Mattskiematt

I would say it's a matter of perspective. I try hard to make myself optimistic. I would say that there's a thin line between being picked at and receiving areas of improvement. I cannot judge with just one scenario, and given that only scenario, I would take it as a critique.

I know someone who have finished nursing at the age of 50's. We took our exams together and have worked for a period of time. I must say that I was really impressed, maybe her life experiences have worked for her and she's the kind of the empathetic ones when it comes to patient care. I don't think age is a factor. You'll be A-OK.

If I were in your case, I would accept the criticisms as constructive. However, if I ever feel that that specific person is picking on me, I would stand-up and defend myself (especially when I know that I am doing my work correctly). It takes time to determine which is which, but you need to make sure that these people are not pushing you over.

I love Alaris! Make sure that there are no teeny-tiny bubbles, the alarm sensor is a tad sensitive.

I vote for ICU

Well, I experienced the same back when I was newly hired as a nurse, I felt incompetent too. What I did was I tried to improve at all aspects, take their criticisms as constructive and meet their expectations. Everyone has a unique learning curve, once you get a jive of it I'm sure you'll be okay. Good luck and believe in yourself more.

Woohoo! Congratulations!

How about team building sessions? Like have a party, dine out, or anything in between.

I personally don't think that your patient is "narcissistic". I would classify her as rude and irate. Anyways, with regard to your concern, I would still take care of her like everyone else. Some patients are really tough to crack. Often times, you need patience. I had almost the same experience, my patient was very a chronic patient and have stayed in the hospital for a very long time. Most of my colleagues doesn't want to cater to her needs since she was rude. I just treated her like anyone else. After days has passed, to make the long story short, she became friendlier with me and cooperated better. She would even tell stories about her family. Sometimes all you need is that long thread of patience to get thru our daily work.

Don't give up on the dream. If you need to take extra time, give it a shot. Here in our country, if you have failed the clinicals, you can definitely make-up for it. Not sure with your setting there.

I would gladly be a subject for interview if you need help. I've got too much free time on hand at this moment. Kindly send me a PM, much better if you're going to provide me any social media account so we could converse from there. I can't send any PMs here. Not really active in the forums but I check from time to time.

I have worked in the Intensive Care Unit and Critical Care Unit for years, never once that I have checked nor have heard that nurses should check the apical pulse before suctioning the patient's tracheostomy. Above post is right, if ever we hit the carina of the patient, then that's the time that the vagus nerve would tick and show response. What I do is I always assess the patient's airway, trach position, check for sounds, check oxygen saturation, but never has taken account the pulse.

ER nursing is like, receive the patient, diagnose, sort everything else and endorse! ER nurses are like the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter. *endorses patient to Gryffindor*

Well it could mean that for a practice nurse, you'll be handling mostly the manual and hands-on stuff. Maybe that's why they're saying that it's stressful because it could be tiring.

Me too, I'll be studying in Australia for my bridging program. Hopefully, I could make friends here because I'll be going there alone.