Set up - like a bowling pin. Knocked down - it gets to wearing thin

[Music in My Heart]

I'm a nurse in a large urban ED.

My last 16 hour shift had more than its share of head-shaking moments that provoked comments of, "if you don't do this job, you just don't get it"

and which was capped by my unknowing participation in a clearly unethical and illegal situation... for which I received serious attitude when I insisted on shining the light of day on the situation.

For some strange reason, I actually like my job - and love most of my colleagues - but, to quote the Grateful Dead...

"Set up - like a bowling pin. Knocked down - it gets to wearing thin"

If you don't work in an urban ED, you don't get it... which is understandable... but don't cop a 'tude to those of us who do...

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

"We finished all of yours and broke into mine".

[ohiobobcat]

"A friend of the devil is a friend of mine."

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

"Raised 8 boys, only I turned bad,

Didn't get the lickings the other ones had"

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

I've been nursing hereabouts for seven solid years. If I told you 'bout all that went down, it would burn off both of your ears.

It goes to show you don't ever know, so watch each card you play, and play it slow.

Song in my Heart, I'd love to hear about how you got into the ED. I am going to graduate in May '14 with ADN. I am 49 years old. I'm extremely interested in the ED. Not sure if this is the best place, but couldn't seem to send you a message. Thanks, farmbeachcity

Not the best place... generally try to keep threads on-topic.

I think the reason you can't PM me is that you don't have enough posts... gotta have 15, I think.

In my case, it's kind of a long story... started in a tiny, rural microhospital doing med-surg and was able to get into their ED when someone quit. I wasn't ready at all (and I'm sure most of the experienced nurses here on AN would've advised against it) but decided to take chance and have confidence in my ability to pull it off... and I did... Get your 15 posts, PM me and I'll share details if you'd like.

[Sassy5d]

You kinda get that here. There are plenty of non-ER nurses who don't work ED that probably jaw drop at some things that are said.

I had worst shift of my life 2 days ago, compounded by our glorious computer system crashing midshift and having to revert to paper.

As a person who, many years ago was in a toxic relationship. The only way I can describe my job is love/hate.. Battered spouse even.

[Elle23]

I am in awe of what you do!

I worked in a large urban hospital for many years, and just walking through the ER (to get to my floor), about sent me into a panic.

I honestly do not know how you all do it. You have my utmost respect and admiration.

People have always said it takes a special person to do what I did (NICU), but I think nurses who work in large urban hospitals are in a class all their own!

It definitely presents a unique set of challenges.

[Stella_Blue]

Every silver linings got a touch of grey =)

[Stella_Blue]

I've been nursing hereabouts for seven solid years. If I told you 'bout all that went down it would burn off both of your ears. It goes to show you don't ever know, so watch each card you play, and play it slow.[/quote']

LOVE IT!!!!!

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

"The wheel is turning and you can't slow down,

You can't let go and you can't hold on,

You can't go back and you can't stand still,

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will."