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I had the same experience. Also, I had to DC half my patients after the first injection due to extreme nausea. At least one of my Vivitrol patients had a great deal of problems having a total knee surgery. The anesthesiologist, upon finding out about the Vivitrol, stated, "Damn it! A vivitrol patient!" he had to wait 6 weeks in constant pain while the naltrexone cleared his body. Even with the wait, anesthesia was very difficult. Even a Bier block was only partial effective. The paralytic even exerted varied response.

I am all for random urine drug screens for all staff. In my 22 years working psych, SUD and dual diagnosis, I have worked units that had using addicts working. One inpatient unit at a prestigious hospital had a psych tech who sold speed and oxy's to the patients, families and other staff. Many years ago, when I was working high stress environments (Trauma ICU, ER, Flight Nurse, Paramedic instructor), I dealt with my anxiety and low self-worth by stealing and using morphine. I always made sure my patients got the dose they needed before taking my part. I was caught in a random UDS, and it was the best thing that ever happened in my career. I received extended treatment and became a member of a world-wide community of recovering people. I have not used any illicit drug since June 29, 1989. Random screens, as much as they are a pain in the butt, are very useful at several levels for nurses.

Come down off the cross, Martha. People need the wood. They are mostly dinosaurs now, but Diploma Grads used to be the go-to for expertise and mentoring in nursing. No college degree. Becoming a nurse was called "training". Not education. My mother was a diploma grad, US Army Cadet Nurse. Her training would be considered human torture today. Example: Her first night shift in training was in the newborn nursery. She had 21 babes to care for alone. Remember, she also had to mix up the formula, wash and sterilize the bottles and nipples, feed each baby every 2 hours, meds as necessary (this was way before NICU). She had cloth diapers to contend with. She was in there from 11:00 PM until 8:00 AM. Back in her day, when nurses graduated, they earned the coveted knee-length, wool cape. That's right. Every diploma nurse upon graduation was given a Navy-blue wool cape with red lining and "RN' embroidered on the collar with "GSH" (Good Samaritan Hospital) on the other side. She has told me some stories that kept me up at night (still do sometimes). After 45 years practice in everything from combat nursing to flight crew to Level I Trauma to forensic psych, now I can tell some stories that will keep baby nurses awake at night!

I am reminded of the old Fox News motto, "We report. You decide.". I try to present as much as I can, within the recipient's ability to understand, and allow them the autonomy of their own lives. I believe (my opinion!) that the U.S. has all but abandoned the concept of informed consent.

Me: 38 years treating people with addictions (and several hundred other diseases). 22 years clean by the Grace of God and the power of Narcotics Anonymous. Remember that medical "diagnosis" is the realm of medical practitioners. We specialize in the practice of NURSING. Remember that our patients ARE people with their own perceptions, biases, culture and position in society. When the vast majority of your patients and families use the word "addiction" to refer to their disease, why confuse the issue? They have enough change in their life to deal with ! I used Substance Abuse Disorder a few days ago at a N.A. meeting and got several giggles and snide comments about renaming what's already been accepted for years. I am personally very happy that Nursing, as an essential Profession, is finally recognizing the millions of people that suffer, and those that die, from addiction. All day. Every day.

I go to the "Couch" NA meeting daily at 6:00 PM. Go to https://virtual-na.org/meetings/" to find on-line meetings 24/7, around the world. On any given day, there are over 2000 meetings available. I really love the Couch meeting. Our password is "Potato", See you there !

Sorry. wrong button. I have been a RN for 44 years. CNA for 2 years before getting my LPN. Then 5 years later, BSN, 13 years later, MSN (Psych). I have done all those jobs plus many more. I. always tried to do my best and learn the job well. I always looked for ways to improve efficiency. I spent 8 years as a Navy Nurse, Commissioned Officer (final rank, Lieutenant Commander). I learned that WE did what had to be done, and the most successful, enlisted and officer, were those that accepted the assignment and went at it. Every night the floor in my ICU was cleaned and polished. I ran a buffer many times, for an hour, so Hospital Corpsmen could have a break. The consideration for their value made my teams much more cohesive and efficient in our patient care . So, I fully call every job I do to contribute to the relief and restoration of my patients Nursing Practice. Take the long view, the Big Picture. by helping keep your facility above water and functioning, you contribute to the mission of patient care. Imagine your patients being scattered to the wind if you shut down. Also, you're out of a job. When I read your post I heard loud and clear you ARE a nurse, heart and soul. People say to me, "Oh, you work as a male nurse." I respectfully reply not "as a nurse ". I AM a nurse, heart and soul. Started helping my RN mother (Army Cadet Corps trained) at the county hospital when I was 13. Just got better and better as the years go by. Hang in there. Take an attitude of each and every assignment as an opportunity to grow and mature in your practice. Quick aside. Strangest job I ever had in my career. On Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Navy Base I was assigned temporarily as Medical Officer to The Tank Platoon! This is normally a Doctor assignment but the Navy had run out of GP's. I was CCRN, and EMT, and teaching classes in trauma response in my previous assignment. Once I acclimated to the tanker and Marine Corps culture my observation was we were all little boys with really great toys. We camped on the beach; took the tanks to the bluffs to the North and I got to participate. and shoot al those great weapons. Talk about team work. My Marines worked together as a single unit and smooth as a Swiss watch. You never know what experiences await you. Keep your focus and devotion to you patients you have been honored to care for at some of the worst days of their lives. After 40-45 years, the memories of all the good you have done for your fellow man.

I have been a RN 4 years. I have done all of those jobs to the best of my abili

Hello, all. I have been working forensic psych for many years and have always had a question when reading forensic nursing forums. Is there such an animal as a male RN/MSN etc. SANE ? Not that is a career goal or even one that I would necessarily agree with. Mostly curiosity. I about to fully retire and do occasional consulting. Love to read this forum.

I got nothin'

Wow ! Wuzzie. You knew Dr King and James W ?

Cowboy96; Please do us all a favor and drop out of nursing school or change your major. I do not want you caring for me in the ED.

Would anyone in today's world ever title an article, "Bring in the girls"? The title reminds me of a sorority that is deciding to go coed. The language of this title may actually subtly focus the problem with bringing men into nursing. There is a meme out there that shows the "What I Do " set-up. Most of the depictions are men in scrubs lifting things, turning patients, carrying large loads, etc. When I was in school, people would ask, "Are you studying to be a male nurse"? I would respond, "No. I am studying to be a nurse. I have been a male for all my life". I believe the best way to attract men to nursing lies with the men in nursing. I have been a Registered Nurse for 43 years and use the mentoring model at all times. I have found that young male nurses take well to mentoring, regardless of the specialty. Of course, there are outliers that do not respect the career experience. I point out that I am still practicing after 50 years of patient care. You just don't see those numbers in other professions. Recently the show "America's Got Talent" featured a fantastic singer (may win it all) who just happened to me a major humanitarian, foster father of several handicapped and mixed race children. He also is a pediatric psychiatric nurse at al Children's Hospital. This is the type of citizen we need in our folds. I am retired but volunteer for a free medical clinic at least three times per monrh. I get the opportunity there to recruit young men into the world of nursing. I have to add that as a heterosexual male, nursing school being 9:1, female to male ratio, was no small part of my decision-making. My parents were both nurses, U.S. Army veterans. I was literally raised in the art, science and mileau of what it means to be a nurse. Let me emphasize, I am a nurse.

Unisex scrubs are like a small, country hotel; no ballroom.

Here ! Here ! In 8 years of locked psych/forensic units I had same as you. Three trips to the ER, total of 210 days off for "Assault injury" on full pay. Also, while taking down a little 60 y/o lady who was punching me in the face, she came down on the concrete floor on top of my left knee. Blew out medial AND lateral meniscus. Two surgeries and 9 months off for rehab. BUT, I won't work with any other population. Been at it for 25 years. To me, these are absolutely the most in need of nursing care to have as "normal" lives as possible. PS - I worked in Shock Trauma years ago. One night a gang member was allowed into the holding room for organ donors to say goodbye to his brother. He was overwhelmed with grief, pulled out a gun and fired three shots into the ceiling. After I changed my underwear, I was more careful of who came in.

It's all ***** and giggles until someone giggles and *****.

I thought only nurses would have a forum for discussing poop adventures but Buzz Feed has even more !

I worked at a state psychiatric hospital for 8 years. This was a "worst of the worst" facility for psychiatric care and forensic evaluation. The nursing units were organized around a central locked nurses station. There was a staff toilet in the center of this small station where everyone came and went as the day progressed. It was a definite NO-NO to poop in the nurses station toilet ! We had a tech who was of Korean/Vietnamese heritage. She went #2 in that toilet one evening and we had to evacuate the chart room. We were still paper charting, some of the charts turned brown and curled up. A few vultures circled the building for a while, thinking something had died. It set off the RADON detector in the basement. After that we had security come to the unit if someone headed to that toilet with a newspaper in their hand. We tried to get OSHA to help but they declined, saying they are overwhelmed with these requests all the time. Same with the EPA. So, anyway, forget the boss. Respect your co-workers sensibilities and poop as far away as possible, preferably at home.

Oh, my. Another opportunity to talk about what "women are taught" in America. I need to point out that if someone is taught, there must be a teacher. My observation and experience is that those teachers are predominantly other women. I have been a Registered Nurse for 43 years. Before that, I was CNA, Surgery Tech, Orderly, Ortho Tech, etc. My mother and father were both nurses and I was literally born to this calling. On a positive note, let me commend "Male Nurse" for speaking out, if only on a blog. Believe me, for every b**tch I've heard referring to a female nurse, I've heard a**hole for the male nurse just as much. And, let's put to rest the statement with words to the effect, " everybody knows male nurses are paid more". The skewed "statistics" show that a disproportionate number of Nurse Anesthetists are men. Of course, they are paid more for their education and accountability. As for nurturing being a female domain, simply not true. I personally experience the nurturing experience with patients and families. I have delivered 11 babies myself, one on the floor, during a code. I have held the hand of a dying man for hours because he had no family and asked not to be left alone. I have held a weeping young mother at the bedside in the Trauma ICU as her 16 year old son slipped away from a GSW to the head. My bare right hand has held a beating heart until the patient (with me on the rails of the bed) could return to the O.R. to re-tie an aortic tear. I have had the honor to work alongside male and female nurses who selflessly gave of their own heart and soul for patients and families. NOW - let's talk about our voice. What a great metaphor about the rake and the bulldozer. I have been watching, waiting, working, writing to try to get this miracle to occur and nurses will speak with one voice. However, I am almost ready to just give up. After all these years, nurses still can't make up their minds on entry-into-practice. 2 years? 3 years? 4 years? On Line? On site? Must have BSN? MSN? DNP? PhD? The great Luther Christman advocated the doctorate as the basic entry point with internships and residencies as the supporting education. In today's world, is that even fantasy?? I left the ANA when they declared gun control as their national health goal in the 1980's. Go to List of Professional Nursing Organizations | nurse.org and marvel at the dozens of separatist nurses groups. Are they useful? Yes. Are they divisive? Yes. Each person, each nurse has only a measured amount of time to devote to self, no more, no less. Nurses, male, female and other, must put aside individual interest, petty or not, in order to grow that bulldozer and get it out of the garage. Nurses must learn to ROAR !

I am currently a disaster relief RN with Remote Area Medical in Lumberton, Texas. It is 40 miles Northwest of Houston and now a virtual island. All access roads are closed. Remote Area Medical was first on the ground Monday with supplies, our medical team was here Wednesday. My role here is working with a M.D. at a shelter (375 persons) managing all medical needs. This includes for me the veterinary population since I used to be a Vet Tech. These folks are being very well cared for in general by their community. We offer medical care and response management to the population. Folks here have literally had their lives washed away. We have many elderly folks that had only their night clothes when they were picked up by boat, right before the water rose past their roof. People with chronic medical conditions, including psychiatric, had all their meds and supplies washed away. We have been using Army and local EMS helicopters to fly patients such as dialysis and chemo in and out. We are averaging about 6 flights per day with critical patients as well as scheduled.. It is Hell, fellow nurses. We need your support in any way we can get it. We are doing all right on food but medicine and the money to buy it is getting scarce. The Army landed a HUGE helicopter here this afternoon with supplies. Help in any way you can, please. My team will be here through next week and may move into Houston to help with clean-up recovery there. Think of us well and often. Thanks.

I am currently marooned in Lumberton, Texas which has become a virtual island. My disiaster relief team, Remote Area Me

O.K. This is really gross but every word is true. I was working as a tech in a burn unit, tasked with doing hydrotherapy and non-sharp debridement. Our tank was a "Hubbard"- style PT tank that, looking down on it, looks like a giant hour glass. I had a 65-year-old man with chemical burns over 60% of his body. He had been pre-medicated with Ketamine and morphine; went into hypovolemic shock (interstitial) and arrested in the tank. I hit the Code button and tried to start CPR. I hit the "RESUSC" switch on the lift to raise the litter he was suspended on in the water but still couldn't reach him from the side. I wasn't about to let him just pass on so I climbed into the tank and got good CPR started. The team arrived but I was still giving mouth-to-mouth (in 1970 !). The man regurgitated his high-protein milkshakes and hit me in the face. I reached into the water to splash-clean my face. What I got was a huge piece of skin I had removed from his leg during treatment just prior to the arrest. It squished against my face and slid off over my lips. I managed a few more breaths until the MD got a tube in him. We wound up putting him on a stretcher and rushing him back to our Burn ICU. By then I was vomiting so hard there was food from a former life coming out; "I don't remember eating that!" The Head Nurse gave me 50mg Phenergan IM and a fellow tech took me home. I slept well into the next day and soon returned to the burn unit. I could not eat KFC for months !! Still have PTSD triggering sometimes at barbecues and fish fries.

Every July 1st at Medical School-affiliated hospitals across the nation, the newly hatched interns and residents flock to their first hospital assignment. They are so cute in their crisp, white, short lab coats with hospital-monogrammed name. The big "M.D." prominently displayed after their names. We, the staff already in the trenches, fondly called them "Baby Doctors", especially the interns with their Washington Manual firmly stuck in their coat pocket. The interns were more than ready to whip out their script pads with their shiny new DEA numbers and write for whatever the staff asked for (for personal use!!!!) until Nursing Staff informed them of the error of their ways. The 'terns and res's that were truly interested in their learning experience were really attentive to, and actively sought the advice and direction of the Registered Nurses, LPN/LVN's, Technicians and staff docs. I have been a Registered Nurse for 42 years, all over the nursing experience page, seen almost everything and really find great comradery in working with Baby Nurses. To me, the Term "Baby Nurse" is a sort of right of passage, a "Welcome to the family" thing. We old war horses have to remember something though. After the Baby Nurse has: - run her first code solo - inserted his first PICC line - cleaned up a GI bleed (top and bottom) - managed an aggressive psychotic patient for 12 hours - delivered his first baby - spoken to her community health forum - volunteered at an outreach clinic - held the hand of a patient as they took their dying breath - reversed an opiate O.D. - held a grieving single mother in the Trauma ICU as her 16-year-old son was pronounced brain dead - stood up to stop a doctor or nurse from making matters worse - led a staff of 300-400 + professionals as their Nurse Executive - testified and fought for improved Healthcare and any of the thousands of other hard-earned identifiers of nurses. After they are there, here, part of the Profession, doing the job with confidence and calm assuredness, we MUST be sure to tell them that their "Baby Nurse" days are over, how well they show their practice and how happy we are with their work. Welcome to one of the finest families on earth, NURSES. I do not "work as a nurse", as the newspaper says. I AM A NURSE.

Suck it up, Snowflake. Times are hard. Don't go around alienating fellow nurses for not being polite.

PLEASE !! Part 2 and any more. We nurses are not used to waiting (Har-de-har-har).