1 year in and I cannot do bedside anymore!

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

You might try a different set of beds! Post partum, for example. Although we do get confused people once in a while, it's rare. But you will always have the call bell ringers, although in PP, you can sweetly let the visitors or SO know where the ice and water machine are located...

Vito Andolini · Jul 31, 2008

There are a great many types of Nursing to choose from. Start exploring.

Poke yourself in the eye with a pen? :no: Wow, that is a unique approach to dealing with frustration if ever I heard one. Someone as creative as you will have no trouble finding your next job. :yeah: :chuckle :lol_hitti :rotfl:

RN1982 · Jul 31, 2008

Don't give up. You just need to find your niche. What unit do you work on now? Perhaps maybe you'd like ICU better? or Pacu? You do have a lot of options out there. Maybe agency?

nessajune21 · Jul 31, 2008

Have you ever considered going into OR?

If you hate dealing with patients roaming, complaining, or pawing the call button, then perhaps the unconscious patients will be more your bag. You could concentrate on treatment more than bedside care.

mpccrn, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

ohhh brother....what did you think nursing was going to be?? it's obvious the unit you're working in is not your niche...not that any of us enjoy the bell ringers and the confused but that's what severe illness does to people. it's not a walk in the park. go somewhere else. that's the great thing about nursing, there's somewhere for almost anyone.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

much of what you pointed out is what I hate about floor nursing. In the ER, there are still some confused elderly people that climb out of bed or needy people on the light, but for the most part, those things are minor compared to the kind of work you're doing in the ER. Maybe you need a job change. I'd say give the ER a try because HOPEFULLY by the time someone starts to irritate you, they're either discharged or admitted (and not being held in the ER). Floor nurses don't have that luxury and sometimes get the same PIA's the next day. I'd say give a job change a whirl...

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

It sounds like you do need to step back. Nothing wrong with PRN if you can afford it. I agree the bedside can be a real problem if you like things to go smooth. Problem solving becomes complex when patients are pulling at their tubes, etc. The population is aging, lots of dementia. That sweet little old lady down the hall can wreck your shift.

You've identified what you like about nursing, and we're hearing a little about what you don't like about it. There are a couple of good ideas here like the post-partum (a younger, more predictable population), and OR. What about becoming a nurse anesthetist? Good money, patients are asleep. You need some time in ICU though. A year or two maybe.

neatnurse30 · Jul 31, 2008

I can completely understand you! I did too switched to prn status, because I can't take this bedside care anymore with demented pts, drug abusers and crazy family memebers. I'm researching a lot what else is out there. In the meantime I applied to for BSN in nursing, because down the road I will consider masters degree but not sure yet what specialty. I'm in the meantime reading a lot about CRNA ( certified registered nurse anesthesia) because it seems to me that a lot of CRNAs are very respected and deal with one patient at a time. I can't give you too much advise, but I feel for you since I'm in the same position as you.:zzzzz

SoundofMusic · Jul 31, 2008

Don't know what to say other than I feel your pain. I work on a stroke unit and the crazies we get there are just unbelievable. I don't understand what is wrong with society anymore that people are in such ill health, and moreover, such poor MENTAL and SOCIAL health.

On units like these, we need much more HELP. We need very strong techs, which you rarely have, you need sitters, which our hospital never can seem to staff for us. I mean -- 4 or 5 of these types and your license is at risk almost hourly.

I don't know. Sometimes I feel proud that I have survived this environment and can problem solve so well and handle things -- at other times I just want to leave nursing altogetherbecause I feel I can't handle it. I mean -- i also resent taking care of so many from outside the country -- pts with pneumonia and who knows what else sort of diseases that we are being exposed to -- TB, etc.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

It happens...patient care is rough...especially the confused patients...all you can do is relax, and try to find a better fit. There is a LOT of call for RNs out there..you can find something, I know you're creative!

gilf7243 · Aug 1, 2008

One good thing about nursing is it is versital. Maybe it is just the area of nursing you are working in. Would you be more comfortable in any other area of nursing at the bedside? There is med surg, pediatrics, OB, ER, ICU, CCU. At my hospital some of the nurses prefer the sicker patients in ICU b/c they are the ones on concious sedation b/c of their injuries. There are doctors offices but the pay isn't as good. Some nurses travel so they don't get caught up in the politics of hospitals. I am not sure you will ever be able to get away from confused patients at the bedside completely. It is bound to happen at some point. Have you considered working in a supervisor position. You wouldn't necesary work the floor but advise the RN's that do. You will soon have your BSN. Colleges look for clinical instructors all the time. Would that interest you? Whatever you decide, I wish you luck.