midgeypoo

Hi Donna: thanks for sharing your story. Not sure if you suspended your license or what - but before you make all kinds of plans I'd check with your state's BON as to what requirements they have to reinstate your license. Go from there. Once you know what is required, then decide how you feel and what course of action is best taken. Where I worked hired a nurse who'd been out of nursing for 20 years. I was surprised on how much she needed to learn to bring her up to todays standards but she did it and is still there as a nurse. I'd definitely want to bring myself up to speed on nursing laws, newer procedures, and techniques. Then maybe when looking for a nursing job you could make sure you get a preceptor and all of that which is customary with most hospitals but in the case of LTC (not). I would just explain you basically are a new nurse grad. There are also lots of CEU's available via online/mail that you can take and many are free or low cost. Those can be quite beneficial to bring you up to speed on laws and such. Good luck to you in your future career. Malinda

Hi Chimio: I was lucky in clinicals my instructor sent each of us down to the ER for a day and we got a crash course in IM's, IV's, foleys and all of that. I had blast that day. I was very good at starting IV's. Then when working at the hospital, I couldn't start a vein. Their IV starting equipment was different than what I was used to - took me about a year before I got it. Once I got it, I had my MoJo back. Then my other job got rid of their lab gals in the mornings and made lab draws part of our nursing job along with passing meds (like we had time). I became a wiz at that also. The large hospital I worked at would float you over (when slow) to the ER to spend a day or two with them - claiming that it will be a big help in teaching you how to nail that vein. Some will shadow the Code Nurse for 1/2 a day and learn from her also. When lab would do their draws in am's - provided I could be caught up on med pass, I'd ask them if I could shadow them - they always agreed and I would see different techniques and bounce questions off of them. Like 1 guy would use a large needle / syringe, where others would use butterflies and why? I liked the butterflies myself for draws - but one morning we found our supplies were not reordered and we were stuck finding our own method for lab draws - but no butterflys. I found a larger syringe with a 22 guage needle and made most attempts directly via the AC. Actually went well - no complaints from the patients either. Once you get it - you'll be great, just getting it is the thing. Good luck to you!

sure, been a patient many times, prior to becoming a nurse and twice since.

Workinmom: Actually, my sister was a sponsor for many years and attended many AA meetings. I know this because I recall going with her to a few of them. She's no longer active at age 80 in AA to my knowledge. Interesting information though.

Ruby Vee: I have to agree with you. Bad enough my father was an alcoholic back in his day but my older sister became one too. She was then and here 25+ years sober is still annoying and has all the alcoholic traits and behaviors even though she is sober. I've learned to see her on a limited basis so I don't get too upset about it. That's just her personality and I have to accept it. Some people are just closed minded and fearful. Life has it's way of teaching us to keep an open mind.

debilitating, is all I need to hear. LOL my son's little friend (years ago) was over and said his uvula hurt and he has to take medicine for it - so he had to go home. I was laughing to myself when I asked well honey is your Mom a nurse? He said "no my grandma is a Nurse". I thought (Yep who says their uvula hurts when they have a sore throat?) funny!

Many years ago (like 55 to be exact) when my father was hospitalized for major heart surgery, the Doctor ordered him whiskey shots. He was an alcoholic and I'm sure it was ordered to keep him from going into the DT's. My only concern would be in giving the shot along with his medications. Guess I'd run it by pharmacy and get their opinion. Then give what is ordered. Happy Holidays!

I'm retired/disabled now but I laugh reading some of your comments (not to laugh at you) but because it reminds me of one of my most difficult patients. He was a retired MD with some dementia and very demanding. I laugh because he'd totally abuse the call button, then demand his pain meds. Such as; "nurse - so-and-so STAT for pain". I'd remind him "now Dr. Smith, you know I can only change the order if your Doctor says to do so, right?" Hoping to get him back to some kind of reality for a moment. Sometimes it would work briefly, other times not so much....lol. But he was a true character and ornery as heck. Then every time you'd take him in his scheduled medications he'd make you go through the total rundown about what it's for, the dosage, frequency and such. He used to irritate staff all to heck but he was kind of funny too. And often times he did make perfect sense. Just had to share my story.....Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone !

A. Ramos: Good for you - you are already ahead of the game! Continued success in your career & studies !

I'm sorry if this has been posted multiple times, I searched the thread and could only find one from a couple years ago. What are your opinions on working at the Cleveland clinic Vs UH? I just found out I passed my nclex RN (whoooo) and wanted opinions before I started applying to new grad positions. I heard with the Cleveland clinic you get such a great experience & they teach you so much. Also the benefits are better than UH but I heard the staff is treated poorly and the pay isn't the greatest. on the other hand I heard UH treats their employees better and the pay is better but benefits suck. I really wanted to apply to metro but I heard they don't accept new grads and metro hasn't had the greatest rep these days í ½í±€ Any opinions on any hospital would be greatly appreciated :-) Dear A. Ramos: I can only give you my experience with both Hospitals and some info may be a couple years old. With that in mind, I started my very first job at CCF as a new grad. The pay was ok. But then they take out for parking (not cheap). Benefits were pretty good that I recall. However, I did not like their point system - x amount of points and you loose your job. (again remember it's been couple of years or so - so you may want to investigate to see if that has changed). Also I think it depends on which department is more student friendly. I was tossed directly into the fire. I won't mention the department - but will tell you my Preceptor was older gal who gave me her whole assignment and sat on her laptop on wheels at end of the hall. I only was to call her for something important. I lasted all of 4 months and was so stressed out by the whole experience - I swore I'd never ever go back to a large hospital again. I took a job closer to home in a Nursing Home and well, then I had 20+ patients on nights. But I was paid well, free parking, yet something (a lot) felt like it was missing. My best friend and former classmate in nursing school promised me if I came to UH I'd love it - and would not go through what I did at CCF. After months of this - I agreed to apply. Was hired and immediately felt "at home". I did not feel rushed to get out of orientation. The other nurses were very welcoming and all said, "don't worry we are all here to help each other". And it was true. I learned a lot at UH, and perfected my skills too. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot at the Clinic but I felt more rushed and stressed. Where at UH it somehow felt more relaxed to me. If that makes any sense? Benefits were good at both hospitals and yes, you will pay parking fees at both too. But I found that typically working at the main campus paid about 5.00/hour more than working at the same hospital in a suburb. So I guess I'm saying I am partial to UH. To sum up how I felt working there - "like working with family". I have since retired. But I do wish you well in your career and am sure whatever you choose you will find fulfilling. Good Luck!

Ok, addition to original post: I was wrong. I looked on the Boards website and there is no way to change status by the Licensure Verification section. Then it came to me....I was looking at my paper renewal bill (back in spring) and I'm pretty sure the option to change status was there. Just for the record.

Over the years I've known several nurses who allowed their nursing licensure to temporarily lapse due to not paying the renewal fee on time. This phenomenon has always interested me for a number of reasons. Firstly, the renewal fee in the state where I live is $67 once every two years. In other words, it is $33.50 annually when broken down. This amount of money would not seem like a steep economic hurdle to climb for most middle-income nurses. ______________________________________________________________ Hi Commuter: In Ohio, our fees are approx. 68.00/every 2 years (don't quote me on the exact amount). When I became sick and unsure of when I could return to work my notice came in the mail to renew my license. I thought (why? I can't work and not sure if I'll ever work - seems like such a waste of money.) Plus I had no real income at that time either. I went on the BON's site and looked up my license and in searching various options I found one that gave several choices such as "active, retired, inactive, suspended". The "inactive" option was to put your license on hold (and the nice part of doing so was you aren't required to do the CEU's and/or pay the fees. I think when you are ready to return to "active status" you then are required to do a certain amount of CEU's and of course would then also pay your fees at that time. I did not want to risk jeopardizing my hard earned license so before choosing the "inactive" status I was sure to write to the Board and ask them how that worked. The fact remains, I'll never be able to work and now I'm on total disability. But I feel good that at least I maintained my License (inactive or not). I would think other states also have this option - did you check your state's website ? Letting my license lapse is "not an option" - no reason for it.

I don't feel that the OP came here to hear how terrible her actions are/were - she has come right out and said it herself. I have to give her credit for that! I see no point in more than 8 pages of responses to her original post, telling her what she already knows and/or has said about herself. I feel OP came here for help and I think a good start would be to speak with a counselor. I'm not going to sit here and tear her apart saying how terrible her actions were - she already knows that. We all have our opinions - this is mine, period. I, in no way am condoning her actions or bad choices - rather, much like a patient who needs my help - I am trying to direct her for professional help. It's the BON's job to discipline her - and I'm sure they will. My sitting here telling her how bad she is and how awful her actions were is not going to change the past. My hopes are for OP's future choices and that she makes the correct decisions as to her future in Nursing or possibly a different path. With the aid of a psychologist - I am hoping she is able to make a good decision in regards to her career choices.

WELL SAID !

Chadnurse: I seriously think she manages to beat herself up without much help. And for all we know she may have already been reported - the BN is not super fast it could take 9 months even to hear from them - they can be a little behind. She came here to admit her faults in an attempt to straighten her nursing life out and get on the right path it seems. I feel she will seek the proper help and either decide to correct things in her nursing future and not repeat mistakes or she may find another avenue. I don't think she came here to be told what clearly she already is aware of. Just my opinion.

HI: I have sent myself to counseling if for no other reason just to sort out my feelings for myself. And maybe you will be able to do the same - and while you're at it find out why you undermine all of your hard work and efforts. I know it's can't hurt - and may even help! Good luck to you!

HI: Read your post. I am not going to tear you apart or bad mouth you. But I could not help but think while reading all the remarks and what you've said - is it possible you had some kind of abuse when younger? Just tossing that out there - none of my business. But if your answer is yes - I highly suggest you take this story and talk with a psychologist to have him/her help you find out why you keep undermining yourself. You work so hard to become an LPN, then work even harder to get your RN. Then you did such things you knew were not right and would get you in trouble - seems to me you for some unknown reason want to sabotage yourself. Just my opinion - but seriously, it can't hurt to speak with a counselor if for no other reason than to bounce things off of. But maybe they can help you discover the why's of some of your bad choices. Hoping you are able to overcome all this - be positive and keep your Nose Clean, oK ?

NuGuyNurse: true true !

I feel your pain. Guess each person is different. I do not require 8 hours of sleep but yes, night shift took some getting used to. My pattern of working 3 12-hour shifts per week on nights - I would, of course, drink coffee all night and stay busy most nights. Drive home was the hardest especially on sunny days sometimes feeling like I want to fall asleep at the wheel. Lucky I never did fall asleep driving home. Then I'd get home and have a total 2nd wind and be wide awake. So I'd take this quiet time with the kids in school already to get bills paid, make important phone calls and such. I would basically stay awake until I felt tired. And Yes (room darkening shades) are a must and a blessing. I would end up in bed by around 11-12pm and sleep till around 5pm, then it was up and get ready for another 12 hours. But that's just me - as I said I do not require as much as some people do. I found if I worked 2 shifts in row with maybe 1 day off and work the 3rd....then have like 3 days off I could deal with that best. Most nurses i worked with went to bed as soon as they get home. I'm one of the odd ducks that could not possibly do that till I decompress anyway. I worked 10 years on nights. It does mess up your sleep cycle big time and even some bodily functions too (I hated that) but you have to find ways around it I guess if you like nights enough. My biggest issue was missing out on some family events because I worked nights. Some relatives did not understand that my days were actually my nights and they call my house when I was trying to sleep, slam the phone down, leave messages and call back to see if I'd pick up. Uh....nooo! And of course, there's always that neighbor who loves to crank up his riding mower at the moment your head hits the pillow. Or the delivery guy who keeps you waiting on your sleep time for that delivery so you can sleep for work. But again, those you also learn to deal with. I would just have this kind of unspoken "off-limits" when Mom's in the bedroom with her door closed. The kids all knew not to wake me - Dad was around and could handle things. One day my little one just had to come tell Mom something - she runs into the dark bedroom with big sister chasing after her screaming "OMG Noooo....we don't wake up Mom unless someone is Dead or Dying".....I thought I'd die laughing - as I was not asleep yet anyway. I wish you luck. See what works best for you and your lifestyle and know that not everyone can work nights and it's ok too. take care !

Dear GNurse: where I worked we had a new hire, well-seasoned nurse that had to be "always" with another nurse for narc admin. She had been accused of being an alcoholic and lost her job, marriage, home etc. Think she was under 3 years of random drug screens, etc but don't quote me. Sounded like a living hell to me. But I have to say our Boss hired this gal knowing all the above - so you can get hired to work even if it involves being babysat by another nurse for a while. The problem I noticed was that once you go to work it doesn't take long before everyone knows what was in your past and also if they want rid of you - the boss can use it against you in the end. And if I'm not mistaken i do think that happened in this gal's case - just awful ! think she ended up retiring.

SMORRA: Yes feel free to use NSO Nurses Service Organization, they provide malpractice insurance as well as other insurances. I paid 108.00/yearly premium. More than paid for itself just this past year when I had to hire an attorney to "protect my license" Yes, the NSO even covers your attorney fees if you are accused of something by the BON. And to think I nearly let drop. So, So glad I continued making yearly payments - money well spent! Good Luck to You.;

where I worked a code blue is when your patient has stopped breathing, a rapid response usually is when the patient's vitals or anything alarming but short of not breathing is going on. Yet some places may call the rapid response instead of using code blue (sounds better overhead announcements) I guess ??

I feel you were totally justified in your actions. We all (most of us) hate change and looking for new jobs, starting all over....sucks. But this place sounds unsafe, I'd be worried each & everytime you have similar happen. I too would suggest you start looking for maybe a teaching hospital. Good Luck ! Code vs. RR ? At my place (a teaching hospital) they call it a "code white", the nurse can call code white, they'll send the ICU nurse, Respiratory - House Officer soon after if deemed necessary. We are allowed to call code white even if we just have a gut feeling about our patient, no specific criteria. Our codes usually are for the patient who has stopped breathing for the most part. I wish you the best - sounds like you are a good nurse and you need to work somewhere that actually appreciates your worth. Take Care !

Dear RNFROMBAMA: I worked as a Nurse for 10 years, then retired early. I retired mainly due to health issues (yes, I took care of my patients and let my own health go unchecked). But I was glad to have an escape from the crazy facility I felt stuck working in. Sounds to me like you just need some decent time off to re-evaluate your situation - take an honest look at the big picture and ask yourself if you'd really be happier working retail. It may just be time for you to do some soul searching to find your calling is in L&D, or Hospice or Peds. Re-evaluate your living situation and see if it's possible to move if necessary to obtain a position elsewhere where you may be happier. I have to admit I miss Nursing, the pay and just plain old getting out of the house and being able to earn money and extra when I want. But I do not miss all the BS with Administration and their "for profit" demands on Nursing Staff. There are places you can work that aren't as greedy for the money. Maybe try a non-profit agency of some sort? Either way, I wish the best for you and hope you take the time to think things over before making a decision that you may regret the rest of your life. Good Luck, midgeypoo