" but was unable to do a sufficient amount of work. I want to go back to a patient care on 2nd or 3rd shift, but I CAN NOT take a chance with unsupervised access to narcotics. I feel strongly tempted, especially with my pain and high stress. In the past I applied for positions as MDS coordinator or treatment nurse, and they told me they wanted these nurses to be available to work the floor if needed. I have been in settings where EVERYONE knew I was in recovery and on restrictions with the State. This doesn't bother me, in fact I would just as soon that people did know. The best plan I can think of now, as well as working the steps and staying close to my support system, is to get on a supervised naltrexone program, with frequent random urines. I did this before, right after getting off methadone, and it worked for me. HAS ANYBODY HAD A SIMILAR PROGRAM, OF THEIR CHOICE RATHER THAN A BON REQUIREMENT? A BIG QUESTON IS, WHAT IF I HAD A DIRTY URINE? (WHICH I NEVER HAD) BUT THEN WHAT? Where's the accountability? QUESTION TWO - do some of you fellow recoverees have experience in home care? How do you deal with the patients' meds just being out there? As well as the temptation, I feel that if anything disappeared - which easily happens when people have memory issues - I would be a suspect, and I just don't want to go there. I'm also looking at other positions without medication reponsibility, such as UR/QA or case management. I'm sure some of you can relate to this and maybe offer some sugestions. Later, Marie :Melody: