Hopefully you all had a wonderful Christmas, or whatever you celebrate. Since this is the first holiday I haven't had to work in forever, it was a great chance to spend with family and loved ones. Even though not working is killing me, I enjoy all the things I never had time to di while in school- like setting around hanging out with friends, and cleaning.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Merry Christmas to me
How can Shitty Hospital get any worse? They fire me. And they do it over nothing. Seriously. I was fired over a situation that was out of my hands, and when I asked for help, I couldn't get it, so I handled things to the best of my ability until I could get help from another floor. And the nurse that came to help me didn't tell me what to do correctly. So they fired me.
They also said there was a list of other things I have done wrong in my few short months of being a nurse, but nobody would tell me what there were so I could improve from my mistakes.
They tell me they are letting me go after telling me that I had patients write wonderful things about me on our Press-Ganey reviews. And for once in the history of the hospital, our Med/Surg scores didn't suck.
I'm still in shock from all this. I mean seriously, have fun replacing me. I worked every shift, and I was trained in 3 departments. I worked about 60 hours a week. Have fun suckahs! I know I'm not the greatest nurse that ever walked those halls- hell I learn alot every day I go into work. But I would care to say I was the most compassionate nurse, and one of the best patient advocators. I was also the only one who would bother to help the aides when they were busy.
So now it's off to the unemployment office first thing tomorrow. Ugh.
But at least now I can spend Christmas with my family. And that is a huge blessing. Because between the different departments, I was going to work Christmas Eve and Day both. And I have some elderly family member that I wanted to see before it is too late.
Now I'm off to bigger and brighter places! There isn't much to chose from where I live, but I'm thinking no matter what my next adventure involves, it can't be worse than where I was.
They also said there was a list of other things I have done wrong in my few short months of being a nurse, but nobody would tell me what there were so I could improve from my mistakes.
They tell me they are letting me go after telling me that I had patients write wonderful things about me on our Press-Ganey reviews. And for once in the history of the hospital, our Med/Surg scores didn't suck.
I'm still in shock from all this. I mean seriously, have fun replacing me. I worked every shift, and I was trained in 3 departments. I worked about 60 hours a week. Have fun suckahs! I know I'm not the greatest nurse that ever walked those halls- hell I learn alot every day I go into work. But I would care to say I was the most compassionate nurse, and one of the best patient advocators. I was also the only one who would bother to help the aides when they were busy.
So now it's off to the unemployment office first thing tomorrow. Ugh.
But at least now I can spend Christmas with my family. And that is a huge blessing. Because between the different departments, I was going to work Christmas Eve and Day both. And I have some elderly family member that I wanted to see before it is too late.
Now I'm off to bigger and brighter places! There isn't much to chose from where I live, but I'm thinking no matter what my next adventure involves, it can't be worse than where I was.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Favorite things
This kinda stems from my last post, but it seriously made my day.
Little ol' grandma was admitted for a hip fracture after falling from a chair trying to get something off the top cabinet to cook for the family dinner. Luckily the family was on their way over, because grandma lives alone, and laid on the floor for a few minutes before everyone get there.
The entire family was present while I was doing the admission. Usually I try to do admissions with no one else in the room, but I decided to be nice today- especially when grandma wasn't sure about her meds, and her health history. The granddaughter works as a receptionist in an MDs office, so she did think to grab the pill bottles while the EMTs were bringing her in.
The admission took a little longer than most do, thanks to thousands of questions about what would happen- am I really old enough to take care of grandma, how long have I been working, what are we going to do to grandma, why is the sky blue, etc.....
After I got everyone calmed down, and grandma settled in, it was about the end of my shift. I was doing final rounds on everyone, when a few family members cornered me outside the room. They thanked me for being so nice and calm, allowing them to all be with grandma, answering all their questions, and doing everything I could to make everyone comfortable. The one family member that seemed to be the most against me taking care of his sweet mother gave me a hug, and stated "I was scared to bring my mother to Shitty Hospital, and I was really scared when they brought her back here and I saw you. You looked so young, and I figured you didn't know what you were doing. But you are amazing at what you do, and I hope that all your patient's realize how lucky they are to have you around. Thank you, and God bless".
No shit people. That completely made my day, and it is what will get me out of bed and back again tomorrow.
Little ol' grandma was admitted for a hip fracture after falling from a chair trying to get something off the top cabinet to cook for the family dinner. Luckily the family was on their way over, because grandma lives alone, and laid on the floor for a few minutes before everyone get there.
The entire family was present while I was doing the admission. Usually I try to do admissions with no one else in the room, but I decided to be nice today- especially when grandma wasn't sure about her meds, and her health history. The granddaughter works as a receptionist in an MDs office, so she did think to grab the pill bottles while the EMTs were bringing her in.
The admission took a little longer than most do, thanks to thousands of questions about what would happen- am I really old enough to take care of grandma, how long have I been working, what are we going to do to grandma, why is the sky blue, etc.....
After I got everyone calmed down, and grandma settled in, it was about the end of my shift. I was doing final rounds on everyone, when a few family members cornered me outside the room. They thanked me for being so nice and calm, allowing them to all be with grandma, answering all their questions, and doing everything I could to make everyone comfortable. The one family member that seemed to be the most against me taking care of his sweet mother gave me a hug, and stated "I was scared to bring my mother to Shitty Hospital, and I was really scared when they brought her back here and I saw you. You looked so young, and I figured you didn't know what you were doing. But you are amazing at what you do, and I hope that all your patient's realize how lucky they are to have you around. Thank you, and God bless".
No shit people. That completely made my day, and it is what will get me out of bed and back again tomorrow.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
My mission
I know there are tons of things I don't know yet about nursing. And no matter how much I continue to learn, there will always be things I don't know.
Nothing makes my day more than hearing someone say "I was worried about the care I would get here at Shitty Hospital, especially because you're so young, but you did a great job. Thanks for being my nurse".
It seriously can make the worst nights great when people tell me this before I leave. And hearing stuff like that is what makes me get up the next day and do it all over again. It's not about what makes me happy, it's about knowing that I made a difference in someone else's life- that's why I became a nurse
Nothing makes my day more than hearing someone say "I was worried about the care I would get here at Shitty Hospital, especially because you're so young, but you did a great job. Thanks for being my nurse".
It seriously can make the worst nights great when people tell me this before I leave. And hearing stuff like that is what makes me get up the next day and do it all over again. It's not about what makes me happy, it's about knowing that I made a difference in someone else's life- that's why I became a nurse
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Hopeful...again
There is a full time position opened for night shift. Word on the street is, I might be in line for it. I actually hope this is true, because, alot of crazy things happen during the night, and it would make for some awesome blog material (hopefully).
I also get to do some training in the ER soon. I'm not sure if I'm happy or scared about it.
I also get to do some training in the ER soon. I'm not sure if I'm happy or scared about it.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Code status
I know I haven't been a nurse for long, and there is alot of things I don't know. But one thing I do know, when a patient is a full code, and they are at the back of the hall having respiratory distress, you don't leave them to tell your co-workers that the patient may code soon.
This seriously happened the other night at shift change.
Luckily the MD was in the hallway, and the family members present said it was ok to let him go in peace. So the MD wrote the order, and the patient went quietly about a minute later.
This has been a very trying week at work. And now, it's time to buy a boat and ride out the hurricane!
This seriously happened the other night at shift change.
Luckily the MD was in the hallway, and the family members present said it was ok to let him go in peace. So the MD wrote the order, and the patient went quietly about a minute later.
This has been a very trying week at work. And now, it's time to buy a boat and ride out the hurricane!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Poor life choices
It's never fun to have a patient that is admitted for alcohol addiction and withdraw. It's worse when that patient is someone whom you used to be very good friends with in high school.
I haven't seen my friend or her family in years. It was a sad reunion when she was lying in bed very sick and delusional. She always had such high dreams for her life, and I thought she was out trying to accomplish them. It was hard to know that she was working only to buy alcohol and get drunk every night. Luckily her family decided it was time to put an end to the problem before things got too out of control. 22 is much too young to lose someone to poison.
I haven't seen my friend or her family in years. It was a sad reunion when she was lying in bed very sick and delusional. She always had such high dreams for her life, and I thought she was out trying to accomplish them. It was hard to know that she was working only to buy alcohol and get drunk every night. Luckily her family decided it was time to put an end to the problem before things got too out of control. 22 is much too young to lose someone to poison.
I appologise
It has been a crazy time, and i haven't posted in a while. But I haven't forgot about it. I promise new things coming up soon!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
White on white
I got called into the bosses office this morning, because someone complained you could see the line of my underwear through my pants. My underwear were white, my pants were white. There was nothing wrong with my pants, someone just complained that I was wearing underwear.
My boss asked me to go home and change. Problem was, we were short on staff, and I would be gone for an hour and a half. My boss lives right down the street from the hospital, and couldn't imagine why I would be gone for so long. She didn't realize that because this is the only hospital in 4 counties, I am limited on how far I have to drive to get a job.
Since she couldn't risk having me go home and being even more short on staff, I had to go to surgery and borrow pants. The crazy thing is, even with their pants, you could still see that I was wearing underwear. But by then the boss went home for the evening.
Stupid, stupid people.
My boss asked me to go home and change. Problem was, we were short on staff, and I would be gone for an hour and a half. My boss lives right down the street from the hospital, and couldn't imagine why I would be gone for so long. She didn't realize that because this is the only hospital in 4 counties, I am limited on how far I have to drive to get a job.
Since she couldn't risk having me go home and being even more short on staff, I had to go to surgery and borrow pants. The crazy thing is, even with their pants, you could still see that I was wearing underwear. But by then the boss went home for the evening.
Stupid, stupid people.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Funny shit
Someone was referred to my blog by Google searching "nursing pisses me off". Whoever you are, I completely feel your pain.
And I hope that reading my struggles has made you feel better.
Trust me, you are not alone. I'm just humbled to know that my page is what comes up when that is searched. Hopefully, whoever you are out there, you don't give up.
And if you liked what you read enough to come back a second time, then send me a comment, I would love to talk to you, and hear why nursing pisses you off. :)
And I hope that reading my struggles has made you feel better.
Trust me, you are not alone. I'm just humbled to know that my page is what comes up when that is searched. Hopefully, whoever you are out there, you don't give up.
And if you liked what you read enough to come back a second time, then send me a comment, I would love to talk to you, and hear why nursing pisses you off. :)
My life lately
Sorry folks, I haven't had much time to post.
Basically, I am a float nurse, working in our small hospital wherever they need me. And so far things have been going really good. I had a few days of training on one floor, and was then called in to work my first shift by myself. I must say, that keeping about 10 people alive for 12 hours without help (except for the CNAs), was an amazing experience, and it made my confidence in myself grow a huge amount. I thought before that I could do it, but now I know I can. The feeling that I had at 0700 when I walked out of that hospital was completely indescribable.
The best part of it was knowing that I completed a shift in which I had no training. It was night shift. Nurse manager just told me that she had faith in me to do it, because I worked night shift for 4 years as an aide.
And I have been on my own ever since, for the most part. So my 6 week orientation was actually 2.5 until I was on my own. They are short on help, but not enough that they can hire me for a full time position. So until then, I'm scheduled for 2 days a week, and I get called in constantly to cover for everyone else. Which I can't say I mind much, because I get a bonus every time I come in to cover. And I still end up with 40 hours a week.
The only downfall to working as a floater is that I have a lot of things to remember. Each floor has different policies about charting- how many times to chart a shift, different things that have to be charted, etc. And there are also different assessments and things that have to be done depending on where I'm working. Luckily since I am still new people don't mind helping me out. But I'm afraid the help is going to stop.
Basically, I am a float nurse, working in our small hospital wherever they need me. And so far things have been going really good. I had a few days of training on one floor, and was then called in to work my first shift by myself. I must say, that keeping about 10 people alive for 12 hours without help (except for the CNAs), was an amazing experience, and it made my confidence in myself grow a huge amount. I thought before that I could do it, but now I know I can. The feeling that I had at 0700 when I walked out of that hospital was completely indescribable.
The best part of it was knowing that I completed a shift in which I had no training. It was night shift. Nurse manager just told me that she had faith in me to do it, because I worked night shift for 4 years as an aide.
And I have been on my own ever since, for the most part. So my 6 week orientation was actually 2.5 until I was on my own. They are short on help, but not enough that they can hire me for a full time position. So until then, I'm scheduled for 2 days a week, and I get called in constantly to cover for everyone else. Which I can't say I mind much, because I get a bonus every time I come in to cover. And I still end up with 40 hours a week.
The only downfall to working as a floater is that I have a lot of things to remember. Each floor has different policies about charting- how many times to chart a shift, different things that have to be charted, etc. And there are also different assessments and things that have to be done depending on where I'm working. Luckily since I am still new people don't mind helping me out. But I'm afraid the help is going to stop.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Drug seeker
I had the joys of working with my first drug seeking patient. He was admitted for kidney stones that he started getting from his chemo.
Seemed like this patient had some legitimate pain. For a little while I felt sorry for the man. And at first when he hollered for his pain medicine, I would get it for him.
About the third time he was on the light for his Morphine, I caught on to him. I mentioned my suspicion to my preceptor, who still had some doubts. I fucked around a bit getting his meds, and upon walking into the mans room, he was asleep. He told the aides he had 10/10 pain. I talked it over with my preceptor, who told me to give the meds anyways. This went on all day. He would be in excruciating pain, but asleep before we could get the meds out of the system. The night shift nurse that followed me supported me 110% that the man was a seeker.
When the doctor made rounds that afternoon, the patient was still complaining of 8/10 pain that was unrelieved by any intervention that anyone did. More medication was ordered. I stood my ground and said the man didn't need it, but again I was kinda tossed to the side.
I went and sat down with this man for a bit and talked to him. He told me where he was from, and I was shocked that he lives 5 counties away, and passed by 3 larger hospitals on his way to us. When I asked him why he said "he doesn't get the kind of care he wants at the other places". I passed this info on, and made note of it.
For 3 days he was laying in our hospital. Since yesterday was a holiday, the pharmacy wasn't open its normal hours, and they also didn't get any drug shipments.
I helped another nurse with his discharge today. I went with the doctor into his room when the morning rounds were being done. When his doctor told him he would be going home later, the man asked for a morphine prescription because "the last time I bought it, it was cheaper than the percocets, and, it's what I really like to take".
Needless to say, he was quickly thrown out on the streets without a prescription, and our ER is now aware that if he ever comes back he is not to be admitted. Sadly, this had to occur after he used every bit of morphine available in the hospital. We got real lucky that nobody came in with an MI.
And the preceptor and Doc apologized and applauded me for figuring him out quicker than anyone else did. Although to cover his own ass, the Doc did show me that the man did have multiple kidney stones- which were moving, and a few were passed by the time he was discharged. The rest will be passed without any meds, or with whatever he buys on the street.
Seemed like this patient had some legitimate pain. For a little while I felt sorry for the man. And at first when he hollered for his pain medicine, I would get it for him.
About the third time he was on the light for his Morphine, I caught on to him. I mentioned my suspicion to my preceptor, who still had some doubts. I fucked around a bit getting his meds, and upon walking into the mans room, he was asleep. He told the aides he had 10/10 pain. I talked it over with my preceptor, who told me to give the meds anyways. This went on all day. He would be in excruciating pain, but asleep before we could get the meds out of the system. The night shift nurse that followed me supported me 110% that the man was a seeker. When the doctor made rounds that afternoon, the patient was still complaining of 8/10 pain that was unrelieved by any intervention that anyone did. More medication was ordered. I stood my ground and said the man didn't need it, but again I was kinda tossed to the side.
I went and sat down with this man for a bit and talked to him. He told me where he was from, and I was shocked that he lives 5 counties away, and passed by 3 larger hospitals on his way to us. When I asked him why he said "he doesn't get the kind of care he wants at the other places". I passed this info on, and made note of it.
For 3 days he was laying in our hospital. Since yesterday was a holiday, the pharmacy wasn't open its normal hours, and they also didn't get any drug shipments.
I helped another nurse with his discharge today. I went with the doctor into his room when the morning rounds were being done. When his doctor told him he would be going home later, the man asked for a morphine prescription because "the last time I bought it, it was cheaper than the percocets, and, it's what I really like to take".
Needless to say, he was quickly thrown out on the streets without a prescription, and our ER is now aware that if he ever comes back he is not to be admitted. Sadly, this had to occur after he used every bit of morphine available in the hospital. We got real lucky that nobody came in with an MI.
And the preceptor and Doc apologized and applauded me for figuring him out quicker than anyone else did. Although to cover his own ass, the Doc did show me that the man did have multiple kidney stones- which were moving, and a few were passed by the time he was discharged. The rest will be passed without any meds, or with whatever he buys on the street.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Coolest Grandma Ever
I was admitting an 86 year old lady today.She came in with pneumonia, and was miserable.
Her biggest complaint was that she went with her granddaughter last week to get her nose pierced, and it hurt when she was constantly blowing her nose.
She took her granddaughter out for her 18th birthday to get matching piercings. Then they went out to a club. I wish I had awesome family like that. The closest thing I could get would be a matching wool sweater for Christmas.
Her biggest complaint was that she went with her granddaughter last week to get her nose pierced, and it hurt when she was constantly blowing her nose.
She took her granddaughter out for her 18th birthday to get matching piercings. Then they went out to a club. I wish I had awesome family like that. The closest thing I could get would be a matching wool sweater for Christmas.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Decisions
I got a call today that the nursing home has a full time opening. It's evening shift, 3-11, all 8 hour shifts. It also pays an extra $2.50 an hour.
I haven't actually worked on the floor, so I'm not sure if I will like it. But it sounds kinda nice.
I haven't actually worked on the floor, so I'm not sure if I will like it. But it sounds kinda nice.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Nursing assistants
I know you have a shitty job (literally!). And I know that some days are miserable and you want to quit and never come back into the hospital again. But you guys are horrible excuses for aides.
I was an aide for 4 years. The job sucks, and the pay sucks even more. But seriously, when I tell you that my patient just left for surgery, and ask you to please change the bed linens, don't roll your eyes at me and tell me you have other things to do and tell me to do it myself. Making beds IS in your job description. And I would do it myself if I didn't have 2 people hollering for their discharge instructions and the desk clerk telling me I will have an admission in 20 minutes. I'm not superwoman I can't do everything myself, and if I could, you wouldn't have a job.
When I am caught up on my work and have a few free minutes to help you out, don't get all bent out of shape. I realize there are 4 people that need fed and 3 of you. That's why I am passing out meal trays. But hey, if you want me to set at the desk like the others and then yell because you don't have your work done on time I can probably manage that as well. My feet really hurt. I'm not trying to show off for the boss, I'm trying to be a team worker, an I'm trying to make some things easier...
I actually stand in the hall by my patients rooms. When I do my hourly rounding, I check the patient myself and ask questions instead of just charting that everything is alright with them. If they need something, or help to the bathroom, I take them. Maybe it's because I'm still new at everything, but because I am learning everything and I'm kinda slow I'm afraid to leave them. If they are gonna crash I want to be close by. I want them to know that I care, and I want them to get better.
I didn't think I was going to like floor nursing. I was actually worried that I was going to hate it and be miserable. But so far I have enjoyed it, and I do think I could stick around for a bit. I am learning a ton of new information daily, and although it is overwhelming, I wouldn't change it. I have the best preceptor in the world. She was my favorite nurse to work with when I was an aide. She is patient and kind, and very helpful when I have questions. She is really old-school, which I like because she does things differently but she takes awesome care of her patients. I'm hoping that it rubs off on me. So far, at the end of the day when she checks everything, she hasn't found many things that I have done wrong, and she says my patients all have wonderful things to say about me. I think that really helps my confidence. And I like that she gives me independence to care for patients, instead of hovering over me constantly and watching my every move like a hawk. It's pretty cool that I do my own thing and ask for help when I don't know how to do something.
I was an aide for 4 years. The job sucks, and the pay sucks even more. But seriously, when I tell you that my patient just left for surgery, and ask you to please change the bed linens, don't roll your eyes at me and tell me you have other things to do and tell me to do it myself. Making beds IS in your job description. And I would do it myself if I didn't have 2 people hollering for their discharge instructions and the desk clerk telling me I will have an admission in 20 minutes. I'm not superwoman I can't do everything myself, and if I could, you wouldn't have a job.
When I am caught up on my work and have a few free minutes to help you out, don't get all bent out of shape. I realize there are 4 people that need fed and 3 of you. That's why I am passing out meal trays. But hey, if you want me to set at the desk like the others and then yell because you don't have your work done on time I can probably manage that as well. My feet really hurt. I'm not trying to show off for the boss, I'm trying to be a team worker, an I'm trying to make some things easier...
I actually stand in the hall by my patients rooms. When I do my hourly rounding, I check the patient myself and ask questions instead of just charting that everything is alright with them. If they need something, or help to the bathroom, I take them. Maybe it's because I'm still new at everything, but because I am learning everything and I'm kinda slow I'm afraid to leave them. If they are gonna crash I want to be close by. I want them to know that I care, and I want them to get better.
I didn't think I was going to like floor nursing. I was actually worried that I was going to hate it and be miserable. But so far I have enjoyed it, and I do think I could stick around for a bit. I am learning a ton of new information daily, and although it is overwhelming, I wouldn't change it. I have the best preceptor in the world. She was my favorite nurse to work with when I was an aide. She is patient and kind, and very helpful when I have questions. She is really old-school, which I like because she does things differently but she takes awesome care of her patients. I'm hoping that it rubs off on me. So far, at the end of the day when she checks everything, she hasn't found many things that I have done wrong, and she says my patients all have wonderful things to say about me. I think that really helps my confidence. And I like that she gives me independence to care for patients, instead of hovering over me constantly and watching my every move like a hawk. It's pretty cool that I do my own thing and ask for help when I don't know how to do something.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Worst patient complaint
We have a lady who was admitted to the hospital because she is dying. She has a mile long history of symptoms, and they have finally caught up to her all at once. I'm glad I wasn't taking care of her, because it broke my heart to look at her, she is in so much pain. She wasn't expected to make it through the night last night (She was still fighting when I left today at 4).
The lady across the hall from her had a complaint. She told the nurse manager that the care she received from all of us was excellent, but what pissed her off the most was that the nurses spent so much time last night and this morning in the room with the dying black lady across the hall. And that black lady didn't need that much attention. Besides, there were all kinds of black people running around this hospital, so she had family around that could be with her.
This woman did not feel that she was neglected by the night shift staff because they were across the hall. She was also ignorant enough to believe that all the black people she saw were related to this one woman.
I'm glad I'm not the manager, because I don't believe that I could have handled the situation very well. I'm also extremely upset that it is 2012, and people are that rude and ignorant in this world.
The lady across the hall from her had a complaint. She told the nurse manager that the care she received from all of us was excellent, but what pissed her off the most was that the nurses spent so much time last night and this morning in the room with the dying black lady across the hall. And that black lady didn't need that much attention. Besides, there were all kinds of black people running around this hospital, so she had family around that could be with her.
This woman did not feel that she was neglected by the night shift staff because they were across the hall. She was also ignorant enough to believe that all the black people she saw were related to this one woman.
I'm glad I'm not the manager, because I don't believe that I could have handled the situation very well. I'm also extremely upset that it is 2012, and people are that rude and ignorant in this world.
Monday, August 13, 2012
It's nice to have seniority.
Unless you work at Shitty Hospital, because I found out today that seniority doesn't mean a damn thing. I have slaved my ass off for 4 long hard years, and I lost the full time position to someone who has been employed for 2 months. The girl can't even get vital signs without freaking out, and I always have to print off her discharge instructions for her, because that overwhelms her. It is much easier for me to print things myself than listen to her complain for 20 minutes that the computers are stupid.
In case you couldn't tell, my day wasn't full of rainbows and sunshine.
And I go back to the floor in 2 weeks to start orientation there. I still don't have a full time position. HR said that something might open up, which it should, because the bitch who got my job was full time, but they said to watch for any new postings.
I guess tomorrow I really need to talk to the nursing home and get things going there. It's super sad that after committing 4 years to a place that I still can't get 40 hours a week. I don't ask for much, just more work than I'm currently getting. And in today's society (especially young people), that never happens.
I think it's time for some margaritas...
In case you couldn't tell, my day wasn't full of rainbows and sunshine.
And I go back to the floor in 2 weeks to start orientation there. I still don't have a full time position. HR said that something might open up, which it should, because the bitch who got my job was full time, but they said to watch for any new postings.
I guess tomorrow I really need to talk to the nursing home and get things going there. It's super sad that after committing 4 years to a place that I still can't get 40 hours a week. I don't ask for much, just more work than I'm currently getting. And in today's society (especially young people), that never happens.
I think it's time for some margaritas...
Sunday, August 12, 2012
full time?
I had applied for a full time position a couple weeks ago. It is in the same department I have been training in. While it isn't completely what I want to do with my life, I think I could do it for a while. Anyway, I interviewed for it. It wasn't my greatest interview, it was done at the end of a very long tiring day, and I had 20 minutes to prepare myself mentally for it.
I should find out about it tomorrow. I hope for the sake of all things that I get it. Because right now being part time, I only get to work about 3 days a week. And while that pays the bills for the time being, I need to save up some money to buy a new car. So, if ya'll out there in Blogworld wouldn't mind thinking a few good thoughts for me tomorrow, I would appreciate it. And of course, I will let you know one way or another how things go.
I should find out about it tomorrow. I hope for the sake of all things that I get it. Because right now being part time, I only get to work about 3 days a week. And while that pays the bills for the time being, I need to save up some money to buy a new car. So, if ya'll out there in Blogworld wouldn't mind thinking a few good thoughts for me tomorrow, I would appreciate it. And of course, I will let you know one way or another how things go.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thanks for the info.
I took care of a sweet demented nursing home patient today, who came in for a colonoscopy. Before he went back for his procedure, he was talking and joking with a bunch of the staff, and telling us about how he was lonely now that his wife passed away. He was out "looking for a new lady-friend for the night".
After his procedure I asked him if he would like some coffee to drink, and how he liked it.
"I like my coffee the opposite of you-- hot, strong, and black".
Needless to say, he didn't pick himself up a "lady-friend" in our department.
After his procedure I asked him if he would like some coffee to drink, and how he liked it.
"I like my coffee the opposite of you-- hot, strong, and black".
Needless to say, he didn't pick himself up a "lady-friend" in our department.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Good sign?
I applied for the full time position in my department. I got the email today confirming that I would be considered a candidate for the position by the HR person.
And today, my boss spent the entire day asking me questions about things on the floor. She acted (debatable, as she is as bright as a black crayon) like she didn't know what was going on, and had me fixing everything. I'm looking at it as a sign that maybe she wants to see if I'm up to the challenge.
I also got a compliment for dealing with a very trying co-worker. Home-slice has been an RN for 4 days now, and she thinks she can get by with bossing me and the new aide around. It doesn't happen like that. First off, I worked as an aide for too long, and I understand the shitty work they do, and the piss poor wages they get paid for doing it. Nobody will talk bad to my aides and get by with it on my watch. Especially when I know this girl works hard, and does everything she can to help out. So home-slice then decided to boss me around, and played the "I'm old enough to be your mother" card. Still didn't work. I told her that to get respect she needed to give it, and my mother would never treat me like that.
3:30 comes around, and home-slice decides to announce loudly how it is finally time she gets to head home, since she has been there since 6:15 this morning. (Others got there before her and were still there, but she isn't approved for overtime) I finally got tired of listening to her bitch, so I asked why she stayed so late if she wasn't suppose to. "My patient just now left. I couldn't leave when I still had a patient on the floor"!!!!!!! I think this was because I had to leave a patient that was ready for discharge at lunchtime, because the cafeteria was only open for another 3 minutes, but anyways... Everyone else on the floor had tears running down their faces when I asked if she planned on moving in to the hospital when she went back to the floor and her patients stayed in the hospital for weeks sometimes and didn't go home. Her face went completely blank, and she stuttered and went running out the door.
Home-slice needs to work on her sarcasm, and her stupidity.
And boss lady needs to hurry up and tell me that I got the full time position that I want.
And today, my boss spent the entire day asking me questions about things on the floor. She acted (debatable, as she is as bright as a black crayon) like she didn't know what was going on, and had me fixing everything. I'm looking at it as a sign that maybe she wants to see if I'm up to the challenge.
I also got a compliment for dealing with a very trying co-worker. Home-slice has been an RN for 4 days now, and she thinks she can get by with bossing me and the new aide around. It doesn't happen like that. First off, I worked as an aide for too long, and I understand the shitty work they do, and the piss poor wages they get paid for doing it. Nobody will talk bad to my aides and get by with it on my watch. Especially when I know this girl works hard, and does everything she can to help out. So home-slice then decided to boss me around, and played the "I'm old enough to be your mother" card. Still didn't work. I told her that to get respect she needed to give it, and my mother would never treat me like that.
3:30 comes around, and home-slice decides to announce loudly how it is finally time she gets to head home, since she has been there since 6:15 this morning. (Others got there before her and were still there, but she isn't approved for overtime) I finally got tired of listening to her bitch, so I asked why she stayed so late if she wasn't suppose to. "My patient just now left. I couldn't leave when I still had a patient on the floor"!!!!!!! I think this was because I had to leave a patient that was ready for discharge at lunchtime, because the cafeteria was only open for another 3 minutes, but anyways... Everyone else on the floor had tears running down their faces when I asked if she planned on moving in to the hospital when she went back to the floor and her patients stayed in the hospital for weeks sometimes and didn't go home. Her face went completely blank, and she stuttered and went running out the door.
Home-slice needs to work on her sarcasm, and her stupidity.
And boss lady needs to hurry up and tell me that I got the full time position that I want.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Suzy Sunshine and Debby Downer
Some people are serious scumbag jerks who do not deserve to live. Unfortunately, it is true that the good die young, and said scum lives forever.
Today was a trying day. We were short on staff to begin with, and was hit all at once with an automobile accident- 2 people needed emergency surgery for broken bones and the ER sent us a patient with a ruptured appendix at the same time.
Things got a little backed up. Every bed was full in the outpatient department. We sent 2 people back to the floor to get transfusions. We called several people and rescheduled their operations.
During all of this, most people were understanding of the wait for their procedures. One patient that I got the chance to spend the day with was a young person who was having a risky but necessary procedure. Because of his current health problems, the chances of him making it through the surgery and recovering was going to be slim. However no matter how many times I walked back to tell him and his family their approximate wait time, and to apologize for how long he had been in the stretcher, he always had a smile on his face and said that he didn't mind. His family was equally as nice.
Next door was the complete opposite. This patient was rude and uncooperative from the moment she walked through the doors. They complained about everything, and when I walked back to explain the wait time would be longer due to the emergencies, they all became completely belligerent, saying that their time was important and they deserved better treatment. Nothing that anyone did was enough to please this lady. The lights were too bright, the room was too cold, the hot blanket was too hot. And because her husband was related to the old hospital CEO, she demanded that she get the best of everything. Umm, yeah... Right. Nobody cares who your husband is.
For 3 hours I dealt with these 2 patients, who were complete night and day opposites. It made me so furious that someone who knew they were possibly about to die could be so happy, while the other (who was only there for an I&D) demanded that the world revolve around them.
I left before sunshine was out of surgery. Hopefully I will be able to hear a good report tomorrow.
I have worked in healthcare for several years now, and I have dealt with these kinds of things before, but no matter what it always breaks my heart when things like this happen. I can feel it eat away at my soul. I need a drink and vacation I guess. These 2 jobs are wearing me down quickly.
In other news, both the hospital and nursing home have offered me full time positions. Now I just have to decide which is more worth it. I get more money at the hospital, and I can get my meds for cheap through the pharmacy there, but long term care is what I really want to do. Decisions, decisions...
Today was a trying day. We were short on staff to begin with, and was hit all at once with an automobile accident- 2 people needed emergency surgery for broken bones and the ER sent us a patient with a ruptured appendix at the same time.
Things got a little backed up. Every bed was full in the outpatient department. We sent 2 people back to the floor to get transfusions. We called several people and rescheduled their operations.
During all of this, most people were understanding of the wait for their procedures. One patient that I got the chance to spend the day with was a young person who was having a risky but necessary procedure. Because of his current health problems, the chances of him making it through the surgery and recovering was going to be slim. However no matter how many times I walked back to tell him and his family their approximate wait time, and to apologize for how long he had been in the stretcher, he always had a smile on his face and said that he didn't mind. His family was equally as nice.
Next door was the complete opposite. This patient was rude and uncooperative from the moment she walked through the doors. They complained about everything, and when I walked back to explain the wait time would be longer due to the emergencies, they all became completely belligerent, saying that their time was important and they deserved better treatment. Nothing that anyone did was enough to please this lady. The lights were too bright, the room was too cold, the hot blanket was too hot. And because her husband was related to the old hospital CEO, she demanded that she get the best of everything. Umm, yeah... Right. Nobody cares who your husband is.
For 3 hours I dealt with these 2 patients, who were complete night and day opposites. It made me so furious that someone who knew they were possibly about to die could be so happy, while the other (who was only there for an I&D) demanded that the world revolve around them.
I left before sunshine was out of surgery. Hopefully I will be able to hear a good report tomorrow.
I have worked in healthcare for several years now, and I have dealt with these kinds of things before, but no matter what it always breaks my heart when things like this happen. I can feel it eat away at my soul. I need a drink and vacation I guess. These 2 jobs are wearing me down quickly.
In other news, both the hospital and nursing home have offered me full time positions. Now I just have to decide which is more worth it. I get more money at the hospital, and I can get my meds for cheap through the pharmacy there, but long term care is what I really want to do. Decisions, decisions...
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Weekly wrap up
I apologize for my non-posting ways. We got hit pretty bad with a storm that knocked out electric, and my Internet isn't working properly, so as a last resort, I'm typing this on my phone. So please excuse any spelling errors or anything that might occur.
My first week as an RN has come and gone. It wasn't really eventful. I have never worked in surgery before, so I was mostly learning the ins-and-outs of the floor, and answering call lights since thats about all I knew to do. Honestly, it's not a bad job. I had my first 4th of July off in years, and I actually got to watch the fireworks without being in a patients room. I also have every weekend off.
There is just one potential problem, and that is one of the nurses that I work with. She's a flat-out bitch. I was sent to PACU to work with her to put vitals in the computer. The problem was, I had very little knowledge of the computer, and how they wanted them entered. Bitchy nurse said she didn't I've time to tell me about it, and didn't want to help me. So after we had a little argument (luckily the patient was still knocked out) he decided to be a little nicer and help me out some.
The only other problem this week was a patient that I knew outside the hospital. This man knew that I haven't been a nurse for long, and dint want me to start his IV. While I was prepping and getting everything started for him, he began to yell that he didn't want me to make him a pin cushion. By the time someone came back to see what he was yelling about, I was already finished with it. Probably beginners luck, but the man changed his tune a bit when I offered to take it out so someone else could stick him. He also complimented me at the end of the day for how well I took care of him.
I'm still pretty sad that I'm not back on the floor with all my old friends. But I still walk back for visits occasionally. Rumor is, there's gonna be an opening soon, and it will be full time night shift. I'm pretty excited, and a little hopeful, although this no nights, weekends, and holidays is pretty cool. I guess im just gonna have to wait.
I'm sure there's more I could go on about that happened this week, but I honestly can't think right now. Next week I get to spend 2 days at orientation for Job #2, if they decide to call me.
More storms are headed my way. Hopefully the electric stays on so I don't have to wait another week to post.
My first week as an RN has come and gone. It wasn't really eventful. I have never worked in surgery before, so I was mostly learning the ins-and-outs of the floor, and answering call lights since thats about all I knew to do. Honestly, it's not a bad job. I had my first 4th of July off in years, and I actually got to watch the fireworks without being in a patients room. I also have every weekend off.
There is just one potential problem, and that is one of the nurses that I work with. She's a flat-out bitch. I was sent to PACU to work with her to put vitals in the computer. The problem was, I had very little knowledge of the computer, and how they wanted them entered. Bitchy nurse said she didn't I've time to tell me about it, and didn't want to help me. So after we had a little argument (luckily the patient was still knocked out) he decided to be a little nicer and help me out some.
The only other problem this week was a patient that I knew outside the hospital. This man knew that I haven't been a nurse for long, and dint want me to start his IV. While I was prepping and getting everything started for him, he began to yell that he didn't want me to make him a pin cushion. By the time someone came back to see what he was yelling about, I was already finished with it. Probably beginners luck, but the man changed his tune a bit when I offered to take it out so someone else could stick him. He also complimented me at the end of the day for how well I took care of him.
 | |
| The problem with a small hospital? You don't get many options |
I'm still pretty sad that I'm not back on the floor with all my old friends. But I still walk back for visits occasionally. Rumor is, there's gonna be an opening soon, and it will be full time night shift. I'm pretty excited, and a little hopeful, although this no nights, weekends, and holidays is pretty cool. I guess im just gonna have to wait.
I'm sure there's more I could go on about that happened this week, but I honestly can't think right now. Next week I get to spend 2 days at orientation for Job #2, if they decide to call me.
More storms are headed my way. Hopefully the electric stays on so I don't have to wait another week to post.
Fired already?
I got called into HR office the other afternoon, along with the CEO and a Social Worker.
A friend of mine posted on Facebook about Shitty Hospital. I happened to comment on her post, because I was curious to know more about the reason behind her negativity. Not that there is a good thing to say about where I work...
Anyways, because I had commented "What happened?" that automatically meant that I had so many bad things to say. When I really just wanted to know what happened. After I started to get notifications out the ass, I deleted my comment, because I wasn't any closer to finding out my answer than I was before I commented. I had just hoped that the bad things weren't about me or my department.
One of my coworkers who has had it out for me since I was an aide turned in my comments, along with saying that I was in on the negativity.
After a 45 minute conversation about how I didn't post anything negative, and I deleted my comment anyways, I was finally told that I could return to the floor, and that someone would call my supervisor and tell them that I would not be fired after all. Really? People are now getting fired for asking questions, with the hopes that if it is about them, they want to try and set things straight? They told us in orientation that if something negative was said about the hospital that we should find out as much information as possible, and then try to straighten it out, or turn in the info to the supervisor so that the complaint can be known. I think that might have been my saving grace, because I after looking the SW in the eyes and quoting her orientation speech, the tables turned to my favor.
Even if I did have something negative to say, when I am off the clock, and I am expressing my own opinion which I am entitled to, should it be right to come back to haunt me later? My Facebook is not associated at all with the hospital, (only the nursing home, because it is nice, and nobody there gives a fuck what we post/say) so unless people know me very closely and know the 2 places I work at, it shouldn't matter.
Maybe this means that I will be blogging more, so nobody knows me.
Tomorrow is Monday. And it is the start of 2 very awesome weeks. I'm going to be very busy, so you can probably expect to see some more from me.
A friend of mine posted on Facebook about Shitty Hospital. I happened to comment on her post, because I was curious to know more about the reason behind her negativity. Not that there is a good thing to say about where I work...
Anyways, because I had commented "What happened?" that automatically meant that I had so many bad things to say. When I really just wanted to know what happened. After I started to get notifications out the ass, I deleted my comment, because I wasn't any closer to finding out my answer than I was before I commented. I had just hoped that the bad things weren't about me or my department.
One of my coworkers who has had it out for me since I was an aide turned in my comments, along with saying that I was in on the negativity.
After a 45 minute conversation about how I didn't post anything negative, and I deleted my comment anyways, I was finally told that I could return to the floor, and that someone would call my supervisor and tell them that I would not be fired after all. Really? People are now getting fired for asking questions, with the hopes that if it is about them, they want to try and set things straight? They told us in orientation that if something negative was said about the hospital that we should find out as much information as possible, and then try to straighten it out, or turn in the info to the supervisor so that the complaint can be known. I think that might have been my saving grace, because I after looking the SW in the eyes and quoting her orientation speech, the tables turned to my favor.
Even if I did have something negative to say, when I am off the clock, and I am expressing my own opinion which I am entitled to, should it be right to come back to haunt me later? My Facebook is not associated at all with the hospital, (only the nursing home, because it is nice, and nobody there gives a fuck what we post/say) so unless people know me very closely and know the 2 places I work at, it shouldn't matter.
Maybe this means that I will be blogging more, so nobody knows me.
Tomorrow is Monday. And it is the start of 2 very awesome weeks. I'm going to be very busy, so you can probably expect to see some more from me.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Nursing Home is pissing me off
Last week I had my general orientation. I got a call last evening to come back today and start my new nurse orientation and training. That was all the message said.
I showed up this morning, wearing my scrubs at 7 and clocked in. I had no idea what time I was to actually show up, where to go, or what to do, so I hung out around the front of the building for a bit and then went to the staff coordinators office.
She wasn't there yet, nobody knew what I was there for, or what I needed to do. They just hired a new coordinator, and I'm the first person to go through this "nurse training". Yippee.
My day consisted of watching more videos on Resident's rights and talking to the same people I talked to last week. We also went over the same kind of paperwork as last week. It was a serious waste of time, and going through it once was bad enough.
I'm suppose to go back for 2 more days of this bullshit. Maybe.
I applied for a full time position at the hospital. It's working in the outpatient surgery department where I currently am. After I applied for it I found out that my name is on the schedule to work on the same floor as my friends, and it is more long term care, so I'm not sure what to do with myself.
I showed up this morning, wearing my scrubs at 7 and clocked in. I had no idea what time I was to actually show up, where to go, or what to do, so I hung out around the front of the building for a bit and then went to the staff coordinators office.
She wasn't there yet, nobody knew what I was there for, or what I needed to do. They just hired a new coordinator, and I'm the first person to go through this "nurse training". Yippee.
My day consisted of watching more videos on Resident's rights and talking to the same people I talked to last week. We also went over the same kind of paperwork as last week. It was a serious waste of time, and going through it once was bad enough.
I'm suppose to go back for 2 more days of this bullshit. Maybe.
I applied for a full time position at the hospital. It's working in the outpatient surgery department where I currently am. After I applied for it I found out that my name is on the schedule to work on the same floor as my friends, and it is more long term care, so I'm not sure what to do with myself.
Monday, July 16, 2012
I will never understand...
We had a lady today that came in to get a knee replacement. She was so large that she had to be wheeled around to the back of the hospital and weighed on our laundry scales, because none of the other scales in the hospital went up past 350.
She was mad, because this is her 3rd knee replacement. She spent the entire morning complaining while I assessed her that the surgeon didn't know what he was doing, or else she wouldn't be going through this trouble and pain. She complained about being NPO since midnight because she couldn't go to McDonalds. She complained about being too cold, then the warm blanket made her too hot. And don't get me started on how she screamed like a 2 year old when we tried to start her IV.
On top of obesity, she had every problem known to man. Diabetes? Check. COPD? Check. Neuropathy? Check. The list went on and on...
It was a pretty busy day at the hospital, so after recovering in PACU, we had to move her back to the outpatient area until a bed came open on the floor. I brought her husband back to see her.
They pulled the curtain for privacy. And I started to smell something. Something fried, greasy, and nauseating. After getting another nurse, we peered around the curtain, and watched in awe as the patient ate 6 cheeseburgers. Yes, there was 6 we counted the wrappers in the trashcan. While we were trying to find the charge nurse, someone had put an order through to the kitchen to send her a tray.
I walked back to her cubicle with charge nurse and her doctor to find the aide setting down, feeding the patient. The doctor demanded that the aide stop, and the patient burst into tears, screaming that she would die if she didn't eat soon.
The doctor (and I love him) stated she that she didn't get to be that size by not feeding herself, and that it would be a cold day in hell when she finally starved.
The patient signed herself out AMA and shrieked that she was going somewhere where the staff actually cared about the patients and allowed the hungry ones to eat. Then she proceeded to shit on the floor.
After that episode, we all stood waving good riddance at the door.
She was mad, because this is her 3rd knee replacement. She spent the entire morning complaining while I assessed her that the surgeon didn't know what he was doing, or else she wouldn't be going through this trouble and pain. She complained about being NPO since midnight because she couldn't go to McDonalds. She complained about being too cold, then the warm blanket made her too hot. And don't get me started on how she screamed like a 2 year old when we tried to start her IV.
On top of obesity, she had every problem known to man. Diabetes? Check. COPD? Check. Neuropathy? Check. The list went on and on...
It was a pretty busy day at the hospital, so after recovering in PACU, we had to move her back to the outpatient area until a bed came open on the floor. I brought her husband back to see her.
They pulled the curtain for privacy. And I started to smell something. Something fried, greasy, and nauseating. After getting another nurse, we peered around the curtain, and watched in awe as the patient ate 6 cheeseburgers. Yes, there was 6 we counted the wrappers in the trashcan. While we were trying to find the charge nurse, someone had put an order through to the kitchen to send her a tray.
I walked back to her cubicle with charge nurse and her doctor to find the aide setting down, feeding the patient. The doctor demanded that the aide stop, and the patient burst into tears, screaming that she would die if she didn't eat soon.
The doctor (and I love him) stated she that she didn't get to be that size by not feeding herself, and that it would be a cold day in hell when she finally starved.
The patient signed herself out AMA and shrieked that she was going somewhere where the staff actually cared about the patients and allowed the hungry ones to eat. Then she proceeded to shit on the floor.
After that episode, we all stood waving good riddance at the door.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Funny how a melody sounds like a memory...
I had my gallbladder taken out some time ago. I suffered for about 9-10 months before I was able to get it out.
Today I had the joy of recovering a lap chole (gallbladder surgery for anyone confused). It started off fine. The patient came back, and everything was going great. I was actually able to use my previous experience to answer all the questions asked, based on my experience.
Fast forward to the end of the day... Patient is given a clear liquid tray. Eats a few bites, doing great. Then it hits. And the nausea begins. And this poor patient becomes absolutely miserable. And what's worse, is that hearing her vomit, seeing the look of pain on her face, and smelling the bile, brought it all back for me.
I have been miserable ever since. And by miserable, I mean I have been running to the bathroom all night, and I would almost think I grew another dysfunctional gallbladder.
Before my problems, hearing someone vomit would have me retching along with them. Now I realized I vomited enough to make that not borrow me quite as much.
On a positive note, I'm watching the MLB All-Stars game, and the NL just won. Yay! An it also helps that my favorite player got to be at the game. Even though I wanna stay up and watch the post game stuff, it looks like I'm gonna have to read about it in the morning.
G'Night y'all!
Today I had the joy of recovering a lap chole (gallbladder surgery for anyone confused). It started off fine. The patient came back, and everything was going great. I was actually able to use my previous experience to answer all the questions asked, based on my experience.
Fast forward to the end of the day... Patient is given a clear liquid tray. Eats a few bites, doing great. Then it hits. And the nausea begins. And this poor patient becomes absolutely miserable. And what's worse, is that hearing her vomit, seeing the look of pain on her face, and smelling the bile, brought it all back for me.
I have been miserable ever since. And by miserable, I mean I have been running to the bathroom all night, and I would almost think I grew another dysfunctional gallbladder.
Before my problems, hearing someone vomit would have me retching along with them. Now I realized I vomited enough to make that not borrow me quite as much.
On a positive note, I'm watching the MLB All-Stars game, and the NL just won. Yay! An it also helps that my favorite player got to be at the game. Even though I wanna stay up and watch the post game stuff, it looks like I'm gonna have to read about it in the morning.
G'Night y'all!
Friday, June 29, 2012
facepalm
I have a friend, if you really want to call her that, and she has recently started to get on my nerves. This chick has some serious mental problems. Which is kinda the only reason I talk to her, because I like to see what kind of crazy delusions she can come up with next.
Her latest rampage has been about some health care issues in America. She has went on and on about numerous tests and treatments and how they are not necessary to saving lives. An example? She thinks that any kind of radiology study (x-ray, CT scan) is poisonous and that having one of these scans will cause some crazy side effects, like making your fingernails stop growing and making your teeth rot (I swear I'm not making that up).
I try to correct her on many points. I refer her to websites and books that will give her correct information. I print shit off the internet, highlight correct information, and she still refuses to believe correct information.
Finally today I asked her why she continues to rebut all the information I have taken the time to refer her to. Her response- "Wikipedia and Yahoo give me everything I need to know, and I know those websites won't lie to me like your crazy doctor ones will". Yeah. Sure.
Sigh. That is a prime example of what is wrong with America today.
Her latest rampage has been about some health care issues in America. She has went on and on about numerous tests and treatments and how they are not necessary to saving lives. An example? She thinks that any kind of radiology study (x-ray, CT scan) is poisonous and that having one of these scans will cause some crazy side effects, like making your fingernails stop growing and making your teeth rot (I swear I'm not making that up).
I try to correct her on many points. I refer her to websites and books that will give her correct information. I print shit off the internet, highlight correct information, and she still refuses to believe correct information.
Finally today I asked her why she continues to rebut all the information I have taken the time to refer her to. Her response- "Wikipedia and Yahoo give me everything I need to know, and I know those websites won't lie to me like your crazy doctor ones will". Yeah. Sure.
Sigh. That is a prime example of what is wrong with America today.
Finally
Today I got my first paycheck. 20 hours of orientation doesn't pay too bad, especially because I slept through most of it having heard it before.
I also got my call about finally starting on the floor. Monday morning at 8 am in surgery. It will be part time over the summer, but if I like it, and I can work well with everyone there, I can possibly be full time in a couple months. The only bad thing about starting work is that now I am gonna miss a camping trip next week.
I also got my call about finally starting on the floor. Monday morning at 8 am in surgery. It will be part time over the summer, but if I like it, and I can work well with everyone there, I can possibly be full time in a couple months. The only bad thing about starting work is that now I am gonna miss a camping trip next week.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Job #2
Job 2 is really pissing me off, and I haven't even started yet. I'm suppose to start tomorrow, but I don't really see that happening.When I went for my interview the other week, they told me someone would be calling me about getting my employee physical. They were suppose to call 2 weeks ago. I have heard nothing.
I started calling them last week. Since I don't know anyone but the Director of Nursing, the lady who hired me, I called her. I told her that nobody has contacted me, and I needed some information. I'm still setting in the freaking dark.
Thursday, while I was at job 1, a lady called me and said for me to call her back. I call the extension that she gave me, and get told it is incorrect. I call the front desk and ask for her, and people kinda seem unsure of what to do with my call, so I get a weird voicemail. I have left messages, but I feel like this is some kind of joke, and she really doesn't exist.
So now I'm worried about what I should do for tomorrow. The only thing I know, is that I need to bring my SS card, and my license. I have no idea what time to show up. I have no idea if I need to bring anything. Hell, at this point, I'm not even sure if they really want me to work there or not.
I really hope they do want me. This place is nice! It is the best nursing home in the area, and it is like living in a palace. They have exercise equipment, a spa, a projection TV in the lounge, and everything else a person could want. To get into the place, I would have to put my name on the waiting list now, and I might get in when I'm 90, but there are no guarantees. And the employees get some pretty awesome benefits as well.
*Update* HR lady finally calls me back today, and she is a real space cadet. When I started asking questions about getting my physical and coming in for orientation, she told me she has had a note on her desk for the last 2 weeks, but didn't know why, and finally asked about it the other day when she called me. She said she was glad that I left her messages, because she had no idea why she needed to contact me.... Ummm, WTF?!?!? Anyways, after talking for a few minutes, I found out that because I am working as a PRN nurse, I get an extra $2.00 an hour, since I don't get vacation time or anything like that.
I started calling them last week. Since I don't know anyone but the Director of Nursing, the lady who hired me, I called her. I told her that nobody has contacted me, and I needed some information. I'm still setting in the freaking dark.
Thursday, while I was at job 1, a lady called me and said for me to call her back. I call the extension that she gave me, and get told it is incorrect. I call the front desk and ask for her, and people kinda seem unsure of what to do with my call, so I get a weird voicemail. I have left messages, but I feel like this is some kind of joke, and she really doesn't exist.
So now I'm worried about what I should do for tomorrow. The only thing I know, is that I need to bring my SS card, and my license. I have no idea what time to show up. I have no idea if I need to bring anything. Hell, at this point, I'm not even sure if they really want me to work there or not.
I really hope they do want me. This place is nice! It is the best nursing home in the area, and it is like living in a palace. They have exercise equipment, a spa, a projection TV in the lounge, and everything else a person could want. To get into the place, I would have to put my name on the waiting list now, and I might get in when I'm 90, but there are no guarantees. And the employees get some pretty awesome benefits as well.
*Update* HR lady finally calls me back today, and she is a real space cadet. When I started asking questions about getting my physical and coming in for orientation, she told me she has had a note on her desk for the last 2 weeks, but didn't know why, and finally asked about it the other day when she called me. She said she was glad that I left her messages, because she had no idea why she needed to contact me.... Ummm, WTF?!?!? Anyways, after talking for a few minutes, I found out that because I am working as a PRN nurse, I get an extra $2.00 an hour, since I don't get vacation time or anything like that.
Friday, June 22, 2012
License
Even though I have known for a few days that I have passed boards, it really didn't feel official until I had that small piece of paper in my hands with my name on it.It has definitely been a bittersweet time over the last couple of weeks, and I'm glad ya'll got to share it with me.
In other news, I found this blog, and it is hilarious. You should really check it out. And if you liked the last one, here is another funny one for you to enjoy. :)
In other news, I found this blog, and it is hilarious. You should really check it out. And if you liked the last one, here is another funny one for you to enjoy. :)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
What makes Shitty Hospital so shitty?
Today I got an interesting e-mail. The hospital that I work at wants to sue me. Yeah, that's right. They just rehired me, I started orientation this week, and I get an email about an impending lawsuit. The reason?
I have it on my Facebook profile that I work there. According to the message I received, listing them as my place of employment, and then posting "negative things" about the hospital is slander. They even decided to post a screenshot of my posts. And when I looked at them, I almost died of laughter. My post reads: "So happy to get home and crawl into bed after a long night".
According to Administrators, "this post is written and showing negativity towards the hospital as a place of employment. When people from the general public read this post, they are going to get negative thoughts about the hospital, and they are going to want to take their business elsewhere, which means jobs might need to be sacrificed. Facebook posts that show unhappy staff members are not to be tolerated anymore".
Now folks, this post here comes from back when I previously worked at Shitty Hospital. This post was written after I worked by myself for a 12 hour shift with no other aides to help me, and I had 16 patients, 12 of whom were a 2+ assist, and 8 of whom were incontinent. And I don't know of too many people who would be full of fucking sunshine and rainbows after a night like I had.
The second thing they brought against me, is a picture I was tagged in with three of my friends. The caption of it is "girls night". In the picture we are setting in my friends living room. Administrators said that having pictures of partying or drinking will not be tolerated, because it is bad for hospital image, and they do not want people to think that they hire irresponsible people. There is no alcohol or anything in the picture, and it was not 'girls night out' it was just a simple picture of me and some friends watching movies.
Now several things about this really piss me off.
First of all, I absolutely loved working as a CNA. And in my post did I ever mention that I was happy to be away from the hospital. For all anyone knows, there could be numerous reasons why I could have been happy to see my bed. I could have been extremely drunk, I could have had car trouble and walked 10 miles, or I could have drank a bunch of Mt Dew and just stayed up all night, and was finally coming down from a caffeine high. Someone in administration just wanted to start some shit, so they decided that my post which has no affiliations with the hospital needed to be brought to my attention.
Secondly, my picture was not offensive. If they wanted to get a good picture to use against me, I have plenty where I am shitfaced, and posing with drinks in my hand. But obviously those are alright because they don't have a caption of "girls night".
Lastly, my Facebook profile is locked up tighter than Fort Knox. If you aren't a friend of mine, you don't see any of my information. So that means the little rotten snitch is someone I'm friends with, and nothing pisses me off more than a knifing backstabbing two-faced bitch.
Administration ended the e-mail by saying I would have 48 hours after reading to change my information, and if no actions were completed then the suit would follow through. So my solution? I am now a RN on a Med/Surg Unit. The way I see it, there are thousands of Med/Surg floors in the US, and my Facebook does not affiliate myself with any of them. I can't wait to go hear back from them.
Also this week, I got reprimanded by the CEO. I was talking to the new Aide who will be taking my old place, and I was telling her what it was like on the floor. I started to tell her how if she had Nursing Home experience then she would have no problem working; because the two are much alike. CEO steps in and says that there is nothing similar, because our patients are all sweet and nice, and none of them have cognitive problems, and they all mostly care for themselves. She said that none of them would ever bite or hurt a soul. I don't know what that bitch was smoking, but I want some. I can't count the number of times I have had shit flung at my face, had to go to the ER because I was bit or scratched, and the list goes on and on. I can't tell the new help what the job is really like, and help her get to know what to expect, but I can get an e-mail saying that the hospital is gonna sue my ass over something that is retarded and they can't prove is about them. I suppose the real moral of this story is that Shitty Hospital is going downhill really fast, and I don't like it.
I have it on my Facebook profile that I work there. According to the message I received, listing them as my place of employment, and then posting "negative things" about the hospital is slander. They even decided to post a screenshot of my posts. And when I looked at them, I almost died of laughter. My post reads: "So happy to get home and crawl into bed after a long night".
According to Administrators, "this post is written and showing negativity towards the hospital as a place of employment. When people from the general public read this post, they are going to get negative thoughts about the hospital, and they are going to want to take their business elsewhere, which means jobs might need to be sacrificed. Facebook posts that show unhappy staff members are not to be tolerated anymore".
Now folks, this post here comes from back when I previously worked at Shitty Hospital. This post was written after I worked by myself for a 12 hour shift with no other aides to help me, and I had 16 patients, 12 of whom were a 2+ assist, and 8 of whom were incontinent. And I don't know of too many people who would be full of fucking sunshine and rainbows after a night like I had.
The second thing they brought against me, is a picture I was tagged in with three of my friends. The caption of it is "girls night". In the picture we are setting in my friends living room. Administrators said that having pictures of partying or drinking will not be tolerated, because it is bad for hospital image, and they do not want people to think that they hire irresponsible people. There is no alcohol or anything in the picture, and it was not 'girls night out' it was just a simple picture of me and some friends watching movies.
Now several things about this really piss me off.
First of all, I absolutely loved working as a CNA. And in my post did I ever mention that I was happy to be away from the hospital. For all anyone knows, there could be numerous reasons why I could have been happy to see my bed. I could have been extremely drunk, I could have had car trouble and walked 10 miles, or I could have drank a bunch of Mt Dew and just stayed up all night, and was finally coming down from a caffeine high. Someone in administration just wanted to start some shit, so they decided that my post which has no affiliations with the hospital needed to be brought to my attention.
Secondly, my picture was not offensive. If they wanted to get a good picture to use against me, I have plenty where I am shitfaced, and posing with drinks in my hand. But obviously those are alright because they don't have a caption of "girls night".
Lastly, my Facebook profile is locked up tighter than Fort Knox. If you aren't a friend of mine, you don't see any of my information. So that means the little rotten snitch is someone I'm friends with, and nothing pisses me off more than a knifing backstabbing two-faced bitch.
Administration ended the e-mail by saying I would have 48 hours after reading to change my information, and if no actions were completed then the suit would follow through. So my solution? I am now a RN on a Med/Surg Unit. The way I see it, there are thousands of Med/Surg floors in the US, and my Facebook does not affiliate myself with any of them. I can't wait to go hear back from them.
Also this week, I got reprimanded by the CEO. I was talking to the new Aide who will be taking my old place, and I was telling her what it was like on the floor. I started to tell her how if she had Nursing Home experience then she would have no problem working; because the two are much alike. CEO steps in and says that there is nothing similar, because our patients are all sweet and nice, and none of them have cognitive problems, and they all mostly care for themselves. She said that none of them would ever bite or hurt a soul. I don't know what that bitch was smoking, but I want some. I can't count the number of times I have had shit flung at my face, had to go to the ER because I was bit or scratched, and the list goes on and on. I can't tell the new help what the job is really like, and help her get to know what to expect, but I can get an e-mail saying that the hospital is gonna sue my ass over something that is retarded and they can't prove is about them. I suppose the real moral of this story is that Shitty Hospital is going downhill really fast, and I don't like it.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Let me try and control my excitement...
. . .
Alright ya'll,. I can't hide it anymore. Today I officially became a Registered Nurse. And, I also started orientation for my new job.
I'm on cloud 9, and flying high. Seriously, I cannot control my excitement. I spent all day refreshing the webpage trying to see if they updated my license. And they finally decided to do it right before I left for the day. I mean, I was pushing on the front door of the hospital to leave. And then I stopped, screamed, and went running back to tell my friends. I probably looked a little like this:
The only downfall? I'm going through the whole hospital orientation thing with the girl who will be taking my old job. Now if any of you have been following my blog, you would probably be a little confused right now, since I haven't been working for a few months. But this girl is working as a CNA on the floor I used to work on, for the shift I worked. And while I am excited to finally be a RN, I am actually gonna miss the days of not having responsibilities, and being able to joke around and have fun. I kinda got a few chances to talk to this new girl and I think she will do a fair job. At least she better, because my old patients/residents mean the world to me, and if she can't care for them properly, there's gonna be a lot of trouble. That girl has some special shoes to fill...
Anyhow, back to some more good news. After I called my dad and calmed down enough to tell him I passed, he invited me out for supper and I never turn down free food. We grilled hotdogs. There is nothing I love more than the taste of a char-grilled hotdog. And I haven't had one yet this summer.
Alright ya'll,. I can't hide it anymore. Today I officially became a Registered Nurse. And, I also started orientation for my new job.
I'm on cloud 9, and flying high. Seriously, I cannot control my excitement. I spent all day refreshing the webpage trying to see if they updated my license. And they finally decided to do it right before I left for the day. I mean, I was pushing on the front door of the hospital to leave. And then I stopped, screamed, and went running back to tell my friends. I probably looked a little like this:
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| OMG! OMG! OMG!!!!! |
Anyhow, back to some more good news. After I called my dad and calmed down enough to tell him I passed, he invited me out for supper and I never turn down free food. We grilled hotdogs. There is nothing I love more than the taste of a char-grilled hotdog. And I haven't had one yet this summer.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Risk for brain overload
Well, I did it. Best of all, I survived it.
I took the NCLEX today; I had 75 questions, and it took me about an hour and a half to finish.
The best thing about it, I didn't cry, scream, or piss my pants! :-) I was really nervous going into the testing center, but after I got started, everything seemed to calm down a great deal, and by the time I got through the tutorial questions, I felt calm and ready to focus. The test was hard, but for most questions, I was able to breathe and think through the problems. At least, I could eliminate one answer from the question. There were only a few questions where I was at a complete loss, and had no idea what the hell was going on.
Anyways, I came home and tried the Pearson Vue computer trick. According to it, I have passed, but I'm not getting my hopes up yet.
But hopefully there will be more good news to follow!
I took the NCLEX today; I had 75 questions, and it took me about an hour and a half to finish.
The best thing about it, I didn't cry, scream, or piss my pants! :-) I was really nervous going into the testing center, but after I got started, everything seemed to calm down a great deal, and by the time I got through the tutorial questions, I felt calm and ready to focus. The test was hard, but for most questions, I was able to breathe and think through the problems. At least, I could eliminate one answer from the question. There were only a few questions where I was at a complete loss, and had no idea what the hell was going on.
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| How I looked and felt testing |
But hopefully there will be more good news to follow!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Full circle
6/16/2008 was my first day at work as an Aide. As I think back to that day when I was a scared timid little girl walking the halls wondering if I really wanted to put myself through this for the rest of my life, I realize how much I have grown.
In the first hour of my new job, I had oatmeal thrown at me, I was shit on, and I made a lady cry because I didn't understand what she was asking for. The rest of the day didn't get any better. I went home that night and cried and debated calling the owner of the gift shop I previously worked at to beg for my job back. But instead I passed out and woke up to do the same thing over again, and after getting to know my co-workers, and getting to understand more about the elderly group I was caring for, I realized there was nothing more that I wanted to do with my life... Well, most of the time at least.
In four short years I have grown up alot. I have learned not to take everything that every patient says to heart, and instead I have learned to smile and let go. I have learned that no matter how hard you try, you cannot save everyone. Sometimes, the patients that you really want to go because they are suffering so bad will hold on the longest. I have learned that death is a part of living. I have learned that a simple touch or just setting in silence beside someone can mean the world to a patient. And most importantly, I have learned what it really means to care.
Monday I sit for the NCLEX. And even thought I am scared to death about it, I have a feeling I will be ok. Tuesday, I will begin orientation for my new job. Tuesday I will become that scared shitless girl again.
In the first hour of my new job, I had oatmeal thrown at me, I was shit on, and I made a lady cry because I didn't understand what she was asking for. The rest of the day didn't get any better. I went home that night and cried and debated calling the owner of the gift shop I previously worked at to beg for my job back. But instead I passed out and woke up to do the same thing over again, and after getting to know my co-workers, and getting to understand more about the elderly group I was caring for, I realized there was nothing more that I wanted to do with my life... Well, most of the time at least.
In four short years I have grown up alot. I have learned not to take everything that every patient says to heart, and instead I have learned to smile and let go. I have learned that no matter how hard you try, you cannot save everyone. Sometimes, the patients that you really want to go because they are suffering so bad will hold on the longest. I have learned that death is a part of living. I have learned that a simple touch or just setting in silence beside someone can mean the world to a patient. And most importantly, I have learned what it really means to care.
Monday I sit for the NCLEX. And even thought I am scared to death about it, I have a feeling I will be ok. Tuesday, I will begin orientation for my new job. Tuesday I will become that scared shitless girl again.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Todays young people.
I hate being a young person in today's society. Because seriously, 9 out of 10 are lazy fucks that want everything handed to them on a silver platter, and they will not work for it. It makes me sick.
I'm 22. I have managed to hold a job down since I was 16. Yes, my parents bought me a car, but it was because we lived 26 miles from town, and both of my parents worked weird hours, and nobody could come pick me up from practice after school. But when my Dad took me to get my license, he filled up my tank, and turned to me and said "You got a full tank, and your license, now go get a damn job". And I did.
I hate having to hear that young people are not responsible. Even though I did manage to get 2 jobs last week, at both interviews, I was asked about my responsibility, if I was willing to take the job seriously (you are in charge of people's lives now!), if I would show up to work on time daily, and if I was going to stick around for more than a couple weeks.
These questions were asked instead of questions that I felt were really important for an interview, something like, "How would you deal with a stressful situation you encounter" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses" etc.
Today I was at the store, and I happened to see a girl who looked to be about my age or maybe a little older with her father and they were looking at cell phones. She was begging her father to buy her an iPhone 4S. And I mean begging. She did everything but get on her knees. I could tell her father was slightly pissed and embarrassed, hell I was embarrassed for him. His reasoning for not getting it was that it would raise their monthly bill, and it was something they couldn't afford.
But in the end, she walked out of the store with her bright shiny new iPhone. Seriously?!?!?!?!?!
What happened to becoming an adult, moving out and getting a job of your own so you can buy your own things and be proud of what you have? I have lived away from my parents for 2 years now, worked part-time, and went to school full-time. With some help of my fiance, (because he works full-time at a good job) we have managed to buy all our own things, and not relied on our parents for anything. Is it really that hard, or are we just weird for doing it?
Maybe it's because we don't have to have the newest and greatest technology. My phone was a free upgrade from AT&T that I have had for about 3 years. The keypad barely works and the back to it got lost a long time ago, but it still sends and receives calls, so I don't really mind. I can't see half of what I'm typing, because my screen is cracked. I also shop secondhand stores for clothes and other household items, and also go to alot of yardsales. It saves money. Maybe I was just born in the wrong decade or something. Or maybe my parents actually did something right in raising me.
I'm 22. I have managed to hold a job down since I was 16. Yes, my parents bought me a car, but it was because we lived 26 miles from town, and both of my parents worked weird hours, and nobody could come pick me up from practice after school. But when my Dad took me to get my license, he filled up my tank, and turned to me and said "You got a full tank, and your license, now go get a damn job". And I did.
I hate having to hear that young people are not responsible. Even though I did manage to get 2 jobs last week, at both interviews, I was asked about my responsibility, if I was willing to take the job seriously (you are in charge of people's lives now!), if I would show up to work on time daily, and if I was going to stick around for more than a couple weeks.
These questions were asked instead of questions that I felt were really important for an interview, something like, "How would you deal with a stressful situation you encounter" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses" etc.
Today I was at the store, and I happened to see a girl who looked to be about my age or maybe a little older with her father and they were looking at cell phones. She was begging her father to buy her an iPhone 4S. And I mean begging. She did everything but get on her knees. I could tell her father was slightly pissed and embarrassed, hell I was embarrassed for him. His reasoning for not getting it was that it would raise their monthly bill, and it was something they couldn't afford.
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| But Daddy! I want it! |
But in the end, she walked out of the store with her bright shiny new iPhone. Seriously?!?!?!?!?!
What happened to becoming an adult, moving out and getting a job of your own so you can buy your own things and be proud of what you have? I have lived away from my parents for 2 years now, worked part-time, and went to school full-time. With some help of my fiance, (because he works full-time at a good job) we have managed to buy all our own things, and not relied on our parents for anything. Is it really that hard, or are we just weird for doing it?
Maybe it's because we don't have to have the newest and greatest technology. My phone was a free upgrade from AT&T that I have had for about 3 years. The keypad barely works and the back to it got lost a long time ago, but it still sends and receives calls, so I don't really mind. I can't see half of what I'm typing, because my screen is cracked. I also shop secondhand stores for clothes and other household items, and also go to alot of yardsales. It saves money. Maybe I was just born in the wrong decade or something. Or maybe my parents actually did something right in raising me.
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| Mine isn't quite this bad, but it's pretty close. |
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
(Rant!) Disgusting
I was checking out some blogs earlier today, when I found one that really bugged me. It was a lady talking about how adoption is wrong, and women should just abort their unwanted fetuses.
Ladies and Gentlemen, just typing that previous statement got my blood boiling again.
I decided to post a comment on the blog to talk about this with the author. Little did I know I would be talking to a complete moron who contradicts herself. Her argument?
Babies aren't living, and there are tens of thousands of mothers who die each year due to giving birth. Abortion will save the mothers from dying. OK, now I'm not an OB nurse, so I have no idea how many deaths there are annually due to childbirth, but if someone would happen to know the statistic, I would love to know it. But it doesn't make sense to me to keep an old(er) person and kill a baby. I mean, how is the human population going to continue?
Anyhow "Julie" as her screen name appears continues to contradict herself with her lack of proofreading and a lesson in English, with this argument, along with telling me that I am a woman hater and I kill my patients. Dafuck? She also states that by working in healthcare I should realize that many people need to have abortions. Umm, ok. I can agree with this, if your daddy or your uncle raped you. I'm cool with that. But getting an abortion because you and your boyfriend went out behind the barn one night and decided to have a little fun? Nope, you should have to suffer the consequences of that shit.
Please feel free to tell me if you agree with me, or if I'm just being a "woman-hating selfless bitch".
I'm sure there will be more to follow
*Update 6/16* Nothing new on the blog, except for the fact that she wrote a new post saying people who don't agree with her posts should not post their opinion and try to debate things with her. Someone can't handle criticism.
Ladies and Gentlemen, just typing that previous statement got my blood boiling again.
I decided to post a comment on the blog to talk about this with the author. Little did I know I would be talking to a complete moron who contradicts herself. Her argument?
Babies aren't living, and there are tens of thousands of mothers who die each year due to giving birth. Abortion will save the mothers from dying. OK, now I'm not an OB nurse, so I have no idea how many deaths there are annually due to childbirth, but if someone would happen to know the statistic, I would love to know it. But it doesn't make sense to me to keep an old(er) person and kill a baby. I mean, how is the human population going to continue?
Anyhow "Julie" as her screen name appears continues to contradict herself with her lack of proofreading and a lesson in English, with this argument, along with telling me that I am a woman hater and I kill my patients. Dafuck? She also states that by working in healthcare I should realize that many people need to have abortions. Umm, ok. I can agree with this, if your daddy or your uncle raped you. I'm cool with that. But getting an abortion because you and your boyfriend went out behind the barn one night and decided to have a little fun? Nope, you should have to suffer the consequences of that shit.
Please feel free to tell me if you agree with me, or if I'm just being a "woman-hating selfless bitch".
I'm sure there will be more to follow
*Update 6/16* Nothing new on the blog, except for the fact that she wrote a new post saying people who don't agree with her posts should not post their opinion and try to debate things with her. Someone can't handle criticism.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
I'm on fire
I'm fanfuckingtastic. I went for interview number 2 today, and at the end of the interview the DON states- "There is nobody here in HR right now, but I'm gonna make the executive decision to hire you right now, you're awesome". Yeah, that's right folks. 2 jobs in 2 days. Or a day and a half if you want to get technical about it.
Now I have to work like hell to pass these dreaded state boards.
Now I have to work like hell to pass these dreaded state boards.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Lucky streak
Yesterday was my first interview. And while I was nervous as crap, I have friends in high places at Shitty Hospital, who said I would get hired.
And it worked!
I got a call back this morning, with the offer. It's part time, but it is in surgery. I absolutely love being in surgery. Of course, I will probably get the shitty job of just taking everyone's BP every 5 minutes or some shit, but still. It's a job, and it is in one of my favorite places in the hospital.
Today is interview number 2 at the local Nursing Home. Let's hope I still have a little bit of luck left in me for the PRN job there, because they pay alot of money. And right now this chick is broke (too much Ebay fun).
And it worked!
I got a call back this morning, with the offer. It's part time, but it is in surgery. I absolutely love being in surgery. Of course, I will probably get the shitty job of just taking everyone's BP every 5 minutes or some shit, but still. It's a job, and it is in one of my favorite places in the hospital.
Today is interview number 2 at the local Nursing Home. Let's hope I still have a little bit of luck left in me for the PRN job there, because they pay alot of money. And right now this chick is broke (too much Ebay fun).
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Downfall
I loved my job as a CNA. I hated the barely-above-minium-wage-pay, and the nurses who thought they were too high and mighty to ever help (where I worked, the RNs would walk by an old man laying on the floor calling for help to come find me and ask me to please shut him up- no shit) and I hated my new boss. But I woke up and put a smile on my face every day for the patients.
Now not every one of them were fun to be around, and some of them made me question if I really wanted to go into nursing for the rest of my life. But in general, I loved getting to know and spend time with these people, and get to help them get better.
The hardest part is always saying goodbye. Most of the time, saying goodbye is temporary, because these patients have a chronic illness that will bring them back in a couple months.
Today I found out that one of my favorite little old ladies has passed away. I was looking forward to going back and getting to talk to her again. I never got to say goodbye.
RIP M.F.
Now not every one of them were fun to be around, and some of them made me question if I really wanted to go into nursing for the rest of my life. But in general, I loved getting to know and spend time with these people, and get to help them get better.
The hardest part is always saying goodbye. Most of the time, saying goodbye is temporary, because these patients have a chronic illness that will bring them back in a couple months.
Today I found out that one of my favorite little old ladies has passed away. I was looking forward to going back and getting to talk to her again. I never got to say goodbye.
RIP M.F.
New Best Friend
I'm getting married in September, which is like 3 months away. I also have barely started any plans, I have the basics I guess- a groom and a preacher, but other than that, I'm stuck. And until I take (and hopefully pass!) the NCLEX in a couple weeks, I have no time to really work on any plans. At least I thought.
Guys, I found the easiest way to do wedding planning, and it's cheap too! Ebay! I have taken care of half of everything I needed through a few auctions and some buy-it-now sales. It's also alot cheaper than going to the few stores I have around home, because I just bought my veil and headpiece for $19, and it was going to cost me $28 otherwise. Ok, so it isn't major savings, but I buy stuff with free shipping, and seeing as how it would cost me $30 in gas and 2 hours of driving time (nothing is close in WV), I am elated. I also managed to buy my flower girls dresses and now I'm looking at rings.
I think there will be alot more study breaks now, :)
Also, if any of you have ideas about where I can get other cheap wedding ideas, I would appreciate it greatly!
Guys, I found the easiest way to do wedding planning, and it's cheap too! Ebay! I have taken care of half of everything I needed through a few auctions and some buy-it-now sales. It's also alot cheaper than going to the few stores I have around home, because I just bought my veil and headpiece for $19, and it was going to cost me $28 otherwise. Ok, so it isn't major savings, but I buy stuff with free shipping, and seeing as how it would cost me $30 in gas and 2 hours of driving time (nothing is close in WV), I am elated. I also managed to buy my flower girls dresses and now I'm looking at rings.
I think there will be alot more study breaks now, :)
Also, if any of you have ideas about where I can get other cheap wedding ideas, I would appreciate it greatly!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
2 in 2 days
Just when I thought I was gonna have to go back to being a waitress to get some money, I finally get the calls I have been waiting for. I go Thursday for an interview at Crappy Memorial Hospital where I worked as a CNA for an interview, and Friday for an interview at the local nursing home. It's a start I suppose, and I am more than excited for both of them. So I would appreciate some well-wishes and happy thoughts those 2 days!
Of course, waitressing might still be an option, since I'm not guaranteed to get either job, but I'm gonna hold off on going back for at least another couple weeks (if the bank will let me) and hope for the best.
Of course, waitressing might still be an option, since I'm not guaranteed to get either job, but I'm gonna hold off on going back for at least another couple weeks (if the bank will let me) and hope for the best.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Being "Mom"
Since there has been no callbacks on the job interviews, I'm gonna go back a few years and talk about some times working as a CNA (Certified Nurses Assistant for those of you who are wondering).
One of my very first assignments was to Mr. T. Mr. T was a very tall but skinny man who had Alzheimer's and never slept for more than an hour at a time. Ever. He also had no respect for those of us trying to take care of him, because he always believed us to be "out to get him with our devilish ways". As the new kid, since I was shy and didn't really know the other co-workers very well, I always got stuck setting with Mr. T to keep him quiet. Eventually, Mr. T began to trust me, and began to call for me constantly. What did he call me? Mom.
If I wasn't within seeing difference of this partially blind demented man at all hours, he would continuously yell for his mother. If yelling for me didn't work, then he quickly figured out that yelling "help" could possibly do the trick.
At one point, I got the opportunity to talk to a relative of Mr. T's. And she did inform me that just like his mother, I was short, pale, had long brown hair and brown eyes.
After being off for a few days, I returned to find my "son" very agitated. He wanted to know how I could just run off and leave him all alone for days. He wanted to know why I never heard him calling, and why I never came to check on him. It broke my heart. I apologized for my actions, and after a few minutes, all was forgotten to him.
Flash forward to today: I was at the store a few miles from my house grabbing a few things. Since it's a holiday weekend, and I live in a VERY touristy area, the place was packed. As I'm daydreaming in the checkout I feel a quick tug on my shorts as a little kid starts screaming "Mommy, why did you run away? I have been outside yelling for you, I was so scared!" only to realize that I wasn't his mother.
After locating the frantic mother and returning the child, I decided that I'm gonna dye my hair a crazy color so maybe I won't be considered everyone's "Mom".
One of my very first assignments was to Mr. T. Mr. T was a very tall but skinny man who had Alzheimer's and never slept for more than an hour at a time. Ever. He also had no respect for those of us trying to take care of him, because he always believed us to be "out to get him with our devilish ways". As the new kid, since I was shy and didn't really know the other co-workers very well, I always got stuck setting with Mr. T to keep him quiet. Eventually, Mr. T began to trust me, and began to call for me constantly. What did he call me? Mom.
If I wasn't within seeing difference of this partially blind demented man at all hours, he would continuously yell for his mother. If yelling for me didn't work, then he quickly figured out that yelling "help" could possibly do the trick.
At one point, I got the opportunity to talk to a relative of Mr. T's. And she did inform me that just like his mother, I was short, pale, had long brown hair and brown eyes.
After being off for a few days, I returned to find my "son" very agitated. He wanted to know how I could just run off and leave him all alone for days. He wanted to know why I never heard him calling, and why I never came to check on him. It broke my heart. I apologized for my actions, and after a few minutes, all was forgotten to him.
Flash forward to today: I was at the store a few miles from my house grabbing a few things. Since it's a holiday weekend, and I live in a VERY touristy area, the place was packed. As I'm daydreaming in the checkout I feel a quick tug on my shorts as a little kid starts screaming "Mommy, why did you run away? I have been outside yelling for you, I was so scared!" only to realize that I wasn't his mother.
After locating the frantic mother and returning the child, I decided that I'm gonna dye my hair a crazy color so maybe I won't be considered everyone's "Mom".
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Today in the mail
I finally got my temporary permit! So now when I get a call back (if I ever do), I can start working! It's not a major deal, but it is a small glimmer of hope, seeing as I am yet to get a paycheck this year, and it's killing me.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sometimes, people do tell the truth...
When I worked as a CNA, we had a patient that was, well, interesting to say the least. He was also a pervert, but that's not where I'm going with this story.
I worked mostly evenings and nights, and would get some down time to spend with the patients before bed. This man was someone that I didn't particularly like to spend time with, but because he needed "extra care" before bed, I got to spend some time talking to him.
This man was rather large- 300 pounds, and about 5'5. He also came in with minimal hygiene, and as I previously said, liked to hit on the teenage and younger females who worked. He also liked to tell stories about his wife and girlfriend. He would always say he was worried when his girlfriend visited that his wife would also walk in and catch the two of them together.
I found it hard to believe that this man had one woman interested in him, let alone two. But since he had kids, I knew there was at least one woman. The last story he told me, was about how his girlfriend ran away to Florida to get herself a new man. He had left everything behind to go get her back, and that's why he was back in the hospital- he didn't have any of his meds for a while.
Today, I found that he has passed on from this life. And he also had a girlfriend. She happens to be the grandmother to one of my friends.
However, he had no reason to worry about his wife walking in, she has been dead since the 80's.
I really want to ask my friend if his grandmother went to Florida...
I worked mostly evenings and nights, and would get some down time to spend with the patients before bed. This man was someone that I didn't particularly like to spend time with, but because he needed "extra care" before bed, I got to spend some time talking to him.
This man was rather large- 300 pounds, and about 5'5. He also came in with minimal hygiene, and as I previously said, liked to hit on the teenage and younger females who worked. He also liked to tell stories about his wife and girlfriend. He would always say he was worried when his girlfriend visited that his wife would also walk in and catch the two of them together.
I found it hard to believe that this man had one woman interested in him, let alone two. But since he had kids, I knew there was at least one woman. The last story he told me, was about how his girlfriend ran away to Florida to get herself a new man. He had left everything behind to go get her back, and that's why he was back in the hospital- he didn't have any of his meds for a while.
Today, I found that he has passed on from this life. And he also had a girlfriend. She happens to be the grandmother to one of my friends.
However, he had no reason to worry about his wife walking in, she has been dead since the 80's.
I really want to ask my friend if his grandmother went to Florida...
Friday, May 18, 2012
Good day
The hospital that I used to work for that treated me like shit, and attempted to screw me over as much as possible for the past 4 years called. They have a job offering.
At this point, you are probably thinking "that can't be possible. Just last week they said there would be no job openings in the foreseeable future". And dear reader, you would be right.
But sometimes, Karma wins.
The job is a full time RN position on the floor I have worked on for the past 4 years. It's also nights, which makes me happy because it is never a good day when I have to get up at 5.
Then I come home to find a message on my answering home. The nursing home up the road wants me to come in for an interview sometime for a PRN position (that's an "as needed" position for all you non-medical readers out there).
It's been a good day indeed. :)
At this point, you are probably thinking "that can't be possible. Just last week they said there would be no job openings in the foreseeable future". And dear reader, you would be right.
But sometimes, Karma wins.
The job is a full time RN position on the floor I have worked on for the past 4 years. It's also nights, which makes me happy because it is never a good day when I have to get up at 5.
Then I come home to find a message on my answering home. The nursing home up the road wants me to come in for an interview sometime for a PRN position (that's an "as needed" position for all you non-medical readers out there).
It's been a good day indeed. :)
Thursday, May 10, 2012
bad news
The hospital where I worked at for 3 years as a CNA called today. They got my job application, and wanted to let me know that they aren't hiring right now, but they will keep my application for 90 days.
Seriously?
You leave me a voicemail with bad news like that?
Just be like everywhere else and don't bother calling. It makes the rejection process much simpler.
Good news has to come eventually.
Seriously?
You leave me a voicemail with bad news like that?
Just be like everywhere else and don't bother calling. It makes the rejection process much simpler.
Good news has to come eventually.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
I'm done!
With school that is... Friday night was my pinning ceremony, and yesterday was graduation. I survived one of the hardest things ever, I did it in 4 years, I managed a 3.0 g.p.a, and I still have some sanity left. Today I am exhausted from everything, and I just want to sleep.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I decided to start a blog
In 5 years from now, I'm sure I will read back on this and think I was crazy. But I decided that now that I'm starting out in life, it was time to start recording some of the things that I am going to encounter as a brand new nurse.
Yesterday was my last day as an undergraduate. Did I ever think that would happen? No, not really. I love reading and learning, but there is only certain things that I love reading about, and college really tested those limits.
Now as I look forward to graduation, the hunt is on for my first big-girl job as a RN. Even though it's what I have always wanted to do, the thought of actually getting a job and being fully responsible for someones life scares the shit out of me.
It's going to be an interesting ride, so stay tuned!
Yesterday was my last day as an undergraduate. Did I ever think that would happen? No, not really. I love reading and learning, but there is only certain things that I love reading about, and college really tested those limits.
Now as I look forward to graduation, the hunt is on for my first big-girl job as a RN. Even though it's what I have always wanted to do, the thought of actually getting a job and being fully responsible for someones life scares the shit out of me.
It's going to be an interesting ride, so stay tuned!
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