u/itisalltoomuch

I am job searching but I cannot do night shift anymore, have developed severe anxiety and claustrophobia, and I have a developing allergy to something at work that is workable for now but I have been told long term its likely to get worse.

I want to switch to casual so that at least I can avoid night shift and take breaks when needed for mental health but I am also worried about this allergy and wonder if i should tough it out until I cant anymore.

I also wonder if i should just hang up my coat and leave. I just worry since I have no other prospects at the moment. No one is calling me back in terms of the job search despite roughly 10 years of active nursing experience.

When I spoke to my union they told me to ask for an FTE decrease but my issue is more than just the FTE.

Just looking for advice or if anyone can direct me somewhere else to find help.

Where I work they constantly are shitting on nurses by acting like we are idiots, try to treat me like a servant by bossing me around and even trying to get me to do their job for them like I dont have 8 other patients, and getting fussy that im not available to take or give report immediately like I knew when they would arrive.

Its frustrating because I have worked in 8 different departments (incliding emergency) and it is the same.

They even get paid the same as nurses where I live.

Dont they realize we are not the reason they dont have ideal work conditions?

Man Im just tired of nurses being the scapegoat for everyone.

I am writing this because I used to be afraid to call 911 myself. Anyways, now that I have called several times I know that it is not that time consuming or difficult and you are NOT obligated to stay and help the person.

Important notes:

1. They will ask for a location and why you are calling and that is necessary.
2. They will ask for your name and phone number but if you cannot give those just tell them why. Remember these services are to save lives not to go after callers.
3. They will ask some other questions such as breathing, if they were able to talk, age, any hazards noted, etc. Answer as best you can. If you don't know the answer that is okay.
4. They will tell you the ETA and if you stay with the person they will guide you on how to assist. If you did not stay or do not feel comfortable helping you can just say so and they will move on.

I have never gotten in trouble for calling 911 and I have called after leaving the scene. I even fall into the group of people who are mandated to help (if you fall into that group you already know) and I was never asked about that. Even when it was obvious I was in that group I did not get in trouble for not helping because I told them I felt unsafe.

If you are unsure if someone is unconscious and feel safe approaching the person ask them if they are okay (loudly), and give them a good nudge to make sure they aren't just sleeping. I generally kick their feet or firmly nudge their back with my foot. I know that seems harsh but I do it because I usually don't feel safe reaching down to shake their shoulders. Sometimes they wake up and are fine. If you already called 911 and the person ends up getting up and walking away just tell 911 that help is no longer needed and they will end the call.

Generally calling takes 3-5 minutes. Maybe 10 minutes but you do not need to stay at the scene. They are not going to grill you

I am writing this because an unconscious person most likely needs emergency services and it is better to call than to not do anything at all. It does not take long and you will not get in trouble for not doing anything else.

If anyone else has more information or tips please comment! I am not an expert. If I got something wrong please tell me. This is all anecdotal experience.

Edit: after reading some comments:

- it is highly preferred to leave a callback number in case more information is needed so better advice might be to ask someone else to call if you are really that reluctant to give out your phone number (unlikely anyone here is calling from a payphone)

- It is better to stay on scene during the call and at least try to check to make sure the person isn't sleeping (they often are). I was more encouraging people who think they should call but cannot stay or feel unsafe checking on that person.

- check to see if that person is actually a person... didn't realize this was an issue.

- Do not do anything that could put yourself in danger or that you do not feel safe doing. Whether or not you feel safe physically shaking someone to see if they will wake up is your choice but consider that the person could potentially be violent (that's why I use my foot). When I called and was afraid to check on someone in the past I called and the dispatcher talked me through it after I gave my location and phone number.

- There is a lot of debate regarding narcan - be aware people can be violent and giving narcan involves a sharp needle. My advice would be to do some additional training before giving narcan so that you can better assess the situation if that is something you want to do.

- If there are other people nearby consider asking someone else to call if you feel uncomfortable doing so. I have been asked to call by someone else in the past.

Off the top of my head:

Forgetting to take out a PIV

Forgetting one set of vitals in a stable patient.

Drinks/snacks in the nursing station.

Calling out sick when you just need the day off

Piercings/tattooes

Not enabling or tolerating unreasonable behaviour/requests from patients, families, doctors, pharmacists, coworkers, etc.

I get this can all vary depending on where you work. My Healthcare system is strapped and I work in emergency so we just dont have the resources to worry about this bs. Sometimes browsing this sub is feel like I live in a different world.

Also I have a union.