1056chris

I am assuming you didn t have a preceptor, or at least not one that was with you long enough. I worked in a LTC facility and it was brutal. I rarely got out on time. I had worked in the hospital previously, but still had a hard time. Maybe consider working in a hospital for awhile . You will have less patients and a preceptor that will gradually increase your work load. You ll be able to increase your skills without being overwhelmed

I went from working med/surg in a hospital to working at LTC facility. I worked on the skilled unit. That place was huge and 4 months after being there I was supervisor on one weekend. I ended up sending 4 people to er for various reasons. I got great input from the LVNs involved in their care. There was only 1 patient that me and LVN agreed should. I sent all 4. 3 were admitted, one returned to be monitored. If they didn't t need to go..no harm done. If they stay and should have gone it could be a different story. Assess the patient and situation and do what you think is best for the patient. It is hard when you are new. Sometimes I ask myself if this was my family what would I want done?" Goodluck

B. May turn urine orange?

I live in Texas and was in the TPAPN program(it was way back in 2002).and at that time they didn't. I would have never been able to go with someone watching me. Try not to let them intimidate you. Just do what you got and you will be OK. Goodluck

I have been there. I missed going to a urine collection while in TPAPN. When threatened with revocation of the license i surrendered. The fist time i went before the board i thought i was prepared. Get a lawyer. I couldnt afford one at the time. All those people there have experince with that legal aspect of nursing. You need overwhelming evidence on your side. It felt like being in jail and trying to get out but nobody is listening.

You did good and I know how you feel. I used to work a lot of nights and woke up a few doctors that were not pleasant and some down right awful. It comes with experience and patience and most of all with the understanding that these doctors are just men, with a little more knowledge then most. Some of them will act like Gods, some will be humble , some will be mean, some will help you, some who really have no clue, and you still have to work with them and keep your job. By saying you were sorry, and next time you will know not to do that. That's enough. Don't let it bother you. This guy was probably mad that he hadn't thought of the solution you did. In the end you did what was in the interest of the patient. Good for you.

Here. You must of made a mistake. This baby doesn't look anything like my daughter.

This is so true. I had a positive pre employee drug screen that tested positive for a prescribed pain medicine I had been on. I had recently moved, but told them they could call doctor. I had to agree to the program or not be able to practice. All the paperwork, the working only certain shifts , the meetings, the cost of the urine screens and why cant they have a computer call you. They should look at each case individually and the circumstances.

We all question some things we do, because often we have to make decisions in the moment taking all things into consideration. I probably would have started by giving the guy half a cup of coffee and said we have to save some fluid to take with your medications. It might have appeased him for awhile but I think based on his history, this guy would have been out the door anyway. Don't forget he signed out AMA. I know that still you worry because you know it was unhealthy and probably unsafe for him to leave that way, but that was his decision , and as you say he was AOx3. Being that no family member or friend came to pick him up it could be he has alienated them with his non-compliance. You did the right thing, but keep in mind next time that these patients might call you names, but what they are really fighting and mad about is their lack of control because of the disease process. Don't take it personally.

As one professional to another. Why did you enter the nursing field? We are here for that person who is our patient and while some of the things you say may be true, you fail to mention the positive outcomes of your job either because you don't recognize them or you would rather not because you are seeking something else. However, you have been in the field for 17 years, makes me wonder. Here are some positives about your nursing career, obviously good pay and ability to find work quickly all over the country, good health insurance from day one for you and your family, the ability to help your community, the improved quality of life and perhaps the saving of a life of a person because of you, and the thankfulness of a patient's family members, and co-workers who as a whole result in the sick becoming well. This is not a job where we will be recognized, but in which is recognized in the care of the patient. Move to a job away from the bedside if the docs and paperwork overwhelm you. It's a double check system in the hospital so mistakes are not missed. We all make them. We want to find them before they are acted on. Good Luck

First of all I think all grads should do a year of med/surg before going into any field. That being said, while you are in training you should not be counted as staff. You are just orientating to this job. Your gut feelings are right. There is nothing wrong with a LPN being your preceptor especially a strong one. There should be another RN there. You are right you are smart and you worked hard for that license. I would talk to the manager and tell him or her you don't feel comfortable in that situation and the reasons. If nothing changes start looking for a new job. Good Luck.

If you like Psych Nursing then you need to pass the test and you can. While you are waiting work as a nurse tech or monitor tech. I worked with a nurse who also failed her boards twice and she worked at the desk secretary. She passed on her third try and she was a really good and smart nurse. Take a review course or use a review book and concentrate on the areas you did poorly on. I hated OB questions and it felt like there were so many. Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.

I am thinking since the comment was made by a neighbor that wasn t a patient, he was probably always thought of you as attractive and smart but would be totally different if it came true. Some male patients will try to say or act inappropriate sexially or affectionately toward you. In this situation you nip it in the butt immediately. Remind them who you are and what you are there for. Be firm and professional. If this fails try bringing on a co-worker with you for invasive. or long procedures.

You need to be kind and considerate of your patients needs and not blame the family for inadequate nursing care. They had a right to be insulted and mad. You are the nurse and the care giver. These people are relying on you and your staff to care for their loved one with dignity and respect There are many reasons why patients have body odors when they are sick. It could be be disease process itself, infection, improper cleansing, sweating, being in bed or in the same positions for a long time etc. There are special creams and cleansers you could have tried, keeping air freshener in the room.changing the linens and gown more frequently or even picked up a deoderant for her. Think how you would feel if you were one of the daughters and that was your mother. Think before you speak. As for the suspension it does seem a bit harsh....if this was the first incident of this type of behavior.

I can relate so much with you. I thought of being a nurse in a specialty and advancement after doing a year on med surg. It never happened. I like so much being able to see my patients get better, working with other staff and ancillary staff to reach that goal, I also remained a bedside nurse. I have learned so much about so many different things. I learn something new everyday. Not everyday is good and some days are bad. I have learned that this is the same for the people I work with and the people we are taking care of. I have also experienced the gratefulness and appreciation, successes, when things work out. I love helping these people and wouldn't change a thing. I don't want them to depend on me , but to give to them the opportunity to be independent.