unique_nurse

I'm in the same situation as you. I became an assistant director of nursing, because I thought I wanted to become a director of nursing one day. However, this role is so stressful, and I'm learning that some nurses just don't care about their job. Now, I'm lost because I don't know what I want to do now. For so long I was thinking director of nursing, but now it's just a blank. When I was working in the hospital, I didn't really like it either, just loved the hours. So my advice to you is the advice I'm giving myself, do your research. Look up different career paths nurses can do, and see what you would like. There is a reason you became a nurse, and worked so hard to become one. Hang in there until you find the right job for you!

I have been in your position before. When I was a LPN, I worked 3-11 Monday-Friday, and I hated it. I felt like I was always at work, and never had time for myself. I felt like I was drowning, and no one around me could tell. I got another job, where I was only working 3 days a week, and the work load was better. It definitely made a difference in my mood. I had more time to enjoy my life, and I enjoyed what I did at work. You just need a change in scenery. You are burned out of your routine, and environment. Once you find a new job that you enjoy, it will get better. Good luck!

I would educate the nurse, and put her on probation. Like someone else stated, I would have the Unit Manager or Charge nurse supervise her for about 90 days. During the 90 days, 1-2 weeks should be dedicated to observing her medication administration, making sure she is correctly identifying the residents. Make sure your facility has updated pictures, or whatever your company use to be able to correctly identify the resident. Stress the importance of correct patient identification. After the probation period, if she is still having problems I would then seek further disciplinary actions. Good luck with the situation!

I was a LPN charge nurse for 2 1/2 years before becoming a RN. When I became a RN, my first job was as an Unit Manager. So, I have to disagree with others stating you need 2 years RN experience to be a supervisor. When it comes to leadership, it's about the person's leadership skills and your ability to work with others. Don't be afraid to say you don't know something, and make sure you demonstrate to your staff that you are a team player. Everything else that come with the role will be learned through experience in the position. You will make mistakes, and you will learn from them. I think you will make $26-$30/hr for the position. Good luck!

I'm a travel nurse (contract end in 2 weeks). I can tell you, you still have to deal with the things you hate the most. The only difference between travelers and staff nurses is that as a traveler you don't have to put up with the "politics" of the unit, such as: the staff not liking their boss, or weird rules. You just go, do your job, and leave in 13 weeks. Sounds to me that you're getting into nursing for the wrong reasons. If you get into nursing just for the travel opportunities, I can guarantee you will not be happy in your profession. From multiple demands and dealing with all kinds of people, you have to feel like this is your passion, or you will quit or be unhappy. Like others have stated, there are other professions you can get into that will allow you to travel, such as: flight attendants, sales, etc. Explore other options, and find a career that will better suit you. Good luck on your journey!

I understand where you're coming from. I'm currently still working as a travel nurse, and the facility I'm at now has some crazy rules as well. For instance, suction is not available in the rooms. If we need suction, we have to order it from central supply and wait for it to be delivered. I had a situation the other night, where a patient was choking and vomiting, and I HAD NO SUCTION AVAILABLE. I was going crazy because I had to leave the patient to go order suction, and wait for it be delivered. That's totally insane to me. You also have to order IV pumps and scd machines. As other posters has commented, they are now focused on money and making sure the patient get charged for single thing. Healthcare isn't about caring anymore, it's about the mighty dollar. "The love of money is the root to all evil."

I think every nurse has made some type of medication error at some point in their careers. Some have been major, others have not. I like the new scanning system a lot of facilities have in place now. It has helped me prevent medication errors numerous of times. It even has helped with the half dosages, because the system automatically alerts you once it's scanned. I feel much safer during medication administration because of the scanning.

I just got a job as an adon. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I just want to do a great job, and help make the company ever more of a success. Thanks to you guys for listing you job duties, and what all your job entails. I'm even more excited and ready to get started!