Eschell2971

Professional nurses need to think about the words they use when they are operating in a public, professional, setting. Cursing needs to stop! I've been noticing something which I think is not good, to say the least, and in my thinking, does not put nurses in a capable, professional, or serious light. Before I tell you what it is, I already expect that some of you will attack what I'm saying as 'racist', 'sexist', or similar diatribes, but, I ask that you at least consider & reflect on what I'm saying. This is not a personal attack, but, a glimpse into our own profession & professional standards. I've been noticing that in professional or business meetings, many professional, educated nurses, mostly women, even women in leadership positions, will regularly curse as they're speaking to the attendees, some of whom are their direct reports. By curse, I mean specifically using words such as, '****,' or '********', but most frequently, it's the notorious f-bomb\****' this or that, all without embarrassment or apology or even the slightest hint of regret. Let me be transparent & acknowledge that I sometimes use 'hell' & 'damn' when I'm speaking with friends & we're just shooting the breeze. Sometimes, I even use those words when I'm listening to the news. At times, I also use or write words like 'azz' or similar nuances in our social media culture. But what I don't do is use curse words or other inappropriate & unprofessional language when I'm speaking in public & most certainly not when I'm in a professional setting, like a meeting or during a presentation. Again, most of the people I see doing this are professional nurses, mostly women, who are educated, strong, capable leaders, with some tremendous responsibilities. Moreover, as I have scanned the room in these meetings, from as best as I can tell in the short timeframes, many attendees seem not to be bothered one bit by the language. And it seems to me that many people are not even struggling with the seeming contradiction of educated women in leadership positions who are reverting to these crude behaviors, even in public. Of course, I have not spoken to everyone in these meetings & I certainly can't read their minds. If you're wondering if I have ever asked any of the speakers who are using foul language to not do that, I have and one woman even responded with, "point taken," and then she said something else that I've been thinking about: she added, "I don't usually speak like that when I'm with my bosses or others, but when I'm with my own peeps, I just feel like I can just be myself." Additionally, another attendee said, "Well, I don't mind at all, :****," as she was being funny & sarcastic. I responded that I totally understand letting your hair down among your peeps, as I also am guilty of doing, but that it just didn't sound good or look good for a professional, educated woman, to use that language in a professional setting. My main focus was the professional setting; my second focus was the language. When I was in grade school, my English teachers taught us, "If you have to use curse words when explaining or teaching something, then, your vocabulary is too small." I was also taught that there is a difference between public & private conversations, and I was expected to develop & use my vocabulary to convey concepts & ideas. I was most certainly taught that, "A lady doesn't curse in public." Now, I am no prude and I am not suggesting that no one ever curses. Far be it from me, as I think curse words, like any other language, have their place in our large lexicon. But, just as everything has its place, there must also be a commensurate time & setting to express one's self. As for this particular meeting, that's where we left it. Bu, I've noticed this phenomenon at different meetings, different settings, different days, different people, different roles, but, the same general professions-the medical & nursing professions. I think we can & should do better to not only uphold the evidence-based standards for our patients, but, we need to think about how we are portraying our profession on a day-to-day basis, at meetings, talking to staff, or in any public arena we find ourselves. The media can pick & choose how they portray nurses. But, we are solely responsible for how we portray ourselves. That's my story, in-my-never-to-be-humble-opinion. What say you?

Because not everyone sees it on the first 3 days. We're busy making our money. LOL. Thanks

Well, since no nurse I know works for free (except maybe Parish Nurses & even they have trade-offs, perks), of course a nurse should 'do it for the money,' if that's what he/she wants to do. As long as the nurse does his/her job, why is it anyone's business what the motivation is? Nurses, in general, need to get out of this mindset that economics are not important. Economics are important to any business & lifestyle and no one should give away his/her skills, time, education, etc, for free, unless it is clear that they are volunteering. I have even come up with a line when I hear nurses say, "We're supposed to care for our patients, so, I don't mind doing XYZ," to which I say, "I don't work for free when I'm at work." There is zero, zilch, nada, wrong with 'doing it for the money.' If someone has a problem with that, ask him/her to forfeit his/her pay, and see how long that lasts.

Hello: Thanks for this article. I am a veteran, black woman, & I voted for President Trump, on purpose. I am a Republican/Conservative, and I love politics. I don't generally discuss politics at work, unless there are very specific conversations, but, I don't initiate the conversations. I am not afraid to voice my political perspectives no more than others are not afraid to voice their opinions. If I am asked for my opinions or thoughts on a specific matter, I will give my opinions, thoughts, & even evidence. I do find that many of my colleagues are insular when it comes to politics and most people automatically think because I am black/female, that I would not vote for our president. I find it funny, to say the least, that many people who claim to be 'open-minded' are the very ones who only think of me in terms of my skin color/sex, yet are quite shocked to find out that I don't fit nicely into the box they have built for me. Most people are so entrenched in their corners that they don't realize they often live opposite of their political beliefs. For example, most working Americans say they want lower taxes, yet, they will vote for politicians & regulations that impose more/higher taxes. Our workplaces & work facilities are absolutely managed/run on politics, with everything from administrative meetings with politicians/lawmakers to the many regulations we have to abide by for our workplaces to the professional organizations in which we may be involved. So, as much as politics can be a hot topic, it doesn't have to be that way, if we all step back and look at the macro & micro pictures. Politics affects everyone of us to some degree, so, it behooves all of us to be informed and be able to respectfully & professionally respond to each other, politics included.

Hello: I think this question has be answered by individual nurses. Of course, there may be some macro-data and/or indicators, but, happiness may be defined individually for different nurses. Some nurses are happy in the ER; some are happy providing direct care. Some are happy when they are holding their patient's hand when the patient is transitioning from earth. Some are happy with the heartwrenching care of sick children. Some are happy in the boardroom. Some are happy teaching others in some capacity. Some are happy working with staffing agencies, while others are happy working part-time or PRN. The point is each nurse has to find his/her place where they are best used and that fits their skills, passion, & goals. I think it's also important that nurses understand that no matter what job/position they work in, there is and should be a life outside of the work facility. Nurses need to have time away from work to recoup, relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with family & friends. Nurses should have hobbies outside of the work environment to just wind down, or they will burn out! A good, healthy, work-life balance helps to keep life and work in harmony, knowing that each brings trouble & joy in their own time.

Hello: Unfortunately, I agree with this male nurse. As a female RN, I OFTEN discuss female communication tactics & emotionalism with my colleagues. One of the primary reasons for all the arguing, 'taking things personally,' and other infantile behavior is that we females are typically acting out of our emotions, rather than out of a sense of professionalism & maturity. I find it very offputting to say to another nurse, albeit a male nurse, that nursing is "our world" and he is just operating in it. He is a professional, and that should be what matters. Period. Just as many females chatter amongst ourselves and frequently chastise men for some of their normal, male, behaviors, so should we females begin to self-assess and realize that each sex has their strengths & weaknesses, and we need to build/improve from those points. We females DO gossip, lollygag, and bring too much personal stuff into the workplace. We fuss & fight, pout & nag, with each other, not to mention hold grudges to the point we get so focused on "She said/She did/She looked at me," foolishness. Men, on the other hand, may get upset, even go chest-to-chest, and then, give them a ball, and they have forgotten everything that just happened in the last 30minutes. If you come to my workplace, you will frequently hear me saying, "Where are the men? We sure could use some testosterone to balance out this estrogen," but, unfortunately, I believe I know why more men are not/do not want to come into nursing. And, from a rational, standpoint, I can't say that I blame them. Too many women, everyday, for 12hrs, and then they go home to their wives & daughters!

Did you inform your colleague that she is wrong to do what she's doing? Why are you so focused on getting her 'fired' or 'suspended?' I agree your supervisors should inform her of the policy and that discarding medications at will is not within her scope of practice. Also, don't assume that you know what happens when you're not there. Someone else may have worked with that medication yesterday or it could be as simple as a pill dropped and had to be replaced. Bottomline: Communicate with each other first. Maybe you can help her before it's too late.

Hello: What is the cancellation/on-call policy at your facility? Last week, my facility instituted a new/updated on-call/cancellation policy. Basically, nurses are no longer cancelled, they are placed on-call, for their whole shift, up to the last two hours of their shift. Additionally, nurses are now being paid $3.00 per hour, for every hour they are on-call. Personal time can be used in addition to this new on-call premium, or nurses can elect not to use their personal time and only receive the $3.00 per hour. Previously, nurses were paid zero/zilch/nada/nothing for being on-call (which only lasted for up to 4hours, at which time the nurse was either cancelled for the rest of the shift or called to report to work by 11am/2300hrs). So, the differences in the new policy are: Nurses are not cancelled, they are placed on-call for their whole shift (up to 5am/1700hrs); nurses are paid an on-call payment of $3.00 per every hour they are on-call; nurses can be called to work at anytime during their shift once they are placed on-call; and nurses can be placed on-call as late as 2 hours before their shift begins. Also, nurses are to report within 1hour after being notified they need to come to work. As you might imagine, there are more negative responses towards this policy than positive responses. For example, night shift nurses are especially concerned about their safety/leaving their homes in the dead of night (sleepy, driving, safety); many nurses live more than an hour away; since nurses are now on-call their whole shift, other plans still cannot be made or events will be missed because there is no longer a time limit that a nurse can reasonably expect not to be called in to work (even at 2am or 4am); once a nurse is called in, the nurse is guaranteed to work the rest of the shift. More than a few single nurses with young children have been asking, "What am I supposed to do with my child(ren) once I am placed on call?" One nurse mentioned that she uses a night-care service, but she cannot drop off her child after 8pm. To be fair, so far, those of us who have been placed on-call were called either not called in to work at all, or were called at 2am (night shift) notifying us that we were not needed for the rest of our shift. But, I think many of us had already decided that we were going to bed, whether we were called or not. I predict that not many nurses will be signing up for overtime because those on OT are usually the first to be cancelled, and now, since there is no cancellation, only on-call, why put yourself in the position to wait around to be called for only $3.00? At least, if you only work your 3-12hr shifts, it is unlikely that you will be cancelled (or rare), and if you are not scheduled on a given day, if the census is high, they will call you and ask you to work (at least in this case, you're not waiting to be called to come in after being placed on-call). Let me close by saying these are the kinds of policies that I believe put good, competent, staff in the position or mindset to leave the unit/employer/profession. At the very least, policies like these put nurses more at risk of receiving disciplinary warnings because they are made to feel there is no work-life balance. Other nurses talk about how, "All this is not worth $3.00," and still others say, "Well, they're gonna write me up because how can I be expected to come in at 1am or even 3am, and work for the rest of my shift." The nurses who are single parents feel even more stress because they feel their kids' safety and lives are now at risk. Bottom-line: many nurses are saying, "It seems no matter what, nothing gets better for us; we're damned if we do, damned if we don't. Management just doesn't care about us, yet, we're supposed to be the caring/compassionate profession." What say you? Maybe you have some good suggestions, thoughts, and ideas!

First, all of the above suggestions were great (and funny). I agree with you, in that my time off is my time off. I don't have to answer or return calls because A: this is my phone; B: I am not on duty, with a pager; C: I already told you I was not going to come in, whether I am able to or not, I CHOOSE not to. I don't like saying, "I'm sorry," either, because there's nothing I've done to be sorry about. This language is typically used by females (I am a female), but, generally, males don't use this language. They are more to the point, much more declarative. Also, the notion that calling back or continuously answering a request is being, "Kind." How about accepting the first "No, I am not coming in," as being professional and "Kind," and not badger an employee who's spending his or her time off with family, friends, resting, or just dancing in the shower. But, I especially love the response above, "This is my job, not my life," as I've said this many times, to other nurses, some of which were astounded that a nurse would say such a thing (usually, the ones who work as much overtime as their base schedule). Just in the last 48hrs, I was talking with two friends who are almost burnt out and disillusioned only after being nurses for 2 1/2 years-go figure. As I told my friends, I will say here, "Nursing is my profession, not my identity." If you choose to go in to work for a request, fine. If you don't, that's fine, too. Guilt not necessary, nor warranted.

While I appreciate your honesty, what I'm gonna say may sound mean and incompassionate. But, I don't mean to be harsh, but, it's the point that's important. STOP YOUR WHINING and TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN LIFE! There is a time and a place for venting and even crying, but, at some point, you gotta get out of your own self and start living. You have NO ONE to blame for your choices, but, you. This is STILL America, and regardless of your parents' and friends' career path, you are free to choose your own. Remember, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?" That STILL applies. Obviously, you hate nursing. Ok, you're not the first and you won't be the last. There are hundreds of other medical careers you may be better suited to do and may actually enjoy doing them. Stop wasting time because time waits for no one. One year from now, you could be in a totally different place, physically, emotionally, and professionally. It's IS a whole big world out there and there's enough room for you to change your mind and your career. If you wake up next year in the same place, same frame of mind, you will still have no one to blame, but yourself. No one has the time or capacity to just placate you as you play the victim. Make some changes, take a risk, but, start with you and your thinking. I wish you the best.

I would stop letting it "eat me up." It sounds like you did everything you were supposed to do, followed protocol, and used your nursing judgement. I would make sure you write down everything you have stated here, and go into the meeting confidently, not on the defensive. Just because a physician makes the final determination does not mean your assessment and judgement were incorrect at that moment. Plus, you have the ICU/Charge Nurse who assessed and documented similar findings. Stay calm, breathe deeply, and go in confidence! Keep us posted and I WILL be praying for you.

Wow! I'm so saddened, angry, and well, angry, at your experiences. Here's my two-cents and I hope it will offer you some perspective, support and encouragement: First, as important as it is for you to be employed, take this time to process, reflect, and think some more about your role in all that's happened. By that, I mean, take some time to think about every situation, everyday at those jobs, and mentally process the events, incidents, and outcomes. Ask yourself, ,"What could I/should have done differently at this point?" I'm not saying this as a way to blame you or have you beat-up on yourself, but, I believe that in these situations, we have to be able to step back and see ourselves as part of the whole system; and, more importantly, see where we could have done things differently to effect different outcomes. If we don't process these events, we will continue onto other positions doing the same thing. We have to face ourselves, as it were. Next, I would apply to Long term facilities/Skilled Nursing Units. As my former nursing instructor told us, "As a nurse, you may not get that 'dream job' the first time you apply or it may not be for some years. But, as a nurse, you should be able to work anywhere for at least 1 year, offering your skills, learning, growing, and being an asset to the company, your colleagues, and your patients." Keep applying, keep seeking, and do it all over again. I would also encourage you to review some of your basic nursing protocols, skills, etc. Yes, we nurses do make mistakes. I wrote about a medication error I committed once, too (You can find the article on allnurses.com). There is always some learning to be done as a nurse and the moment we think we don't have anything to learn, we (and our patients) are in trouble. What makes me angry about your experiences is that as stressful as nursing is and with all the nursing/professional organizations, conferences, seminars, and evidence based research, we, as nurses collectively, don't seem to present an assertive resistance to the systemic ills that 'set-up' nursing professionals for failure. I don't understand this seemingly willing acceptance of a work/professional culture that just keeps pushing more and more, yet with the expectation that nothing or no one will ever break! Lastly, take responsibility for your weaknesses. We all have them, as much as we don't like to admit it to ourselves, much less others. But, having them is not the problem-not knowing what our weaknesses are is much more problematic (and worse) than simply being weak in an area. Taking responsibility means knowing when we are not equipped to do something; knowing when we need to ask for more help, more time, and/or ask for clarifications; and, taking responsibility means knowing when to say, "No, I can't do that," Or, "I need more training before I will feel competent to carry out those tasks." I think knowing when to ask for help is one of the most effective and safe ways we can perform our duties as a nurse towards our patients and our colleagues. So, in all this, I hope you are giving yourself time to grieve your losses-they are real losses-and process what all this has meant to you. I hope you continue to seek employment and professional support; and I hope you grow tremendously as a nurse and as a woman. Take care and good luck!

In the past month, I've heard more than a few good nurses express what you're expressing in this post. As a nurse, I know that it's easy to get comfortable in one position, one facility, for much of our career. I'm not saying I never have down days or days where I question my being in this profession, but, I am a huge advocate of 'thinking outside the box,' and this goes for nursing, too. I am a big advocate of what I call non-traditional nursing, in that I advocate for nurses to have another stream of income, using their skills, but not necessarily in a traditional nursing/hospital setting. As a rule, I don't do overtime, and I don't take work calls when I'm off duty. I know this is not the whole gammet of what you're expressing, but, if I have anything to say, it's that you need to have an out-a different experience, a passion, a hobby, something that is equally important to you that you will look forward to leaving your job for, at the end of the work day. I wish you well!

What you need to do first is process your failure. Next, immediately go to the test review and then make a private appointment with your instructor. What class are you taking right now? I don't have anything to specifically say because I don't know what your class is and how you "bombed," your test. Keep me posted! Let me know how the meeting goes with your instructor.

First, take a deep breath! What you're describing has been experienced by 99.99% of all nurses who have SUCCESSFULLY graduated nursing school AND passed their NCLEX. There is hope. Here are a few tips, strategies, and constructive feedback I learned and/or received during nursing school: 1. STOP second guessing yourself-usually, as a test strategy, your first answer is the right one 2. There is a Nurse educator on youtube.com, Megan McClintock, who hosts a series of videos on test strategies and common mistakes nursing students make on exams. THIS IS A MUST SEE. I found it on my own, after I failed one of my nursing exams in school. Here is the link: 3. Learn how you learn best. Maybe you're an auditory or kinesthetic learner, but, you have to sit through lecture. So, as part of your study time, DO or LISTEN to a different nursing source on the same subject. Another valuable resource I found on youtube was like a lifeline: Michael Linares - YouTube 4. Study with a partner or small group (no more than 4). The best way to learn a subject is to teach it! 5. I was VP of my nursing school class and I did not have the absolute best grades. Grades flucuate and can be improved. But, when taken in context with your whole persona, character, etc, your classmates and advisors need to know you are trustworthy, safe, and confident to be able to help them with the needs of your class. I caution you to NOT take on a role if you are not organized, disciplined, and if you truly don't have the time to spare, while still maintaining and accomplishing your own goals, needs, and responsibilities. 6. Also, get some nursing study books, with lots of practice questions. I always saw my grades improve when I practiced questions as I was studying (even in a group), and as part of my final study before an exam. So, calm down; refocus; restrategize. You can do it! Let us know how you're doing in the future.

I am also thinking about pursuing an MHA. I actually did not know about the combination MHA/MSN for nurses. Also, what is the best way to document and suggest even small projects for your unit? For example, I have some ideas about how to improve processes on the unit that will not add costs or time, in fact, they may save time. But, I don't want to make my suggestions yet, as I want to be properly credited for the ideas. Also, do you have any suggestions for the combination programs? I would like to start looking into those. Lastly, how does one even begin to get involved or get experience (i.e., an internship) in the management arena? How do we get experience if we're not given the chance? Thanks

Stop fretting! Just because someone is more or equally adamant about something does not mean they are right/you're wrong. This is an important life lesson, as well as in this instance. All RNs must take and pass the NCLEX, which licenses you to work as an RN. Your ADN/BSN or other educational endeavors are just that, educational endeavors, which, at a minimum, the ADN degree, is the basic educational credential any RN must obtain BEFORE taking the NCLEX. Some employers will hire ADN-RN graduates on the contingency that a BSN will be obtained in a specified amount of time. Some employers will only hire BSN-RN graduates. Some facilities (mostly Sub-acute, Transitional Care Units, LTC) will hire LPNs or RNs, and the educational level may or may not matter for hiring (the license is what matters), but, may make a difference in pay levels. Finish where you are, what you have started and get your license as an RN. As you probably already know, many nurses, at all levels, continue their education, even some nurses who have been licensed for years are just obtaining their BSN degree. Do not be discouraged!

Hi: My question(s) would be how do I get connected/permission from the sites to advertise on my blog? That's where I get stuck!

Hi: YES! I am excited to learn more about blogging. I never knew how to get started, but, I have written articles for Allnurses.com (I even won one of the writing contests). I'm going to use this article as a 'getting started' directive for myself, but, you said to leave a comment if I wanted more information, so, here you go. Thanks for all you do!

Hello everyone: Thanks for all your feedback. I originally submitted this a few months ago and since I am still getting feedback, I wanted to give some updates. First, I read every comment that has been submitted, and I appreciate all your feedback. Just to be clear, I was not trying to reduce or obfuscate my own responsibility in making my error. Not only have I not made med errors since this one, I have been charge nurse, as well as being promoted to another position. Next, I don't agree with some of the comments that, "Not everyone makes a med error," because whether or not the medication was actually given to a patient, an error that is made from the beginning of the process to the actual administration is an error. It's just that many errors are not reported. If the research is correct about hundreds or thousands of people dying and/or being injured every year due to facility/employee/medical personnel error, and those are the ones we know about, then, the research also supports there are millions of errors that are not reported, as well. Again, I have improved, reviewed, and revisited my medication administration protocols. I also know there are so many other systemic variables (small and large fires) that all intersect and have an impact on safe nursing or medical care, as well. I don't live in a bubble and I don't pretend to be perfect or have all the answers. I live in reality and reality means not denying the obvious and certainly not living in self-denial. Maybe, if we, as nurses, could each be a part of the ongoing research, unit committees, national organizations, or other professional opportunities, maybe we will improve the systems we know need improvement and advocate for our patients, our places of employment, and ourselves-all without fear of retaliation, finger-pointing, or name-calling. As my pastor always says, "Where there are humans, there will be problems," so, there is no need for any of us to act as if there is nothing to improve, including ourselves. On a final note, I have, "Sucked it up," and "Moved on," too, maybe a little easier than some, since I am also a US Army veteran. HOORAH! Thanks for all your feedback and support. To nurses everywhere!

This is a very timely, relevant, and succinct article. I wonder, will those who need to read this and reflect upon it, do so (i.e ALL of us in some way, shape or form)? By the way, I agree with you that the sign was all about ego, arrogance, and bragging rights. These are never admirable traits and this sign does not convey to patients the idea that their healthcare providers are encouraging of their autonomy and their desire to learn more about their own health conditions and ways to get and remain healthy. As a nurse and teacher, I encourage my patients to use the internet to find out more about their condition. I also encourage them to bring their questions to the physician/nurse, and let us answer your questions. I believe that I am encouraging and honoring my patients as adults, and as adult-learners, capable of learning how to navigate the internet for credible sources, just as I and many others, whether we are nurses or not, have learned to do. Just as physicians, lawyers, and other professionals, need to be reminded, so to do nurses: We do NOT have the upper hand on knowledge, information, education, and the ability to learn.

I've been working here for almost 7 months, trying to stick out my one year for experience and my resume'. However, I am conscientious and aim to do a good job for my patients and company when I'm working. However, the culture & climate here are very negative, to say the least. Staffing is extremely short, and on night shift, no matter the census, there are only 2 or 3 nurses for 48 or more patients. Management treats nurses like poop, and the nursing assistants are basically allowed to do what they want and/or what they've always done, no matter what the nurse delegates to them. For example, I asked a nursing assistant to, "I need you to empty a foley in room #ABC, and could you please get room #123 a fresh cup of water. Thank you." This nursing assistant responded, (in her accented voice), "You do not understand, I not able to do all that. You stress me out. I need peace and I can not rest." I walked away from her while she was still going on and on. I informed the Charge nurse and I was told, "You shouldn't say, 'I need you," and you don't have to ask like that." Note: Both the nursing assistant and the Charge nurse are from the same continent, with very similar cultures, as are many of the nurses and nursing assistants in this facility. The nursing assistant continues with her antics and raving, while loudly talking to the Charge nurse, says, "This girl (pointing to me) is stressing me out. She is asking me to do this and do that and I can not rest. I am tired. I have no peace. This girl is stressing me. I will leave. I call my husband and he come to get me, because of this girl," (again, all while pointing to me, as I keep tending to my patients, ignoring them both, and not responding. Management, by and large, are no better. Management seems to play the 'divide and conquer' technique and they pick their cliques-nurses and staff that they manipulate to report back to them what nurses are talking about, hearsay, etc. I was even accused and flat out told my manager, "I find your accusation professionally demeaning, and since you are accusing me of this foolishness, I want to see/know what was said, by whom, when, etc." To date, I have received nothing. Keep in mind my direct supervisor & DON are RNs, too. Needless to say, professional growth & development are not encouraged. Continuing education are not supported; and don't dare present yourself as an independent thinker, looking to grow and learn and develop professionally, personally, skillfully, and as a nurse, in general. I'm curious. What are some of your thoughts, feedback, suggestions, comments, criticisms, etc? I'm open to hearing from you.

What is your nursing diagnosis? Any diagnosis would include PAIN, at least initially; once you have the lab results and the pain has somewhat subsided, the diagnosis may be re-evaluated and include Temperature/Fever, as well. You never stated what your diagnosis was, so, we have nothing to review/evaluate.

Thanks for this reply/post. I would like to see more topics/guidelines in this area, focusing on specialization, passion, certification, etc. There are so many paths for nurses and just as much confusion for many nurses about how to get there!

Since you seem to have taken responsibility for your actions, I don't think it would be wrong or insubordinate to ask to meet with your manager and suggest to her that you would prefer to be disciplined in private. Explain to her that you have taken responsibility for what happened (or didn't happen) and that she was well within her right and responsibility to discipline you. However, doing it in public was not the best way to handle the situation. Also, let her know that you are taking any professional, constructive feedback to heart and that you appreciate her giving you the opportunity and time to improve, but, that in the future, you focus better when these matters can be discussed in private. I think you are well within your rights, your responsibility, to speak with her.