ambr46

It sounds like you are an enthusiastic new grad who has not had many experiences in nursing. There are many things nurses become anxious about including fear of making a mistake, actually making a mistake, doctors who berate or blame you for things out of your control (sometimes even at shift change when you haven't even seen your patient yet), being overloaded and overwhelmed, having a patient who is tanking or coding, or even trying to cope with the physical aches and pains of a 12 hour shift. The list really never ends. Give it a few years and then share your perspective.

I know it’s been a long time since this was posted but would love to hear a follow up on how things are going.

I used to work long term care until I completely burned out. My last shift I was literally crying while passing meds because I was just so overworked and tired. I remember the rounding Dr. asking the nursing supervisor, “what’s wrong with her?” She said , “I don’t know but I’m going home.” I called them the next day and told them I quit. They tried to talk me out of it but I couldn’t envision doing it for one more day. I worked in the hospital afterward and was so relieved that I wasn’t just running a pill mill and had a chance to do a real assessment. I’m under the impression that they think nurses should be like robots in LTC. Never stop moving, work overtime and double shifts when other nurses are burned out and call off, and then when the hardware breaks down they just hire a new bot. Sad, hopefully something changes because the quality of care in these places is bare minimum with a staff of burned out bedraggled nurses trying to hang in there by a flimsy thread. There are some that do this work, enjoy it, and even thrive but for the rest of us I say get out while you can. There are so many other good opportunities out there. Good luck to you!

Great job being an advocate for your patient!

I think a lot of people are surprised when they get into this field and realize that it isn't quite what they were expecting. The good thing about being an RN though is that there are abundant opportunities in a variety of settings. Not one shoe fits all so if you are finding dissatisfaction in your current role then there are a plethora of other choices out there.

I wouldn't feel bad one bit. She was getting paid to do a job that she clearly didn't care to do. Now she can lay around at home watching Netflix and eating Cheetos. Case closed.

I don't think it's a huge deal beyond slight irritation. I probably would have told the doc that I would be right with him and finish up. I have honestly never had a day without multiple interruptions.

I wouldn't ignore someone if they were asking about a patient diet or anything else for that matter. It seems like everyone is so ready play the blame game. If what the OP had stated is true then she was merely trying to advocate for the patient. Yes, frequent interruptions do get annoying at times, but you know how patient's are about their food. They aren't going to let up until they get it. I think the CNA is just trying to do her job and isn't getting the support she needs from the staff. It's quicker to just answer the question than it is to deal with repetitive questions about the same issue.

I have seen a few physicians be demeaning and rude but they didn't discriminate between the genders.

I didn't mean to put the last statement under klrn's comment. sorry about that.

The nurse being busy doesn't excuse the mess he was left in. If she had been in to see him any time in the last several hours she would have made some attempt to make him comfortable. This kind of stuff drives me nuts.

It will happen.

# 1 and #3.

My first code was an elderly hypothermia patient. I jumped right in doing compressions because I had never done them before. Apparently, when a patient has hypothermia they have to be rewarmed before they are declared dead. I got in way more hands on practice than I ever could have imagined. The code lasted nearly 2 hours. After 45 minutes of alternating compressions with the other staff, I was toast. Sadly, the patient didn't make it.

Why do I feel like this lady is not a nurse. would you have preferred that no oxygen was applied?

Just make sure you get a little sun here and there. When I worked nights I started getting that jail house pallor.

I hope you are transferring these patients out because from what you describe, these are definitely NOT med surg patients.

Have you ever heard of Super Nurse Syndrome??

You have mentioned that you have some pretty severe medical conditions. Are you in chronic pain? Many nursing jobs require standing for long periods of time without a break and heavy lifting. If nursing isn't your passion you might think long and hard about this. As for your aversion to nursing due to a nurse accidentaly skipping a pain med. I'm sorry that happened to you but it doesn't seem like termination material. If you do become a nurse I think you wil realize the amount of work a nurse must juggle in any given day.

Just like when I try to log Into the pxysis with my fingerprints and it takes five tries before it's accepted. Oh my god, try doing that while someone is breaking into your house...

I do believe in the right to own guns and protect yourself. I'm running through the list of co-workers in my head though and I can't say I'd be comftorable with knowing any of them were carrying a gun.

The wrong people have the guns is the problem.

Drug use is a medical issue and something I would expect nurses to inquire about, but I have never asked a patient if they are an illegal immigrant or a gun owner.

Nice article.

It's funny you should mention this because most of the countries listed here have far more permissible gun rights than here in the U.S which explains why the homicide rate is so high in the U.S. Switzerland is actually one of the highest gun ownership per capita in the world with a very low homicide rate. So yes, this does bother me.