Ready to Puke

[pagandeva2000]

I have been on vacation for this past week, and basically I am not ready to go back to work on Monday. I came to the realization that I really don't like working. Silly, I know, but I am tired of watching my back, seeing situations where nurses are trying to do what they can to give good care under challenging circumstances and administrators that have the intelligence of donkeys.

I really like being a nurse, teaching the patients, reading and learning different things to better comprehend and explain things to people. But it seems fruitless sometimes, because we are rushed. Also, there are more patients than I can count that do not take responsibility for themselves. That can be okay at times, because I can't force them, but I am tired of speaking to dedicated, but frustrated, tired and exhausted nurses whose paperwork has doubled, are still working second and third jobs to make ends meet only to be chastised and not gain support of the powers that be. Tired of attending meetings where these people act like leeches and dragging more out of us than what is available for ourselves to survive. I woke up this morning nauseous and had an upset stomach. It felt nice to remain at home within these walls of protection. Reading silly books and looking at nonsense television shows. Yes, I just don't want to go back. I will, of course, but sometimes, I think it is safer at home.

Anyway, just venting...

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I know what you are going through. Hate to tell you this but it is the first signs of burnout. So very common in this wonderful world of nursing.

Just remember that when all is said and done, YOU are really making a difference for the better. That's why it gets to you-----you care.

PS: Sorry we never got a chance to get together. Had to leave d/t license protection issues. Don't consider ever going there. The situation isn't good, that's why they needed so many travelers/agency. Was so bad I even changed specialties (at least for a while)-allowed myself to burnout. Sorry I didn't practice what I am now preaching. Don't mean to be a hypocrite.

It's okay. When you get a chance, give me a ring and share what happened. And, thanks for the notes you shared...they were very helpful!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Big hugs to you Pagan!

As someone else said this tends to be a sign of burn out. Go back do you duty, but also maybe keep the idea of finding a different environment to work in in the back of your mind.

Most definitely! I am trying to gain as much experience as I can now, so that I can sell myself elsewhere if it comes down to it.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Imagine how it'd be if you and all the other good nurses left.

LOL...if us good nurses left, we'd at least have our sanity... Maybe the good nurses need to get together to open our own hospital.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

:nurse:Hang on hun, I'll go get you a bucket.....

Welcome back Pag:heartbeat

I'd be glad to take the bucket.

One of the other things that is getting to me is the backlash of the Kings County incident with the psych patient. We are affiliated with that hospital (we are all under HHC). The insanity that they are trying to do to save face across the board for all HHC hospitals is totally insane. Most of the good nurses have vowed to ourselves and each other that we will not let this happen where we work. We are actively making rounds, even in isolated bathrooms not located within our clinics to be sure that people get help when they need it. But, here is more insanity...

The hospital has decided to send their hospital police officers to people's homes that have abnormal labs to convince them to come back to the hospital. The insanity of it is this; they look just like NYPD except they do not carry guns. How do you think that a patient, who lives in the bad side of town would take officers coming to their home to tell them they have to return back to the facility? What about the neighbors witnessing this?? The neighbors and family (who is to say that the patient told his family he was in the hospital) may suspect that these people have TB or AIDS!! May octrasize these folks. Scare the death out of them. The jurisdiction of the hospital officers is limited to the hospital grounds. They only have the power to arrest on the hospital property...not to say that they are going to arrest these people...but the implication is the same...the humiliation of the patient. Also, because we deal with such a poor community, most of them give bogus information to skip paying the bill. You clearly do not know if you are walking into a meth lab, crack house, or prostitution ring. This is not in their union contract. Once, just this week, they went to a home in one of the projects and the freaking SWAT team just left there. The patient says to the officers "Oh, you are looking for me, too??". And, they have no guns? Now, they are starting to say that they should possibly go with a nurse, so that the nurse can explain the medical implications of what happens if they don't return. If they tell me to do it, I'm walking out for real. Not part of my contract, either. What ALL of these facilities are saying is that we are nobody to them. Who cares about your family obligations or life? What is particularly emotional about this issue is that my husband works for this department and had to go once this week himself. Here I am thinking that he is on hospital grounds, and then hear he is trapezing to patient's homes to talk them into coming to the hospital?? My husband and I work opposite tours, so, it is not unusual for us to not see each other for a few days because he is coming while I am going. I am thinking he is at the hospital, and then, this?? Enough is a freaking 'nough already!!

My husband's department is being abused because of this Kings County incident, the nurses that care are, and the administrators are so afraid that they are making insane decisions that can literally risk our lives. I am surprized that all I want to do is puke.

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

I'd be glad to take the bucket.

One of the other things that is getting to me is the backlash of the Kings County incident with the psych patient. We are affiliated with that hospital (we are all under HHC). The insanity that they are trying to do to save face across the board for all HHC hospitals is totally insane. Most of the good nurses have vowed to ourselves and each other that we will not let this happen where we work. We are actively making rounds, even in isolated bathrooms not located within our clinics to be sure that people get help when they need it. But, here is more insanity...

The hospital has decided to send their hospital police officers to people's homes that have abnormal labs to convince them to come back to the hospital. The insanity of it is this; they look just like NYPD except they do not carry guns. How do you think that a patient, who lives in the bad side of town would take officers coming to their home to tell them they have to return back to the facility? What about the neighbors witnessing this?? The neighbors and family (who is to say that the patient told his family he was in the hospital) may suspect that these people have TB or AIDS!! May octrasize these folks. Scare the death out of them. The jurisdiction of the hospital officers is limited to the hospital grounds. They only have the power to arrest on the hospital property...not to say that they are going to arrest these people...but the implication is the same...the humiliation of the patient. Also, because we deal with such a poor community, most of them give bogus information to skip paying the bill. You clearly do not know if you are walking into a meth lab, crack house, or prostitution ring. This is not in their union contract. Once, just this week, they went to a home in one of the projects and the freaking SWAT team just left there. The patient says to the officers "Oh, you are looking for me, too??". And, they have no guns? Now, they are starting to say that they should possibly go with a nurse, so that the nurse can explain the medical implications of what happens if they don't return. If they tell me to do it, I'm walking out for real. Not part of my contract, either. What ALL of these facilities are saying is that we are nobody to them. Who cares about your family obligations or life? What is particularly emotional about this issue is that my husband works for this department and had to go once this week himself. Here I am thinking that he is on hospital grounds, and then hear he is trapezing to patient's homes to talk them into coming to the hospital?? My husband and I work opposite tours, so, it is not unusual for us to not see each other for a few days because he is coming while I am going. I am thinking he is at the hospital, and then, this?? Enough is a freaking 'nough already!!

My husband's department is being abused because of this Kings County incident, the nurses that care are, and the administrators are so afraid that they are making insane decisions that can literally risk our lives. I am surprized that all I want to do is puke.

Fantastic. Way to put the security officers in a position where they have no proper training for, and further disenfranchising an already mistrusting population. (*end sarcastically sympathic rant...)

No job is worth this. Don't go with them.

I'd chuck in some zofran to go along with that bucket if I could.

Blee

[loricatus]

LOL...if us good nurses left, we'd at least have our sanity... Maybe the good nurses need to get together to open our own hospital.

There is a MD owned day surgery center affiliated with the little hospital I work for that is up for sale. Funny, when I heard about it being up for sale (last week), I made the very same comment you just did. Will play the lottery, who knows..........

NAHHH, :urgycld:

[Jules A, MSN]

((pagandeva2000)) many, hugs to you along with the offer of a cool wash cloth and I would be proud to hold your head over the bucket previously offered, sigh.

This is just wrong on so many levels! I am sorry about your personal losses and hope that the powers that be come to their senses with your DHs job because that is just insane. Truthfully one of my personal defense mechanisms when caring for competent adults is that they have free will so I can do my best to educate them regarding their health issues but if they choose to ignore me...so be it. A follow up phone call regarding labs would be sufficient, imo.

Sending you hugs, love and good vibes. Get back in the swing of your work schedule and pretty soon you won't have time to reflect on all the crap. Sad I know, but what other choice do we have? No way can nursing affod to lose you.

:heartbeat:nurse::heartbeat

[AlabamaBelle]

:icon_hug:Pagan,

Know how you feel. I'll hold the bucket and we can just make it a party.

I needed a break from bedside and I'm getting it . . . learning to use the new computer charting system and I'm going to be one of the trainers. So nice to leave at 4:30 in the afternoon. The emotional stress is gone for awhile. I lept at this opportunity to try something different. I was counting down the days until no more patient care, no more crap assignments because I'm not in the "in group" who gets the better assignments and gets to play on the computer all day without conseqence while I'm busting @@@ just get out 1 hour late.

Lots of good thoughts for you!

Cindy

PS - just found out most of our staff is looking to transfer out d/t changes (putting 2 units together that really don't go together). We all know who's going to get thrown under the bus when the inevitable bad thing happens.

[elsabelles]

Oh I wish I could stay home all day and relax and read books too. Everyone is going to hate there job at some point, but when it gets to the point that you feel sick about going back, I think it may be time for a change. I am definitely not saying you should quit altogether - I am sure you have worked waayyy too hard to get where you are. But that's the wonderful thing about nursing - you have sooo many different options. Maybe you just need to find a different area of nursing, or a different place to work. I hope you'll find someplace that doesn't stress you out so much, where you are happy, and you can feel glad that you are doing some good in the world. Hugs from me to you as well and good luck :icon_hug: - you'll do just fine. (Everything happens for a reason)

[RNDreamer]

wow, has it really come to this? (((((HUGS)))))

One of the other things that is getting to me is the backlash of the Kings County incident with the psych patient.

The hospital has decided to send their hospital police officers to people's homes that have abnormal labs to convince them to come back to the hospital. The insanity of it is this; they look just like NYPD except they do not carry guns. How do you think that a patient, who lives in the bad side of town would take officers coming to their home to tell them they have to return back to the facility? What about the neighbors witnessing this?? The neighbors and family (who is to say that the patient told his family he was in the hospital) may suspect that these people have TB or AIDS!! May octrasize these folks. Scare the death out of them.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

wow, has it really come to this? (((((HUGS)))))

Oh, yeah, it has come to this..."round them up, boys...":banghead:

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

and I also hated school with an uncontrollable passion.

Why do you think I went the Excelsior route?

I so don't miss the bedside!