granitestater

Re: pt ratios: In the OR you have 1 pt at a time!

I think new grads should never start in a nursing home/long term care because once you do many never make it out.

You have to ask questions--anything you don't understand or are wondering about. Otherwise it will continue to be a deficit for you. I speak from experience on this. Also ask "what if" such and such happens, what do i do? Who do I go to. Also do hands on as much as you can so your brain will retain it better. Good luck.

What a wonderful write-up you did Ruby. Very very inspiring and helpful and sooooo true. My mother used to call it the "school of hard knocks".

REPLY TO LUMBARPAIN: This is lateral violence and is a toxic work environment. In addition to the negative effect on your psyche and body, the patient's are receiving inferior care as a result of his behavior. He must be reported and dealt with. Your duty is to advocate for your patients and get this guy either to change or removed. Remember your pts are suffering from his behavior; if the powers that be don't care about their nurses, perhaps pts. getting inferior care will tweak them? Either way, most facilities now have the equivalent of something called an "abusive physician" policy and it is up to us to make use of it. You must be proactive on this for it won't change. You will be glad you did when it is all over. I saw it work in my OR 5 years ago and the MD actually was escorted to our staff mtg and apologized in front of all. Another route may be you institutions lawyer. This is negligent and incompetent behavior. Start a paper trail/descriptions of details and get the ball moving on this jerk.

The way I cope now is to pace myself. I work regular hours (8 hour shifts) as a per diem 2/3 days/wk and say no to staying late unless it will work out at home (where there are other very physical responsibilities). I do per diem so I don't have to take call but unfortunately have to buy my med/dental insurance just a couple/three more years before retirement. I became certified as a med transcriptionist too so that if I cannot take nursing anymore physically/emotionally etc. I have another source of income, however a drop in income it would be. As I've gotton older I have learned to pick my battles and not get sucked into alot of drama as have observed through the years that alot does not change. I am not saying not to try and do stay positive, but do pace yourself and only take on what you can handle; know your limits.

only if you don't take call. it is hell on earth.

why don't both you nurses write the ----- up? she is toxic to your dpt and this is lateral violence which we are supposed to be doing away with.

Yes--Elliot Hospital in Manchester NH will put you through a perioperative program right now. They are in need of OR nurses and will school you. Do not wait.