pattymac

It's not something I would do personally. Seems like assaut to me. Of course, if they really don't want it and you try to force it on them, I doubt they would let you anyway. Surely, there must a policy for that at your place of employment?

Well, I guess it's all in how you define shallow....I didn't mean it in a negative way really. Just that shallow sometimes seems to mean those things that aren't for "the greater good"...all those things the OP wants are the things we all want. Just some of us find a career (nursing) that we love at the same time. I absolutely think that the OP has started off great by analyzing their own thoughts. Life's not easy and it helps to know some things up front. However, I do feel that it would be better if they had a passion for something. But that's just my 2 cents.

As a research nurse I read your charting!! 'Cause I know that's where the best/right stuff really is... :)

I have to admit that the more I eat out, the less I want to eat out. Some days I can't even MAKE myself go to a salad bar. And public restrooms????? Don't get me started. I would rather hold it. I even have bad dreams...really.

No doubt in my mind that you are shallow, but I don't think you are a bad person because of it; more like normal. You were honest and I appreciate that. I just think you would be happier doing something else. There are lots of hospital jobs out there that would suit you better most likely and you might actually get some of those things that are important to you...

Sometimes it's ok to look people in the eye and say.. "you aren't good for me"

As much I hate to admit this openly, I will share. When my father was dying, I was the only family member there. I knew it would be that day (a few hours only) and I sat there thinking that I was doing him some good by being there even though he was not conscious. So anyway, it got to be around noon and I was hungry. So I left and went to McDonalds...brought the food back and watched TV while I ate. After I ate, I sang to him and he quietly passed. So what is the story here? I looked back later and was horrified that I had done such a thing! I would have been devastated if he had passed while I was gone and I would have thought terrible things about any other family member that did the same thing. What I realized later is that I have always gone to food for comfort in times of stress and that was the ultimate stress. So you may ask how I could have been hungry or eaten anything during a time like that, but I guess I see it as an addition of sorts. So I cut myself some slack about it now, but strangely enough I haven't ever eaten there again. It's so hard to explain our actions sometimes.

Yes, yes! We have that here too...it's wonderful!

This is what I had to do to stay sane: I made of list of everything that had to be done each week (my laundry, grocery shopping, pay bills; you get the picture) and then I assigned a day that week for that task (or more than one). That way I always got around to each task and I didn't have to think about each one until the day for it came up. Make sense? Anyway, it really helped me.

Below is just an exerpt...thought it might help you. This is what I do and I love it! Coordinate and participate in clinical research studies conducted by a supervising physician to ensure that patient treatment provided by primary care personnel and data collected adhere to study protocol; screen patients for inclusion in study based on pre-determined criteria; maintain inventory of unique drugs and supplies needed for study; provide basic patient care and treatment as requested by physician. Obtain patient blood samples, cultures, tissues and other specimens for laboratory analysis; initiate drug orders and laboratory studies for patients based on standing protocol orders. Provide direction and training to nursing staff on techniques for mixing and administering new drugs and other forms of patient care and treatment unique to the study being conducted; maintain interface with nursing and other pro-fessional personnel to interpret protocol application for a given patient and to answer questions about the study in progress. Confer with patient and attending physician to explain purpose of study and obtain written consent for patient to participate; explain diagnostic pro-cedures and method of treatment to alleviate patient and family concern. Collect information and data from patient charts and records, patient inter-views and other sources; evaluate and interpret collected data and prepare protocol summary forms, statistical reports and analyses setting forth pro-gress, adverse trends and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.

I feel your pain. Seems to me you have 2 choices. 1. Be a cousin; a family member. Make it clear that you are there for support but that it is not a good idea to get involved in his care. 2. Continue to do what you have been doing. The more you help her the more she will depend on you. I am not telling you that one way is more right than the other, just that you need to make a decision. Once you have made the decision which way you want to go, then stick to it. I would recommend setting some boundaries however. Especially as a student, you should be careful about the kind of information that you give. It's difficult for even seasoned nurses to be in this situation, so try not to stress too much. Good luck with whatever happens and keep coming here for support.

I left out the part about the bedpan being on the bed tray when I first got there. Anyway, aide was reported, she apologized and swore it wouldn't happen again. Seemed really embarrassed. Should be! Sometimes I think people just need a reminder to focus. Everthing's been ok since. Just seems so different from when I worked med surg. No one seems to care that much. I wish she had you all taking care of her! :redbeathe

Family member is hospitalized. Used the bedpan. Wiped herself. Aide said "here, let me have that" and she put the tissue in her hand. THEN....the aide threw the tissue (remember it has been used to wipe after urinating) towards the trash can and IT LANDED ON THE OVER BED TRAY!!!! WHERE HER WATER, FOOD, ETC. IS....!!!! She walked over, picked it up, threw it in the trash and walked out. A good minute went by with my mouth open.....I can't wait to hear what you all have to say. P.S. In case you ask...I went to find her...no where to be found. Left a message for charge nurse...nothing yet.

You know what's REALLY sad here....? After all these years in nursing...these things don't even bother me anymore! That is truly sad.

I can't believe I read the whole thing! Wow. I feel better FOR you after just reading it. Similar thing happened to me just last week. I sent a reply to someone about someone else but sent it to THAT person instead. Too fast typing! It actually turned out well. She got it, read it and instead of being angry was very happy to finally know how things stand. We got together and had a great time. Now, this sounds like the possibility of that is slim to none, but you know...these things happen...you messed up, but who knows what will come of it. Hang in there....WE love you! P.S. It definately made me slow down and consider the consequences of email transmissions!