BackinthedayRN

You need to find a clinic or doctor's office. Where they close and set the phone on answering. Most other situations will have extra hours to think or believe otherwise is not realistic.

In 1980s I transfered to Surgical ICU at a 300 bed Community Hospital because I wanted to enroll in an ADN program. I was an LPN at the time with 20 yrs experience. I knew the challenge would keep me focused since the lastest was happening there. We stopped standing for doctors and giving up our chairs by the 70s and there was more of a mutual appreciation developing. The 80s introduced scrubs and many stopped wearing their nursing caps. You had to gain respect by your skills and knowledge. Always the best defence against ego maniacs. In the mid 80s we were to concentrate more on pt care plans, goals and outcomes but many didn't take it seriously. It was an exciting time for technology with new equipment, meds and advanced treatments all requiring advanced nursing skills. AIDS hit late in the decade. Till then hepatitis was the worst threat to a nurses health. Now a far deadlier one was out there. The ANA was more prominent in maintaining our professions reputation. Shows like Nurse Jackie and Scrubs were not televised. Any derogatory reference to nurses or nursing as a profession was immediately called out by the ANA and apoligies issued by the offenders. Home Healthcare was added to the hospital's services to support the chronically ill and reduce re-admissions. So I left to ICU to Manage the private side of this new department. The doctors loved home health since it cut down calls they received and patients and families loved the 24/7 support. In late 80s Advanced Directives and DNR entered the scene. HMOs and managed care reared its controlling head. Things moved along smoothly until then. Hospitals had engaged in friendly competition most of the time then suddenly it became fierce competition for contracts and labels like Prefered Providers. The entrance of the 90s saw Medicare and Medicaid hit with cuts and extreme reforms the whole thing was a devasting financial hit to hospitals and physicians The rest is history. I'm 70 now and retired I have see a great deal of transitions in our role and that which constitutes healthcare. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck. .

I was 30 and wanted to get my ADN in mid 80s our ICU had LPNs on staff so I transformed in. It actually helped me get through the program by keeping me focused on my studies and up to date on the newest meds and procedures. Go for it.

It is the responsibility of the Medical Staff President to take care of this matter so you will probably not hear what transpired. The chain of command once again must be followed so keep reporting future problems with this guy. He will only respond to peer pressure. Hopefully the medical staff leadership is strong. They do not want nursing staff upset with them because of one miserable cuss.