KimmiejsRN

The year I graduated from nursing school, 1994, was the first year the test was no longer on paper. We were the first to take the boards on computers. It did take 2 weeks to get our results. I prepared for the test simply by reviewing any practice test I could get my hands on. I also reviewed a little pharmacology. The day of my exam was unforgettable. In Macon due to a tropical depression that had stalled over Georgia and caused wide spread flooding there was no running water. We went almost a couple of months before we had running water. It was a bit rough. Since the testing site was less than a 5 minute drive from where I lived, I met a friend about half a block from the testing site for a relaxing lunch and a vodka tonic. It paid off for me since I passed the test in 75 questions and in under 90 minutes.

I will have to admit that I have never in my 23 years experience as a RN seen such a urine specimen container. I would think in this day and age with all of the needleless systems and needles with built in safety mechanisms that safely cap used needles a product like this would not exist or still be in use today. I do not believe products like this are considered safe practice and they should not be used in any hospital, lab, medical office, etc... I am really sorry you experienced a needle injury. I can honestly say that I have never experienced one. I can not begin to imagine the amount of stress it has caused you.

I agree... having only 4 orientation shifts is definitely troubling, especially when dealing with new nurses. I am so glad we no longer have to decipher written orders. There are still a few holdout physicians and surgeons that still believe in the handwritten order. Electronic orders eliminate misinterpretation of medication orders that could potentially be life threatening. With electronic charting a patient's drug allergy is in the system and this prevents medications that a patient is allergic to being ordered. I will admit, I still chart notes on each and every patient I take care of during a shift. I have been a RN since 1994 and have never been to court however; I know some that have and they regretted not writing a note since they did not remember the patient nor the circumstances that resulted in the patient filing a medical malpractice suit.

I have seen far far worse. I had a patient that was bulemic. She would eat and eat until she would make herself sick. After she would vomit she would save her emesis in an empty 2 liter soda bottle. For those with a queasy stomach look away. Look away now. She would actually drink her emesis that she had saved in that 2 liter soda bottle. I have been a RN since 1994. Before I went to nursing school I was a Hospital corpsman in the navy. When I started university I worked as an OR tech while completing my core curriculum. I have seen some patients do some disgusting things but this... this one was indescribably grotesque.

At my hospital we are constantly having required continuing education called HealthStream added to our already busy work schedule. Instead of having scheduled time to complete these courses we are being forced to come in on our days off to complete these courses. Many of us are already working four 12 hour shifts per week due to lack of staff. These extra hours we are having to complete these mandatory HealthStream courses have really affected morale at my hospital.

Why don't you read the chart... Well to start with since most charting is done electronically it could be hours before a H&P or any type of notes from the physician regarding current illness is in the computer. If this is the first time the patient has been at your facility chances are there will be no notes. Why is it it so hard to give a short pertinent report to the receiving nurse? In addition to receiving patients from the ER we also can have up to 15 post- operative patients on any given day. Add 5 inpatients to the mix and it can be quite a hectic situation. Seriously, when you already have 6 other patients a good concise report from the ER is appreciated more than you will ever know. I also do not get this mentality. Aren't we all trying to give the patient care possible? Why is it so hard to give a report prior to the patient being transferred to the floor. Maybe I am old fashioned but telling an overwhelmed nurse working on an understaffed ward to look in the chart in my opinion comprimises patient safety and creates tension between the ER and floor. We are all working towards the same goal, delivering safe and compassionate patient care. Please, for everyone's sake do not act like a spoiled obstinate child when asked a few pertinent questions. Creating hostility between the ER and the floor is counterproductive and serves no purpose whatsoever. As a floor RN of 22 years all I ask for is to be treated the same way I treat you, with dignity, respect, and a little bit of understanding and acknowledgement that you understand I might already have 5 to 7 patients that I am already taking care of.