Working4Lord

Hey Guys, I currently work in Minnesota in a progressive care medical surgical unit. I am part of a nursing union, and while everybody has their opinions on the pros and cons of having a union, it has helped me in several challenging situations. On my unit, for days/evenings, I am locked in with a patient ratio of 1:4 or 1:3. I hear from other nurses of taking 5-8 patients on a medical surgical unit during the day/evening and I am horrified ? Lately, thinking about moving, but no set plans. Just wondering…what are the best hospitals you have experience with/heard from other nurses. Factors such as: nurse/patient ratios, safety, and leadership/management are huge areas of concern for me. I’ve been thinking about a milder weather place to live than the frozen tundra that is Minnesota 6/12 months. ? Thanks!

Guys, I just made a dumb dumb mistake. Had a patient, COPD and other issues. On 10 L and refusing things at times. Checked vitals at beginning of shift and O2 was 91%. Had scheduled nebs and RT checked O2. Throughout the day, checking BP because of meds and baseline low BP. Yet, I failed to check on his O2 and was so focused on his temp and BP and later in the evening, he had to be placed on Bipap. Why, I ask myself, did I dismiss his lethargy and only attribute it to some known confusion and infection? I feel like the dumbest nurse for this most basic of vitals!! I’m going to write a report on myself when I go back to work. But I can’t get over my stupidity. Anybody else just want to kick yourself for these things??

I’m sorry, what does THR stand for?

Looking to possibly move to Texas. Been looking at other articles and news about nursing down there (from Minnesota) and wondering how the nursing experience is overall and in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. What are the nurse:patient ratios? Pay to cost of living? Culture?

So I did an earlier post about my struggle in working in long term care and people provided some helpful answers. However, the more I work, the more I realize that LTC is just not my area. No, I'm not afraid of hard work, yes, I have said before that I like structure, but before I throw in the towel for ever being a cna again, I want to know of other options for working as a cna. Please please, if you work in any area besides LTC, tell me how it is. I hate quitting, but I honestly feel like I need to find another route. I guess the hardest part for me is realizing, hey I cant overcome every situation with desire alone. So, if you would kindly share with me your thoughts and work environment, that would be soooo appreciated in helping me to make a decision.

I haven't given up nursing though because there are soooo many different areas of it that I don't want to quit everything because of one job:shy:

I've about to say, I didn't think I was fat:o:cheeky:

So I've been coming to allnurses, looking at the topics, seeing people vent, and I wanted to do some venting. So I started working as an CNA. Did orientation for 2 weeks, maybe longer. Failed my test the first time, right before I was suppose to start on my own. Took it again and passed and just completed my first shift with about 11 residents. Let's just say that I have discovered LTC is not for me! At all. I know experience will bring about a lot of changes, but first of all, I'm a perfectionist. Also I'm an extremely meticulous person, very slow in thinking (not dumb btw ) but the hustle and bustle of working at the nursing home has really pulled the rug from under my feet. I feel slow, stupid, inadequate, alone, and just miserable working as a CNA. Every time time I start having trouble though, I start to doubt whether I really truly am qualified to continue my ed as an RN. I'm thinking if my friends can do it, why am I feeling so dumb! I'm like an outcast with my co-workers since I'm so new. Can I make it as an RN if I can't even do a job as an CNA! Help! Don't want to quit (actually I do) but nothing but pride, wanting experience, God Himself (I'm a Christian) are keeping me going.