City: New Orleans (United States)

Don't take the world on your shoulders. Pace yourself, but show that you are willing to excel and give 150% for the tasks that YOU are supposed to complete.

As a LPN, I was a staff nurse working in a Nursing Home in Mississippi. On numerous occassions I had been asked by my supervisor and other nurses to help the night shift by giving medications early before leaving my shift. Of course, I was caught and eventually I was fired trying to help others on another shift. My advise is NEVER help anyone on another shift. If they cannot do their job, it is not your responsibility to help them. My advice is if anyone in an organization asks you to do anything like that, politely tell them that would be endangering your nursing license. I would also tell them that staffing shortages need to be addressed to the administration, not to the staff. Asking to cover for another shift is only asking for trouble in more ways than one. You could not only loss your job, but could be reported to the State Board of Nursing. You do not want to go there; believe me, I know from experience. Always, always, cover your license! That is the best advice I can give to anyone. Not only should you know your policy and procedures, but think before you say yes to anyone. It could cost you.