| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Dec 20 2009 : 8:59:54 PM
I have been an RN since graduation from a 3 yr program in 1966. Most of my nursing career has been in surgery....general, neuro and open heart/transplant. I've also been an office nurse working in both Alaska and Washington state. It has been a rewarding profession. Nursing has changed alot over the years as the older nurses can atest with their own stories.
As much of a blessing as it was, I was so glad that when my work day was over, I could come home to my husband, garden and animals. In the quiet of the afternoon, unwinding among the people and things that I love, I was refreshed and grounded.
I am interested in hearing stories that are particularly meaningful to you or where it changed your life or outlook. This thread could change, and I am OK with that. I wish to hear from you and about you.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Jan 11 2010 : 11:26:47 AM
Hi Angela, thanks for your comment. I am glad that you are happy working in your present position. Work hours can for sure be an issue when the nurse has a family...getting them to school, doctor, dentist, being able to see their games or recitals. Of course, hospital scheduling has been innovative with 12 hr shifts etc.. I am sure this is no different than anyone who holds down a job and raises a family.
Angela, I personally like diploma programs, because of all the clinical work we did. To all, what do you think are the + & -'s of each...AA, diploma or college degree?
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| berrygirl |
Posted - Jan 11 2010 : 10:40:01 AM
Hello. Just wanted to add in too. I am a Diploma RN. I worked in orthopedics for a few years and loved it but the hours were killing me with running to take my daughter to school. I took a transfer to a physician practice the hospital owns as a RN supervisor. I can take my daughter to HS as she isn't interested in getting her drivers license yet :) The hours are more sane at this time. I miss the floor work though.
The good old days are the ones you live today... |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 07:14:41 AM
Sarita, and all who contributed to this chat. I have such a big apology to give to you. The day that you wrote, I was having eye surgery. I am in my early...well mid 60's and had found out a week before that I had developed cataracts. Interestingly enough, for our generation, the specialist said that many MY age were showing up with early cataracts, as we didn't have good protective sunglasses. Farmgirls encountering reflective sun and those fishing with the sun bouncing off the water are developing them. Anyhow, I could not see well, and lost track of this thread. What a dork!! I enjoyed reading all those thoughts submitted by all, and I know I would like this to be a forum for nurses and health care workers who are also farmgirls at heart.
One of the things I am hearing is that because of forest and other job loss here in our area, these people, mostly men are being retrained to work in healthcare....some even going to nursing school. I wonder how "nursing" or those working in the HC field are seeing a change. Is any of that happening in your area? I have heard some comments by displaced loggers etc. say that they just need a job, not really caring about nursing. What do you think of that? What else will affect caring for those who need our help?
Again, I am so sorry to have dropped you all. Please forgive me for that. Thanx 
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Dec 22 2009 : 6:25:22 PM
Hi Claudia, I was an EMT and then went on and graduated from nursing school. I have been an RN for almost 20 years now. I worked Med Surg for about a year biding my time always wanting to be a Home Health Nurse. I loved being a home health nurse. We did so many things for patients back then. I took classes and gave chemo in the home, learned to put in pic lines and work with central caths, do blood draws in the home and etc. I had the first Hospice patient when our hospital extended its Home Health services to Home Health and Hospice. I grew to love the patients and families of my patients, they became my friends and family. I also grew closer to The Lord as I dealt with patients dying. Things have changed so much...driven by insurance and money and the legal system.
I thought that I would quit working and just work on our 100 yr old plus farmhome when we moved to this farm...after 6 months I was ready to help others again, worked in the mental health field as a RN supervisor for about 4 years and then went to work as a school nurse. I love my job as a school nurse!
I am going on 58 years of age and I know that I could not work 12 hours shifts and would have to learn so many new procedures if I went back to the hospital to work.
I have cattle and sheep, took up spinning wool, weaving, and love to knit and felt with my own wool and I know that nursing has brought me to this stage of my life. I enjoy getting up and going to work at the school, I smile and rejoice in the youth but I am ready to come home, pet the dogs and sheep and my pet cow, Sugar, do chores and go up to my studio to work.
I know that there are many nurses on this site. It seems like I run into nurses that spin all the time??? Many raise sheep??? Is it in our genes?
Many blessings
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Dec 21 2009 : 5:50:15 PM
Hi Claudia--I guess the changes I've observed over the years is that there's a lot more "in and out" surgery that doesn't require a lenghty hospital stay. Also the problems with insurance--I've heard of patients being discharged without the proper tests because there insurance refused to pay for it. I had an expereince in the ER a couple years ago--the insurance co. automatically refused to pay for it at first, citing it as a non life-threatening emergency. I had to get copies of my medical records from the ER to prove that it was life threatening. They almost routinely decide not to pay, and then you have to fight it. Also the ER's have become a lot more aware of security issues. There's always a security guard in the ER, sometimes three or four. It's scary soem of the things that go on in there (when the patient is a criminal). Oh well, those are just some of the changes I've observed. But they seem to be the same at different hospitals that I've visited.
Cindy
"Dog is my co-pilot"
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Dec 21 2009 : 11:44:07 AM
Suzie, please don't feel as though you have to apologize. Your response is some of which I am hearing from friends. Nursing has changed. When I retired last year, I was in an OR nurse manager in a smaller rural hospital. My husband who is an RN in a larger facility 25 miles, says, that he is so busy, with patients who are more complicated, that things like back rubs, linen change, just the little things where you were able to "talk" to a patient and fill their needs emotionally, do not exist. Also, it is an all RN & aide hospital, where the RN's carry cell phones to talk to whomever calls, MD's, family, neighbors etc. while he may be doing procedures...sterile dssg changes, pic lines etc. It would drive me nuts. Sometimes, I think the families can sense that care has changed because nurses are overworked, & have to be the advocate. However, discussions should be with their doctor, not laid on the nurse to handle. Hope you get some good rest.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| SuzieQ |
Posted - Dec 21 2009 : 11:24:49 AM
I have been an RN for 15 years. I did a two year program that was really three. I am 50 years old and just finished my BSN. I work in a hospital in an cardiac ICU. I am trying to figure out what I want to do. I work three 12 hour shifts. I have seen that the care has changed from performing care that is required to the pt's family demanding we do test and procedures that are not required. It has turned into a consumer driven intenity. I would like just to take care of my patients. Sorry I am tired today and was griped out by a patient who I made move herself to prevent pneumonia. |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Dec 21 2009 : 07:17:16 AM
Cindy, thanks for contributing to the post. When I suggested this topic, I added it as an RN because that is what I am. But we ALL contribute to patients' welfare whatever we do. So, from your vantage point, what has changed over the years...good and bad. Although we won't solve the world's problems, we may be able to uplift others who find themselves needing a little encouragement. I really liked what you said about being glad to be you, and also taking control of your exercise program. That inspired me this morning. As I hope others contribute, please feel free to jump in. What state do you live in? The high tomorrow is going to be 25 here, and I really need incentive to get myself out the door. Hoping to hear from you soon!
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| prariehawk |
Posted - Dec 21 2009 : 04:01:56 AM
Claudia--I work at a hospital, not as an RN, but in distribution. I've been there 17 years and it's changed a lot during that time. It's been an eye-opener for me to realize that if you don't take good care of your health, some pretty bad things can happen to you. I used to hate to exercise, but now I get upset if I have to go a few days without a good long walk. I also like to come home after work to my dog and my birds and my cozy little house. Working at a hospital has taught me that everyone on this planet suffers in some sort of way, and therefor I'm content to be me. I wouldn't want to trade places with anyone. Sometimes the negative things you observe can inspire you to do something positive. I think that's what I've learned most from working in healthcare.
Cindy |
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