RazmatazRN

At least we have choices! Most of our patients get served at times they did not choose with food they did not pick or possibly picked from a confusing menu where breakfast dysphagia 'pancakes' arrive in a bowl and have the consistency of pudding. I have heard that a few hospitals have experimented with allowing patients to order up when they are hungry and the dietary department responds much like a café/diner would. Patients love it and get to eat when they are hungry. This also saves on staff labor and food waste. Of course, if you are on any diet precautions these would still apply and you might still get the pudding pancake treatment.

My recurring work nightmare is where I am back in the Emergency Department and everything I am doing is in slow motion. I can not keep up with the pace of the shift and problems shooting at me rapid fire. I can not quicken my pace no matter how hard I try and all the people and problems keep piling up until I wake in a panic and at the same time relieved that it was just a dream.

I agree with the previous comments and would only add that being a manager is much more about being fair and honest, than about being tough. Do what is right, work hard, engage your staff in decision making and you will succeed. If you can't figure out what is right...then make the kindest choice!

I just joined Allnurses today and this is my first time in the forums. I wish I would have had an opportunity to give you study advice before your OCN exam! I tested in October and although I passed....it could have gone either way and I was not sure I made it until I saw the PASS after I submitted my test. Sweaty palms, rapid heart beat, and some big mind blanks here sums up my general anxious state for the entire exam. The OCN test prep booklets are the best resource. Practice practice practice with this book and also the online practice tests. Some are free. My plan B (if I did not pass) would have been to take the ONS review course or if available, an actual sit down 2 to 3 day review. Thankfully I was able to pull it off!