Honeychild

I work in a similar setting. It can be a little intimidating, but I think the atmosphere really depends on the team you are working with. I work with wonderful nurses and doctors that I trust. Work for me is exciting. I used to work in a NICU and loved it there too, but I really enjoy my independence.

I call them "Victoria Has-No-Secret"

we use "christmas trees" and have frequent fliers too.

Hello all, I work in a small unit (500-600 deliveries per year) that does L&D and post-partum. Recently we have had some issues arise with our c-sections. We currently staff 2 nurses on floor at all times, with 1 or 2 people on call at home if we do not need them for census. OR does cover our scrub and assist at night for c/s, but not during the day. Our on-call staff, including OR, have a 30 minute response time. The problem is that we have done stat sections with 2 nurses (one scrub and one for mom AND baby) because we could not wait for staff to arrive. I know this isn't safe, but administration is saying this meets AWHONN guidelines. Can anyone tell me if this is the case? Is anyone else experiencing this elsewhere? We do try to follow the current staffing guidelines fairly closely otherwise. Thanks!

I use a pocket organizer to hold pens, scissors, hemastats, alcohol swabs, keys, highlighter, and lunch money. I have a tote bag that I keep in my locker with spares of the above things plus pain reliever, tums, lotion, toothbrush and tooth paste, floss, my purse, etc. All of these things have come in handy, either for me or someone else.

The unit I work in has a time log that you put overtime, missed lunches, charge hours, etc. It is expected that you complete your work on time, and anything in the book has to be initialed by management to be approved. If we do have overtime, it is supposed to be "clearly obvious" why we had to stay over (late admission, crititcal pt.). A few nurses I know regularly don't take lunch and stay over to chart or whatever. Management hasn't said anything yet, but I think it's coming. We can punch in 12 min prior to our shift, but we don't get paid for it. And if we punch out late and do not document in the log, we don't get paid. However, if you punch out even 10 sec. early, you get docked!

Well said! I feel exactly the same way!

Does anyone know of any research out there regarding methadone dosing for pregnant women or methadone withdrawal? We are having a rash of methadone kids admitted and the mothers have been on very high doses of methadone (80-100 mg). This is common for the methadone clinic that serves our patient population. Any information would be very helpful. Thanks!

I graduated June '07 and hired straight into our level III unit. I had 12 weeks orientation before I was on my own. And even when I was to my own shift with my own assignment, the teamwork in my unit is incredible and I have never felt "alone." Now that I have approx. 8 months behind me, I feel a little more comfortable, but I still ask for lots of help when I need it, especially when explaning a disease process to a parent. What I have found that helps a lot is to listen in on rounds with residents, especially with an attending that likes to "teach" and to listen in when doctors speak with the families about vents, upcoming surgeries, etc. Good luck to you!

Peyshence (Patience) Kwanell A'Kufusai Just today I asked a mom how to spell her son's name and she said that she hadn't gotten that far, but how would I spell it? I told her that it was up to her. I wanted to say that I wouldn't name him that at all!

We had 31 to start. Lost 4 total (2 for failing, 2 for medical reasons) and gained 1 person from a previous class. So graduated with 28.

I just laugh and tell people that I am actually a vampire at heart and need to be around lots of blood to function. It USUALLY makes people laugh at their own statement. I have gotten some strange looks however. BTW- I AM kidding!:)

I would wait. I have a friend who had to drop out mid-semester because of complications with her 3rd pregnancy. She had previously uncomplicated pregnancies previously. Ironically, she was in her OB/PEDS rotation. She is still responsible for the bill and did not get a refund. The school is letting her start up when the next OB rotation comes up, but she has to wait 6 months for that. Even if you had a previously uneventful pregnancy, things can happen. Also, your body is different with this one. Nursing school is very stressful already, and all of the extra stress isn't good for preggos. Babies AND nursing school can wait, but I think that you should pick one and stick with it.

NO!!! I have to work now and I HATE it. I really love my job ( I am a tutor at the college I attend) but can't stand the constant struggle for time. The only day that I do not have school or work is Sunday, which is the only day my DH has off, so it's family day. I rarely have time to do anything but study, etc. BUT, only 6 more weeks and that will be over. Just a full time job then. (And studing for the NCLEX of course) :balloons:

I personally know that LTC isn't for me, but I give the nurses who are passionate about it my utmost respect! I think everyone has their niche, and people who judge are just plain cruel. My best friend gets the same type of responses when she tells them she works Med-Surg and not a specialty unit. It must be hard constently defending your choice! Best of Luck.