RNbellashadow

I like case management. It is still very stressful, but I no longer worry about possibly making a mistake that could cost a patient his or her life. I have learned a lot about insurance issues/length of stay/readmission risk. I still have patient contact. It is a very interesting specialty. I am not bored.

Hi. If you're a hospital RN Case Manager, would you please share how your hospital handles case management needs on the weekends. Do RN Case Managers work rotating weekends? Do you have weekend warriors that work the weekends? Are priorities different on the weekends? What are typical case loads on the weekends? Thank you!

I think it is very hard. You have very sick patients with a lot of medical needs. The family issues can be very difficult. In some hospices, you will be transfusing blood, running IVs, drawing labs, sinking NG tubes, etc.... You will be calling docs for orders. There is lots of patient/family education.

Is anybody else bothered by the fact that nurses, who risk their own health -- and backs -- caring for sick people are rewarded with horrible insurance???? It really bothers me.

Thanks.

I'd like a plan that pays for most of a doctor visit when I"m sick. I don't mind a copay.... just not a multi-thousand dollar deductible! I'm more than willing to stay within a network. I just want insurance to cover most of an injury or illness. It would be nice if it covered two dental cleanings per year. I don't smoke and lead a healthy lifestyle. I don't think that is asking too much.... Thanks!

Hi, I am willing to switch jobs for GOOD HEALTH INSURANCE. I don't have any medical issues but I do want good health insurance. (My employer offers a terrible, very high deductible plan). I am an RN. Can anybody suggest employers in Ohio that offer nurses excellent health insurance? Thank you!

I often feel this way, too.

Another thought: would you have time to take a PRN hospice position to see if you like it, while maintaining your regular job for awhile, just in case you don't like it? A lot of hospice inpatient units have PRN positions... I don't know if there are field PRN jobs available, though..... I think the inpatient unit is a great way to get started in hospice because there are other nurses around if you have questions.... I came from an acute-care background and was AMAZED at the difference between curative and hospice treatment/medication. It is a different world.

I'd suggest volunteering to get your foot in the door and to see if hospice is something you'd like to try. That is what I did. I asked to volunteer in an area with a lot of patient contact so that I could see whether I could handle becoming attached to patients and then learning that they have died. I now work in a hospice in-patient unit, which is like a hospital for dying patients. We see a lot end-stage diseases and help patients manage their symptoms. Some patients go home and enjoy more time with their loved ones, others die at our facility. The downsides? Sometimes we get families who don't want their loved ones to have pain meds! Sometimes families just don't get hospice.... they wonder why we aren't trying curative treatments. Staffing can be rough.... all areas of in-patient healthcare seem to be skimping on staff and hospice is no different. I think hospice pay is a bit low. It is a high-burnout specialty. The hours (like in many areas of in-patient work) can be rough. A lot of people (even nurses!) seem to have a misunderstanding of hospice. We really do a lot and see a lot. My facility does blood transfusions and lab draws. We assist doctors with paracentesis. We administer TPN if the families want it. Sometimes we do tube feedings and of course trach care. I really do like working in hospice. I feel like I am helping patients and families get through a difficult time. That said, it is rough... hard on me and the hours are hard on the family. One of my patient families asked one time how hospice employees survive after seeing so much suffering. I was thrown back by that question, then told her that we just make the most of our off time to recharge the batteries... I hope I was more eloquent than that.... but maybe not. Good luck to you!

I would also vote YES if we had a union vote at my place of employment...... We need better staffing!!!!

Hang in there.... it will get better. I started in a hospital, too, and then moved to inpatient hospice after about nine months in the hospital. It is still busy and is still floor nursing. But I enjoy it more. After more time in your current job, maybe you will get to float to other floors -- or switch floors altogether. That may help you feel better about work. In the meantime, just hang in there and learn as much as you can. Know that you are not alone!!!!

I agree with the other posters who said to try a larger size. I also am a size eight, but wear a 39 in Danskos. I also think it also helps to break them in gradually.... a few hours at a time.... and then build up to longer times in Danskos. I hope you are able to get your shoes to work for you. I love my Danskos!

I got a form letter rejection note 1.5 hours after the scheduled interview.... I guess that is why they did not keep the interview. But, geez, is that rude, or what!

After numerous applications, a nurse recruiter contacted me to set up a phone interview. We set it up for a particular day/time/phone number. The day before I researched the company.... then on the day of the interview, she did not call! I sent a polite email saying I am at a certain number and to call at her convenience (after the recruiter missed our interview time) and heard nothing.... So I guess they are no longer interested in me. But is this normal.... are recruiters skipping out on scheduled interviews these days? Just wondering.... Thanks!