3/19 What I learned this week: more about employment laws than anything else

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Specializes in critical care.

I'm sorry for another late post this week. Honestly, I'm not really sure where to begin. The last few months really haven't been kind, but we might be at the cusp of an upswing. Vacation next week, surgery to follow. If my leave is approved (yes, still waiting, and very anxious about this), I'll be off for quite awhile, which I think I've really needed for my own health. I'm hoping to use a lot of this time to brush up on patho and pharm in anticipation of school this fall. I just wish my employer would communicate with me. I have no idea what is going on.

So, with that said, this week, I have learned:

Malpractice insurance lawyers are not occupational lawyers. I mention this because I see so, so often on here, "contact your for guidance," whenever someone comes on here with a work-related, potential legal issue. I definitely think no matter the issue, it's good to at least make sure they have your issue on file in case the issue does affect your license or patient care. But, they will not get involved with workplace complaints. Very disappointing and, frankly, scary news in my world right now.

If the body isn't able to be in REM enough, eventually there is a rebound effect during which you will go into REM while awake. Literally, you will be sleepwalking.

Symptoms of the above:

*going from one topic to something wildly different mid-sentence, each thought potentially being understandable or not

*inability to complete things, adequate patient care, maybe even simple tasks, when you may typically be a fully competent, fully functional and great nurse at your baseline

*total personality change in a person who is typically normal and stable

*falling asleep, even mid-sentence

*hallucinations

*essentially appearing to be drunk, doing heroin nods, on acid

I imagine there are plenty more symptoms than that. If you witness this behavior, your first instinct may be send the nurse for a drug test. Certainly that's a good idea. But make sure you send that nurse to the ED for it, so they may be assessed by an MD/NP/PA. Any other person in a hospital with a severe change in mental status would be given immediate medical help. An employee should be, too. This person needs medical attention.

I'm still not sure if I'm employed. This is actually beginning to really bother me.

A dog's normal heart rate is 70-180 with a regular rhythm. Mine goes quite brady and irregular when she's resting. When she gets up, she begins to pant. My nurse brain has decided she needs an ekg while resting.

If you shave your dog to determine if she has a heart block, you may be a little unbalanced. (I did not cross the line. Mostly because of the next line. [emoji23])

It's minimum $600 for an ekg or tele monitor on amazon.

I begged my PRN job's nurse to take a day off because I considered shaving my dog for an ekg. I need to be nursey. I'm craving it!

I left my stethoscope at work.

When I'm not thinking about work's uncertainty, I'm feeling happy again. Legitimately happy. I forgot how good that feels, and I wish I hadn't allowed myself to get swallowed by the big dark cloud that hovered over me.

A lot of very random threads that are older have been getting bumped lately.

TPTB here on AN are working on ideas for better thread visibility. I've discovered my, and guest OPs', WILTW threads have been labeled Journals and I really like that. These things have become journals to me, and I love that I can look back through almost a year now and see where I've been in my growth as a nurse.

I "forgot" how much fun quotation marks can be.

The entrepreneurs hub they just started here has been tempting me, but I don't know how committed I would remain over time.

With all of this uncertainty with employment, I've considered what might be my plan B. I've been stalking a few posters who have mentioned they work from home. Since I'm heading back to school, this may be a good for fit me.

Boy Child is so happy to have his mommy home that I've been stock piling the sweet greetings, snuggles, and unlimited hugs. Girl Child is all like, "whatevs." *sigh*

My step-uncle, who happens to be my grandfather's best friend in this world, decided to move hundreds and hundreds of miles away, when he's never lived more than an hour away his whole entire life. I live hours away. My mom lives twice the distance away that I do. My other living uncle lives an hour away but is very limited in his spare time. My step-uncle was the main support that Grandpa had. Grandpa is going to be destroyed by Grandma's Alzheimer's. I wish I could be there every day for him. I'll be stepping up and being there more for them because I just can't see Grandpa being okay, or asking for any help. I'm furious that my step-uncle would do this, now of all times.

FMLA paperwork requires a diagnosis be disclosed.

The show Cuckoo is hilarious, and I love Greg Davies.

I love that AN has connected me with some of the most amazing, supportive people to help me get through all of the stuff that's going on lately. Far, Ood, WK, and Dogen, I'd be out of my mind completely without you. Thank you!!!

A large number of nurses here only feel comfortable with disclosing their mental health challenges here. On one hand, how wonderful to have this great place to turn to. On the other hand, how sad is it that nursing doesn't accept mental illnesses well in the work place. If you didn't get to last week's thread and you want to bond with others who may share common experiences to your own journey, check out last week's WILTW, which has "ALWAYS taper your SSRIs" in its title.

You guys learn anything good this week? Perhaps something happy?

Small reminder - please try to keep this thread mostly related to topics regarding nursing, employment in nursing (including nursing assistants), or nursing student-related topics. Veering away from this too far will make the thread disappear, but it is okay to discuss side thoughts briefly, and always, always, always respond to each other with encouragement, questions, whatever you'd like to keep the conversation going. This thread is meant for hijacking, provided we stay mostly nursey. Thank you for this! I love these threads too much to see them leave the yellow side.

This week's video?

I'm fairly certain I've accidentally become this song. Except for the whore part.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

I learned that nursing can be glamorous.

I've learned in the short 3 months of being at this job that I learn constantly every single day and that I really need to take up keeping a journal to stay on top of all of it.

I've learned I have a great chance of getting into the residency program at my hospital and I'm thrilled, scared and endlessly full of hope. Fingers crossed!

I've learned that community health nursing has the potential to be very fun but when taught by the wrong instructor it can kill dreams forever.

I've learned how amazingly well rotationplasty can work. :borg:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I learned that I am an alternate during our CBA agreement negotiations;

I have been relied on as a source of promoting nursing civility amongst staff and management, while being a unit rep alternate is very....interesting...

Superuser training starts next month-I am very excited to get started.

I need to find an ACLS class-STAT!

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ixchel aka ee-Shell: I love you.

I've gotten some flack from some posters crawling out of the woodwork who don't seem to know how deep this place goes for so many of us. To those posters I say, look around. There are amazing people here. Thank you for the shout out, but our little core group, which RULES (you, D, Ood and Shadow) plus my GIRLS (and guys :blink:) have saved my sanity during this past year more than you can know.

ixchel, despite your young years, you always teach me and make me look schtuff up. Another poster here in another thread said we are here to learn from each other. I said I was here for my friends. I owe her an apology, because I do both.

I've learned that not everyone trusts nurses, and it kind of hurts.

I've learned that English Canada does not like French Canada. This is anecdotal.

BTW, have you seen Canada's PM? Good lord.

Image from http://images.indianexpress.com/2015/10/canada.jpg.

I learned Jahi... *smh*

I've learned that I don't need a CT scan to Dx a concussion. The SOUND of 2 lax helmets clashing is enough. Chase me away all you want, other team's AT, I know I'm right.

I've learned you guys need a witness for insulin now, and that bugs me out.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I start work/orientation tomorrow & I am legitly nervous. I am super depressed & anxious. All I want to do is stay home. I haven't left the house in awhile & I don't know what is going on. I just want to be normal & have the energy to go to work!

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I hope that your time off is approved, ixchel! They're cutting it kind of close, aren't they?

I've become much better at answering SATA questions. I've scored high A's on my past 2 Critical Care exams, which is encouraging.

Clay-colored stool indicates that bile isn't being excreted by the liver, commonly in hepatitis.

Asterixis and fetor hepaticus can result from increased ammonia levels and, consequently, encephalopathy.

I've learned that, while my future is uncertain, I'm fully convinced that everything will work out.

I've rediscovered British talk shows - Richard Ayoade is my favorite Brit comedian.

I have so many friends and family supporting me and offering to recommend me to certain facilities. I am thankful for these wonderful people.

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I start work/orientation tomorrow & I am legitly nervous. I am super depressed & anxious. All I want to do is stay home. I haven't left the house in awhile & I don't know what is going on. I just want to be normal & have the energy to go to work!

((((Chaos))))

Let's concentrate on energy. Please don't get too normal. :woot:

You will be fine. Take a deep breath, adjust your bunny ears, and be you.

You still have my number.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU.

I learned how much it sucks to spend more than 30 minutes speaking to a family about a baby's condition and plan of care after the fellow and PA had spent more than an hour doing the same only to have the family turn around and complain to upper management and say that no one had ever spoken to them about anything. I know their situation was rough, but the lying was unnecessary. :no:

I learned that I feel like I'm turning into more of a softie with the babies the longer I work (I'm feeling more crusty with their lying family members and any frustrating co-workers, but those babies... :cry:). I had to do a painful procedure to a baby who was already having a very rough day and I almost cried too. I feel like I should be getting tougher almost 5 years into pediatric nursing!

I learned that when you leave lettuce on a sandwich with a large amount of sauce for hours, that the lettuce will break down until it has the texture of guacamole. It's an unfortunate moment when you bite into it later and remember that there wasn't guac on your sandwich... (Sorry, I know this is not nursing related but I learned it this week and wanted to share as a PSA)

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I learned how much it sucks to spend more than 30 minutes speaking to a family about a baby's condition and plan of care after the fellow and PA had spent more than an hour doing the same only to have the family turn around and complain to upper management and say that no one had ever spoken to them about anything. I know their situation was rough, but the lying was unnecessary. :no:

I learned that I feel like I'm turning into more of a softie with the babies the longer I work (I'm feeling more crusty with their lying family members and any frustrating co-workers, but those babies... :cry:). I had to do a painful procedure to a baby who was already having a very rough day and I almost cried too. I feel like I should be getting tougher almost 5 years into pediatric nursing!

I learned that when you leave lettuce on a sandwich with a large amount of sauce for hours, that the lettuce will break down until it has the texture of guacamole. It's an unfortunate moment when you bite into it later and remember that there wasn't guac on your sandwich... (Sorry, I know this is not nursing related but I learned it this week and wanted to share as a PSA)

I cannot do your job. You have my utmost respect. *hugs*

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I start work/orientation tomorrow & I am legitly nervous. I am super depressed & anxious. All I want to do is stay home. I haven't left the house in awhile & I don't know what is going on. I just want to be normal & have the energy to go to work!

I'm beyond terrified to start my new position as well. I'm trying to play it cool, but it takes everything I have to get up just thinking about it (and I don't start for a few weeks).

I hope you find out you enjoy your new employer and position. Good luck!!

Know you always have us to vent to, lean on, cry to. I know we can't fix it, but venting can help.

(Hugs)

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Specializes in critical care.
ixchel aka ee-Shell: I love you.

I've gotten some flack from some posters crawling out of the woodwork who don't seem to know how deep this place goes for so many of us. To those posters I say, look around. There are amazing people here. Thank you for the shout out, but our little core group, which RULES (you, D, Ood and Shadow) plus my GIRLS (and guys :blink:) have saved my sanity during this past year more than you can know.

ixchel, despite your young years, you always teach me and make me look schtuff up. Another poster here in another thread said we are here to learn from each other. I said I was here for my friends. I owe her an apology, because I do both.

I've learned that not everyone trusts nurses, and it kind of hurts.

I've learned that English Canada does not like French Canada. This is anecdotal.

BTW, have you seen Canada's PM? Good lord.

Image from http://images.indianexpress.com/2015/10/canada.jpg.

I learned Jahi... *smh*

I've learned that I don't need a CT scan to Dx a concussion. The SOUND of 2 lax helmets clashing is enough. Chase me away all you want, other team's AT, I know I'm right.

I've learned you guys need a witness for insulin now, and that bugs me out.

Farawyn, (((hugs))) Not sure what I'd do without you!

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Specializes in critical care.
I start work/orientation tomorrow & I am legitly nervous. I am super depressed & anxious. All I want to do is stay home. I haven't left the house in awhile & I don't know what is going on. I just want to be normal & have the energy to go to work!

Oh, Cheerios [emoji17]

I wish I had the right words. I do hope you have a great day tomorrow!

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