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Nurse's Notes - 6/22/2008 3:50:12 AM
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Kia_Grl21
Posts: 163
Joined: 9/10/2007
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I thought that since there seem to be quite a few hospital professionals in here that it would be nice to chat and share some of the daily workings... This is for nurses, Patient Care Associates, Nurse Assistants, Respiratory Therapists, etc. If you work in the hospital in direct patient care, please share with us!! Or anyone else interested is welcome as well.
I'm Sherry, I graduate in 1 year with my nursing degree and currently work in Neuro Trauma Intensive Care Unit. I have been here a little bit over a year, and really enjoy what I do. I hope to be able to move into Labor and Delivery at some point in my career and possibly go further into women's health.
What do you like most about your job?
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/27/2008 6:17:20 AM
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Kia_Grl21
Posts: 163
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Moderator:
Since there seems to be no interest in this thread, and I cant seem to do, please delete it.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/27/2008 2:42:49 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1134
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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I work in Medical Coding and have for 5 years. I'm not direct patient care, but I love my job. Its gives me great flexability, and I enjoy working with health information. Prior to that, I was a nursing assistant for 4 years.
One thing about my job that is interesting is that my hospital has over 140 medical coders through out its entire network. Of those coders, I am the ONLY man in the entire department, and have been since I started.
My wife is also a hospital professional. She is an L.P.N. on the O.B. unit at the same hospital. Though she does some mother-child care, she is mainly a scrub nurse, assisting with c-sections.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/27/2008 9:22:52 PM
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Kia_Grl21
Posts: 163
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I love what I do, its just crazy, some day's more then others. The patients we care for are really out of it and can get really wild and hard to handle for a little bit like me. I have had more bruises, scratches, bumps, bloody lips and noses and black eyes in a year then probably in my entire life!! Its nice to know that we get the worst of the worst and can care for them and send them along and watch them improve. Its a sad world here though too.
They dont normally ask for us to work doubles but they will call and ask us to come in early, which can end up being a 16-18-20 hr day. Thats the ones that kill me.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/27/2008 9:23:55 PM
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Kia_Grl21
Posts: 163
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Torch- Do you find it hard being the onlymale? Is there some stereotypes of discrimination thats not really meant but there anyway?
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/27/2008 9:50:24 PM
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Kat_D
Posts: 3173
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From: Where We Shake, Rattle & Roll!
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Kia_Grl21
I love what I do, its just crazy, some day's more then others. The patients we care for are really out of it and can get really wild and hard to handle for a little bit like me. I have had more bruises, scratches, bumps, bloody lips and noses and black eyes in a year then probably in my entire life!! Its nice to know that we get the worst of the worst and can care for them and send them along and watch them improve. Its a sad world here though too.
They dont normally ask for us to work doubles but they will call and ask us to come in early, which can end up being a 16-18-20 hr day. Thats the ones that kill me.
I am glad you are there, Kia. To minister to brain injured patients is a special call. Thank you for stepping up to the plate and working in a unit that would be difficult for many nursing professionals. I am sure your service pleases the Lord no end.
Blessings!
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/27/2008 9:53:50 PM
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Miss Giggles
Posts: 4159
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From: MI
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I'm thinking of trying to get into the pre-reqs. Unfortunately the waiting list is real long now.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 12:44:46 AM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1134
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Kia_Grl21
Torch- Do you find it hard being the onlymale? Is there some stereotypes of discrimination thats not really meant but there anyway?
Not usually discrimination. But there are stereotypes, and it is kind of odd. I find it awkward, at times, being the only male in my office. When some of the women talk about their personal issues, such as menstraul issues, problems with boyfriends/husbands (which can get quite brutal), and other topics of conversation, I really feel like a bit of an outsider. One time, I actually had a woman in my office talking to another lady. The one mentioned how she liked having a guy in the office to break things up a bit. The other woman literally said "I don't. Its better when its all women." I was sitting right behind her!
The time when it REALLY sticks out, though, is when my department has its yearly get-together of all 140-some coders and managers, and I'm the only man in the midst. They usually give out gifts to everyone as a thank you for all the hard work, and I often have to pick from a certain group of bags with gifts that I might actually enjoy (gift certificates to restaraunts, rather than Bath & Body Works, or stuff like that). :)
Fortunately, the women I work most closely with (the 14 or so in my immediate office) have done a great job of accomidating to me. I'm lucky in that there are some there who enjoy sports, movies, and music interests that are similar to mine so I can partake in most of the conversations. Honestly, I've formed some pretty good friendships with some of them, and actually like them better than some of my guy friends.
< Message edited by TorchHeart -- 6/28/2008 12:53:58 AM >
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 1:31:11 AM
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Kia_Grl21
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That's great that they are so accomodating. I bet you are gaining a lot of insight and wisdom into women's thinking!! Thank you for that encouragement Kat, sometimes its hard to remember why I am doing this!!! I actually got my job from being so worn out and over my old job and so tired of filling out applications. Ihad filled out over thirty and was beginning to think no one wanted me. I went to church that sunday and gave it to God, and asked seven different Godly women to pray for me, one for each day, by tuesday I got a call, wed I had an interview and Friday had a brand new job. I have found such favor here and I do enjoy what I do, sometimes more then others!!! Feet hurt, back is achin', and hips are killing me, but when I see a family watch their loved on improve, or here a family say thank you for being there for us while our family member died, it makes it all worth it.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 2:27:24 PM
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kb4good
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Hi.
I've been an RN for 26 years. I have worked Critical Care, Pediatrics, MedSurg, been in management for a Home Care agency and have done home care. I have also done camp nursing. I am currently working for a medical group in their Nurse Advice unit. Patient's call in with their health questions and concerns and we advise them. We intercede for the doctors and call them when necessary. I really love being a nurse. I work part time since being a mom/wife/chauffeur/social secretary/etc....
but nursing completes who I am. I believe God has sent me into this field to make a difference in people's lives. It is important to me that I show God's love and compassion to all those I come in contact with. It is neat to have this thread. I'd love to check in to hear other's stories.
Neuro Trauma ICU is a very intense unit. I commend you for the work you do. There are many people's lives who are changed dramatically from head and neck injuries. You are truly in a special field.
I have really enjoyed working with men in this profession. They give a different perspective to nursing and really thrive in the technical side of it.
And, NO, I do not want to pull a double! :) I too hated that question!
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 4:17:34 PM
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cindybode
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From: Northwest PA
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What nursing office? Our hospital went to decentralized administration back in the mid 80's. The charge nurse makes staffing decisions. I definitely would not like to work somewhere that does centralized staffing.
_____________________________
If you lock in any creature, from rats to chickens to pigs to people, 10 to 30 or more in a box and force feed them you'll create little monsters. Confinement Education School Operations (CESOs) just don't compare to naturally pastured free-ranged kids.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 4:31:41 PM
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Kat_D
Posts: 3173
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From: Where We Shake, Rattle & Roll!
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cindybode
What nursing office? Our hospital went to decentralized administration back in the mid 80's. The charge nurse makes staffing decisions. I definitely would not like to work somewhere that does centralized staffing.
Still centralized here, boss!
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 4:57:25 PM
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Kat_D
Posts: 3173
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Just wondering how that works, Cindy? Does each charge nurse have a mini staffing office on the floor/unit with a data base/listing of all the available staff, per diem and pool nursing personnel? Seems like that would take up a good bit of her time calling and tracking down people to work, etc.
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 7:41:06 PM
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Kia_Grl21
Posts: 163
Joined: 9/10/2007
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We have a supervisor who keeps track of census here and the nurses and shortages and makes corrections where needed, they are also the one to manage the ER and send patients where they need or can go.
How did you guys end up in your area, or even why you chose nursing?
I enjoy the gentlemen that I work with here. They definately do have a very different perspective on things!!! But they are great fun and I can always count on them to liven up the the nights here, the one thing that seem most different from the women is that they are more willing (it seems) to volunteer help...
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 8:27:32 PM
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cindybode
Posts: 1601
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Northwest PA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Kat_D
Just wondering how that works, Cindy? Does each charge nurse have a mini staffing office on the floor/unit with a data base/listing of all the available staff, per diem and pool nursing personnel? Seems like that would take up a good bit of her time calling and tracking down people to work, etc.
In general, it works like this:
1. Charge nurse counts kids vs. nurses, takes into account who's available for codes in the hospital, high risk deliveries, sick admissions, etc. and figures we need more staff.
2. On call is told to work (there are 2 people on call per shift). Nurses are on salary, so 16 hours of on call per 6 week schedule is built into our pay.
3. Nurses who are currently working are asked to volunteer to stay, often for some sort of deal like Friday off or whatever we can work out.
4. Grab the white pages (staff phone book) and start calling anyone who's not working now or the next shift. Phone calls are often delegated, but in reality it doesn't take that long to call people who are not going to pick up their phone anyway  and leave a message. "Hi Maureen, it's Cindy at work, we're drowning, call me back."
5. Call PICU and R4 (the only 2 floors who can float to us) and ask if they have loaners available.
6. Mandate someone to stay.
It sounds complex if you're not used to it, but in reality I can get from start to finish in about 30 min, not counting the waiting on people to call me back. If someone's getting mandated, they know it at least an hour before they're supposed to go home. Also, when I get charge report I know how many people are on, who's got triple and delivery beepers, and if there's anything pending at Mac House, so it's generally not a total surprise that we're going to be short . . . unless 27 week triplets roll in off the street.
_____________________________
If you lock in any creature, from rats to chickens to pigs to people, 10 to 30 or more in a box and force feed them you'll create little monsters. Confinement Education School Operations (CESOs) just don't compare to naturally pastured free-ranged kids.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 9:37:43 PM
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Kia_Grl21
Posts: 163
Joined: 9/10/2007
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What is the Mac House?
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/28/2008 10:51:18 PM
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cindybode
Posts: 1601
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Northwest PA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Kia_Grl21
What is the Mac House?
Ooops, sorry . . . it's our women's hospital, where L&D lives. We have a direct ramp to the delivery rooms.
_____________________________
If you lock in any creature, from rats to chickens to pigs to people, 10 to 30 or more in a box and force feed them you'll create little monsters. Confinement Education School Operations (CESOs) just don't compare to naturally pastured free-ranged kids.
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/29/2008 3:35:45 AM
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Kia_Grl21
Posts: 163
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That's pretty cool. I'm here tonight at work, It's really really slow, six patients in a twelve bed unit. All intubated and quiet. Its nice to enjoy nights like this but as sad and weird as it is, I like the crazy full nights...
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RE: Nurse's Notes - 6/29/2008 4:50:27 AM
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whisper
Posts: 163
Joined: 4/12/2005
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Ooh, ooh, pick me, pick me! 
Sorry, I'm a bit of a dork. At the end of my next year I'll be done six years of university with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Currently I have a summer job as an undergraduate nursing employee at an emergency department, and I couldn't be happier. I've seen lots of blood, watched a patient go into septic shock, watched said patient be nursed to health, dealt with many interesting psycho-social aspects of patients, helped out in doing compressions in a code, and have been doing fine on day/night 12 hour shifts.
We're not perfect in Canada, but I've really come to appreciate what we've done right with our health care system and I have a lot of hope for the future. I'm starting to get this nursing pride thing that I couldn't really understand in my earlier years in the program. In the future I want to work in emergency, and eventually in some sort of teaching/speaking/public health job like an infection control specialist, clinical nurse educator, or someone who is a point-person or liaison between the government and health sectors. That kinda thing.
_____________________________
You can't make footprints in the sands of time if you're sitting on your bum. And who wants to make bumprints in the sands of time?
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