RavenC

I hate to say that so much of our practice is governed by what will happen legally, but that would be one of my concerns here. If you happen to listen to her advice on a matter and things go wrong, what possible defense could you have for taking medical advice from someone who has no training. And obviously, with her being a friend of the DON, if you don't listen to her, you'll be out of work. Same situation if you report them and the spit hits the fan. I say leave now and find something better and safer. I've worked in places where friends and families work together to the point of being worse cliques than in high school. You can't fit in and you better not make waves. Unfortunately, I also see this as one more example of how little respect is shown to nurses these days. It just seems to keep getting worse.

I'm originally from New Jersey, lived in PA and FL, and now am happily in Arizona. I thougt everyone called gowns, "johnny coats" but I haven't used the term again out here since I asked a CNA for one and she looked at me as if I was from another planet and said, "What???" Said she never heard such a thing. I don't know if it's regional or being politically correct, but I do know you need a language course to get into the field these days. Johnny coats are gowns. And diapers are briefs and bibs are clothing protectors.

I did 12 hour shifts at a previous job. It was off Mon-Tues-work Wed & Thurs- off Fri-Sat-Sun; work Mon & Tues, off Wed & Thurs; work Fri-Sat-Sun. It always rotated that way. The problem was the three days in a row, but I never collapsed on my days off. With a good night's sleep I was good to go. The worst was Sunday, because having been on my feet so much my ankles would swell and I'd have a horrible backache, even with OTC meds. So I hated those days. Part of the problem was that there was no desk nurse on the weekends because "It's so much easier on the weekends." They completely ignored the stress of additional visitors, only having access to covering doctors, only having two med nurses instead of the weekday three, and since it was LTC, why did they schedule admissions on weekends. My new job will be four 10-hour days and I expect that to be much better. Personally, I would not like your schedule, especially the fourth week. Why do the 12's if you don't get your three in a row? I'd try talking to someone about a more regular schedule. Maybe another nurse would prefer it too and would work with you on a better schedule. And it's not your age...can't be cause it's not mine either.

We are talking about terminally ill patients. I'm saying that if a person chooses to die with dignity it should be their choice. A woman decides to get pregnant, (hopefully) and then chooses how to give birth. Since I believe birth is a beautiful and wonderful situation, the only undignified part is what "man" as added; ie the stirrups, etc. Many women no longer choose the undignified stirrups, shaves and enemas, so I think that argument is done. Farting is a normal body function, that we prefer not to do in public, but leads to better health in that situation, as does having a trach if all goes as we hope. I've had colds and coughed up phlegm before...didn't even know I was suppose to feel undignified. Maybe the indignity is expecting them to walk the busy halls instead of giving them a private place to walk or laying there waiting to be cleaned. Being terminally ill only leads to death so choosing to skip the undignified part should be a personal decision. My son had a colostomy in his early 20's and it eventually led to better health and life. Being undignified was acceptable considering the alternative, which would have been a painful and unnecessary death. I assure you if we discussed how unnecessrily humiliated that hospital made him feel, we could start a whole new thread. We already have insurance companies deciding a major portion of our care...now there are others who want to decide our death. Where does it stop?

No one chooses PAS for another...if it's done right. It needs to be a decision made by the patient. I don't feel it's dignified to lay in a dirty diaper to wait while someone comes to clean you up. It's not dignified to cough up phlegm and have it lay on you until someone comes to clean it up. It's not dignified to be placed in a chair with a "clothing protector" so your food spills don't end up on your clothes while you're being fed pureed meat. I think some people need to realize that since they haven't been in the position of dying, or even being seriously injured or sick and needing to depend on another for everything, they should not consider making the decision for others. But that also goes to families. They should not be allowed to say, "We're taking her to hospice. But don't tell her." And the patient is dead four days later. As to whether or not there is unfinished business...that would be the patient's concern wouldn't it? Or shall we make spiritual decisions for them too? I"m sure whatever God or Goddess they believe in will be there to meet them and address the situation thereby taking it out of the hands of mere mortals.

I like 12 hour shifts but it depends where you're working. Personally, I think it's a lot easier to get your work done because you have the time in the middle of the day when you'd normally be trying to finish up to give report. And not everywhere requires 3 days in a row. My new job that starts next week will be four 10 hour days, which is my choice. Still have 3 days off and no exhaustion.

I'm not a lawyer so someone might disagree with me but I believe that murder requires the act of stopping a life, while not preventing a death, such as allowing a person to drown while you hold a life saving ring, would be "depraved indifference to human life." Since nurses are not being indifferent, I don't think the law sees us as murderers or accomplices. Frankly, I see death as a beautiful process that so many have welcomed, keeping in mind of course that I only work with geriatric patients. I'd never stop someone from continuing on their journey based on anyone else's beliefs. If I worked with young people or children, I might have a different view. As to the family disputing the DNR, it's a legal document that the courts recognize. I don't think the family would win, but that certainly doesn't mean they wouldn't try. As to the comment about the rich and the transplants, I had a co-worker whose husband needed a lung transplant. She said the first question she was asked was "How's your credit?" She felt badly about that, but was glad she had excellent credit, owned two homes and had a healthy bank account. Unfortunately, her husband died unexpectedly a few days later, before the transplant. I think the best thing we can do is make sure all of our own papers are in order so that when our time comes, the caregivers will know what to do and hopefully follow our wishes. I don't want anyone to kill me, just let me go.

If it was one hospice I would, but it's been four different hospices in two different states. When I mentioned the name of one hospice, the person I was speaking to said she had heard 'that' about them in particular. And when a family member can tell staff that they're taking mom to the hospice in-patient facility, "but don't tell her", that's wrong. I truly feel that hospice organizations need a lot more regulation, but it's a sticky subject with politicians, which could explain why I never received a reply to my request to have someone look into the situation. That and the fact that there's no proof since charting backs up the actions taken. Sorry, but no hospice in my future.

Obviously we've had different experiences, both professionally and personally. My family all agree that no hospice is ever to come near any of us.

I still don't understand why Dr. Kevorkian went to jail, yet some hospices continue to "care" for the terminally ill.

I agree...if you lie you'll always be looking over your shoulder. And if you get called into the office for something, panic would set in. Besides, better to not get into nursing school than have to explain to the next school or employer why you were dismissed again. Lying is such a bad thing. It really goes to character and nursing schools are big on that.

I'd never spend that kind of money on a review course. You should have all your notes and tests and be able to review it yourself. My instructors were pretty savvy about what would be on the test and geared their teaching to that. And you can always ask your instructors for tips. I agree totally with txspadequeen921...but that's just me too.

I understand what it's like to want something and not get it, so you have my sympathy. Most people who want to be nurses feel that way because they want to help people. There are so many jobs in the hospital that fit that criteria, that maybe you should take a look at them. Physical therapists help people to walk again, RT's help people to breathe easier. What about ultrasound? Showing a young couple the first pictures of their new baby has to be rewarding. I'm not saying to give up on nursing, but it's certainly not your only option. And as much as I hate to use a cliche, when one door closes, another opens and sometimes that turns out to be a whole lot better. Also, if you do choose to go with Excelsior College as someone suggested, talk to your nursing board first. Not all states accept them completely...you may have to do some additional work to get your license.

I've never heard of mandatory night shifts...they hire people for the shifts that are open. I have heard though of places that don't pay extra for nights or evenings, so know the answer to that before you take the job. Also, in the initial interview, make it clear that you want days and if not available, how soon might you hope to get that shift? Most people want days and don't give them up once they get them, but take what you can get and if you like the place, hang in there...something may open up. I know when I worked nights, I loved it. No families, no doctors, few phone calls, rarely had an admission...but when I moved here I just couldn't give up all the sunny days. If moving is possible, or if you live near other states, there are states that are desperate for nurses...look around.

Hi Yes, I touch type. My speed is about 50 words per minute and I'm perfectly happy with that. Good luck and you're welcome.

I think that CNA's who are only allowed to change briefs, get people in and out of bed, and feed them are highly underused and underappreciated. I've worked where they're allowed to do PT/INR's, and straight cath patients. I'd like to see them licensed so they're responsible for their own behaviour instead of the nurse also getting into trouble if the aides are 'negligent'. But meds...NO! Years ago I was told that one day there won't be any LPN's. I don't know how soon that will happen, but I think we're on the road.

Is it really helpful to lorstar to tell her she should go shop at Kmart while you're living on "Knob Hill?" I'd quit in a heartbeat too if I lived there. Being a widow for 16 years, I don't have a husband to bring in another paycheck. I take care of myself, my dog, my two cats and am raising my grandson. I don't have any new DVD's or CD's and I do shop at Target and Kmart...and I don't put down the people who shop there. You're assuming she's never been poor and ought to live on less...you don't know her situation. She was talking about work, not money. She does it for the money because why? She needs a new ball gown for the country club or she's putting food on the table...which is it? We don't know. Yes you can make a difference in someone's life and it's great that you want to do that...but it's not for everyone and you can't always know that ahead of time. Lorstar needs understanding and encouragement...not platitudes. Couldn't anyone hear the pain in her 'voice?'

I didn't take your comment about pathetic as much to heart as some folks seem to have done. I felt it was more a comment on how we allow ourselves to be treated. I agree with a lot of what you said, I think the problem is that you said it while angry. In a more calm way, the facts do exist. Doctors and families can be incredibly insulting or down right mean. The problem with a union shop is that we can't walk out or we could lose our licenses for abandonment and if anything bad happens we'll be in trouble for that too. Employers know this and use it to their advantage. I also agree that to overwork a nurse and then come down on her when she makes a mistake is wrong...there are more people than just the nurse to blame, but we are the licensed one and so are responsible. It's why sometimes you just have to tell someone that they have to wait, what you are doing is too important to be interrupted or distracted from. You sound highly stressed and if I may, I'd suggest that as soon as possible, when you get out of this contract, try a different area of nursing until you can get out of it. Maybe home care, where you don't have more than one patient at time. And although I don't care for the entire operation, hospice might get you through the transition. It's a much calmer area of work. Nursing isn't for everyone and for the people who love it...that's fine. I say let them have the job. I don't like it, but I've had to use it to support myself for 13 years, but enough is enough. I'm going as soon as I can. A couple of weeks ago, I went to work and my name had been wited out on the daily schedule and someone was in my place. Couldn't get any answers, even from the DON,("I'll explain later" which never came.), but another nurse went home sick so I stayed, which was "fine" with the DON. Since I wasn't on the new monthly schedule, I just didn't go back. Grabbed some part time hours at my other job, am using my IRS refund as income instead of my planned vacation, and headed off to real estate school. Then I get a call from the scheduler..."Can you work Tuesday?" Excuse me? Turns out the DON just wanted the new hire to have hours so she could get use to the job and she "never meant to offend me". When I went in, at my convenience, that nurse had quit and they have a couple part timers filling in. Why it wasn't given back to me I don't know, but I wouldn't have taken it anyway. I'm happy to say many patients wanted to know where I'd been and wanted me back, as did the staff. I've never been written up or counseled, so why am I suddenly back to PRN? Just because they can. But I'm staying with the real estate and I will get out of nursing eventually. I don't want to be in a profession like this...how do you treat someone so badly and think it's ok? My nursing school instructor once said that when you work in a 'service' profession, people think less of you in some ways at least, because you have put yourself in a position to 'serve.' It's as if giving of yourself is a bad thing, as some people perceive it. I'm not saying it's my opinion...I enjoy talking to people, not professions. Hope you can calm down and get through the rest of your time in nursing without any further problems. Start planning what you'll do...it helps with the stress to know that you're on the road out.

I never did prison nursing but the two nurses that I know who did it, said they LOVED it. The guards took good care of them too and they never felt afraid. One of the nurses said they were told not to learn why the prisoners were there, because once you know what they did, you really hate to care for them, thinking they deserve to suffer, 'after what they did', to someone. I did agency for years in PA and swore I'd never go back to a facility. The only reason I did was because I moved to Arizona and there are a lot of places that flatly refuse to use them, so work can sometimes be scarce. The attitude toward them out here is much more negative. But with agency you don't have to go back if you hate it, you don't have to deal with the politics and you make more money. I may yet go back to agency to fill in the money gaps while learning to make my way in real estate, but I've also found that PRN can be nice. For you, even if you do a lot of prison nursing, you can tell the agency to give you a couple shifts in a dementia setting. I always said dementia was my favorite, but then I had some patients that I could talk to and found that interacting with them on that level was also wonderful. I think agency gives you the best of both worlds. And remember, you work when you want to so don't be afraid to plan that vacation or enjoy a holiday. Interesting about your last job...relates to the level of respect we get. At the end of February I went to work and wasn't on the schedule...that day or for the next month...a new person was in my place. No one knew anything. Finally the DON came in and promised to explain but was busy at the moment. I stayed and worked cause another nurse went home, but never got any explanation. I'm using my savings and part-time job to support me while I get my real estate license. The scheduler called one day and wanted me to work and I said, "Do I even work there anymore?" She found out this...the DON just wanted the new person to have hours to get used to the job and "never meant to offend me". I still have my full time job. I told her sorry I'm not available till the end of March. I have no intention of giving up on real estate even tho I know I'll need nursing to supplement my income. A LOT to be said for agency!! Good luck...bet you enjoy the change.

Look at the number of viewers for this thread and compare it to the number for other threads...we're all looking for the easy job. LTC is hard, but I haven't worked in other places so I can't compare. The nurses in the doctor's office always look calm, but they aren't paid well. Or go for RN and move into administration. There are a lot more options as an RN so if you're going to make this life-long, consider getting the education now.

I graduated in '94 from Sussex County Vo-Tech which closed a couple of years ago. I no longer live in the area, so it could have been restarted. Check all the vo-tec schools. Also, any RN schools will usually prepare you to sit for your LPN before finishing your RN...that might be an option. Try help organizations...I don't know what to call them, but I got into school through the Displaced Homemakers group...my husband and I had recently separated and my education was completely paid for. I know when they closed, they were charging about $6000. Maybe you'd be better off considering a community college and doing something like respiratory or phsical therapy...you can get loans for college that are easier to pay than all costs up front. And college credits might transfer in the future into nursing. Keep looking. You'll find something.

They should have requested a drug test immediately and didn't so they have no proof to back up any accusations. And if you haven't been in trouble before, they can't use your record against you. Keeping you on staff for 6 years is also in your favor. I use to work in a place that had a pyxsis and we often had discrepencies...pharmacy would just come up and make the necessary adjustment. And many times it had to do with hitting the wrong key just like you did. And sometimes the anwer was, "I don't know what happened." If they're jumping all over you, I wonder if they have a problem they haven't mentioned to staff yet. It does seem wrong to keep you in the dark about this. I think I'd go to HR and tell them to get on with it, (very nicely), or I'd find someone outside to help me, even if it means getting a lawyer. Mind you, I don't mean to threaten them...just do it quietly and get some solid advice. First consultations are often free. Not asking for a drug test makes me suspicious of their actions, especially since they can do it on a whim. I believe you're innocent...these things happen to us all the time. I lost a vicodin one time because that patient had meds in a bottle from an outside pharmacy and when pouring her med, one fell into the drawer and I didn't see it. The count was wrong that night, even though it had been right in the morning and I was counting with the same nurse. No one made a fuss and the next day, I decided to clean the med cart. I was very happy to find that vicodin and be able to explain, even though no one questioned me. Plenty of nurses and doctors have done worse things than this and kept their jobs and licenses, so buck up...you'll be okay. And in the future remember, nursing is no longer about caring for sick or elderly...it's covering your back. That's what we're all so frustrated about. Good luck.

the other day one of our cna's was upset about staffing and, in an effort to show that she's better than the rest of us, stated, "well, i've done staffing so i know what it's like, and i've given out meds too cause i've worked personal care and i..." that's when i interrupted her and said, "oh good. you can do everything. the rest of us can go home." the conversation was suddenly over and she had something important to go take care of.

Wow. I could have written your post. Sad isn't it that we thought we were going to be doing some good and instead it's nothing but stress and disillusionment. But like you, I'm working toward getting out. I'm studying to be a vet tech which I'll supplement with part time nursing until I can get far enough up the ladder to support myself with that. I also plan to raise and sell cockatiels which is a hobby I already enjoy. Animals may bite you but at least they do it to your face and don't plan to sue you later. I'm also studying photography, another hobby, with the hope that I might sell a photo or two. The point being, I finally learned that I should do what I love and not dread getting up in the morning. I have a coworker who also plans to become a vet tech and raise rottweilers so she can quit nursing. When someone tells me they're considering nursing for a career I just look at them and say, "Haven't you paid attention to what we're going through?" I encourage them to go into a different branch if it must be health care. And if they're already unhappy with every other weekend and holiday, why make it a lifelong choice?

Gosh, I think you hate nursing more than me! I love the sundowning patients as long as they don't get violent. We don't restrain anyone where I work, which can sometimes be frustrating, because you may have to take them with you everywhere you go to watch them. I never try to reason with them...the neurons just aren't there. But when they go to bed, the beds are very low to the floor and we have mats for them. Right now I'm in a mixed unit. Some confused, some okay. No wanderers though. I think you'd be much happier in personal care, which I loved, but it doesn't pay as well. Or perhaps as a treatment nurse as I am. If you're working in a hospital, do they have an IV nurse? I know the Pharmacy we use has an IV nurse that will come out and start IV's for us if needed...maybe that's an option? Hospice has nurses that come to the nursing home and to private homes that evaluate patients and deal with their meds, but CNA's do the hands on care. How about that? You said you like them out cold..."best kind of patient". Please don't take this wrong, cause the thought is making me laugh and I hope it does you too, but...have you considered mortician? For myself, I'm starting an online quilting and fabric business and hoping that in the not too distant future I'll at least be able to cut back on my nursing hours, but I'd like my next job to be with hospice in-patient, hopefully up in Flagstaff. Hope things work out for you.