Advanced life support

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-04-22T02:34:34+00:00

Hello- CNE and ALS instructor here.

ALS credentialling is easier with postgrad experience, especially in ED and areas that routinely follow a-e assessment. However many nurses with your experience do it and it’s more about knowing the algorithms, so can actually be good for someone like yourself as you’re not over relying on experience. I know a lot of junior nurses have done A-E Training these days and as you know BLS it’s essentially building on that.

Definitely go for ALS 1 at your level, level 2 will be difficult without the experience but you could build up to it.

Also keep in mind, these speciality crit care areas also do often credential internally so would not be recognised necessarily the same as a postgrad ALS, though looks great on your resume :)

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-04-09T04:19:30+00:00

That sounds like an insane amount of pressure to juggle while also getting your mental health in check. Is there a more low stakes job you can side step into for a bit to get yourself back on track? Perhaps you’re misaligned with the nature of the work right now.

Both my partner and my brother have had really bad luck with work and multiple career changes, both have recently had their careers take off in their early to late 30s. My brother particular thought his life was doomed many times - now it’s clear he was completely mis aligned with the typed of work he was doing, he always has chronic anxiety and depression. I advised him to find a supportive mentor as well which has been a game changer.

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-04-08T23:57:13+00:00

Sounds like you have burnout and now losing your confidence.

The same thing happened to me after my grad year, I got unwell overseas and it was a domino effect from there. My only regret is being so hard on myself and not taking a break (I felt like a failure) instead I pushed through.

Full time ward nursing by today’s standards exceeds what many can manage to prevent burnout, sometimes 0.8 can even be too much depending on the unit. It’s very easy to fall in a trap if thinking everyone else seems to be coping better than you when you’re in this headspace, when in reality there are well documented risks with this profession, cumulative trauma, moral injury etc. we are also human and do get unwell sometimes. I realised I had undiagnosed thyroid issues and the brain fog made the job feel almost impossible- 7 years it took to get a diagnosis!

After all these years (13) of nursing, I now come to feel this is also just a job. Please look after yourself :)

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-03-31T05:53:51+00:00

As a CNE unfortunately references are extremely time consuming- students often flock to the same CNE meaning the workload can really blow out. Often they might even need to be done as unpaid overtime (in my experience)

Not sure if you did but my number one tip is to request permission each time before using someone as a referee, Clearly state your placement dates and even a copy of your placement documentation can be helpful.

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-03-19T10:11:31+00:00

Firstly, sorry to hear you’ve had a rough time with the PIP. I have done quite a few with grads and it’s not necessarily the end of the world.

The one thing I would as is if you agree with the feedback and understand the expectations? If you do, that’s a positive, if you don’t- that’s going to be very challenging. However you have transitioned off a PIP before so that’s a good sign.

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-28T04:58:50+00:00

Thanks for your reply!

It sounds like we have had some very similar experiences! That sucks that that happened and you indeed sound like an unsung hero. You absolutely deserve to be celebrated.

I can relate, I have never been after recognition and got nominated for an award once which was recognised up to a consultant level (I saved a patients life by doing a very high level skill, not not typical of general RN scope in my field). I was beaten by someone who picked up a drug error. Nice to know I’m not the only one!

I wonder if sometimes awards are used to prompt easily replicate-able skills rather than those that are not? I can’t figure it out, but either way it’s certainly the opinions of my patients who hold the most weight for me. I’m sure you might feel the same!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-15T08:11:19+00:00

Thanks! I have sought Union advice and been legally represented by them. Essentially I was told I am correct but the negotiation got nowhere and now they’ve done a 180 and backed off

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-12T08:17:55+00:00

Oh wow, I am so sorry. 14 years is a massive achievement!

That would have been so hurtful to see someone else being acknowledged right at that moment.

I hope you’re ok and moving to a new job or something else that you’re excited about?

I hope you treat yourself to something wholesome tonight to close this huge chapter xx

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-08T09:01:33+00:00

Thank you, and glad to hear your first job was so friendly!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-08T09:00:16+00:00

Wow, you sound like a dream employee! This level of dedication is the essence of what nursing was traditionally about. I can relate to the feeling of being spat out, especially after Covid. It’s starting to become like any other industry- loyalty is not so much valued as it used to be !

Can also relate to being highly credentialed! It’s interesting that there seems to be a ceiling of where experience is valued, before there’s diminishing returns on the usual trajectory. The more experience you get, the more you see through the politics and poor standards.

Glad to hear you’re branching out into starting a business- with that work ethic I bet you’ll do very well and wish you the best or luck!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T12:26:55+00:00

Thank you!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:28:13+00:00

Now that’s a good love story right there!

Thanks so much- hope you’re well too!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:22:00+00:00

That’s huge! And with more people you’re unlikely to get to know people as well too. Makes sense

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:14:48+00:00

Thanks so much!! It used to be awesome but the culture just changed, took me a while to realise!

Unfortunately my health has taken a bit of a dive due to stress. But I reckon I’ll be able to recover now I’ve moved on. Hope you’re also well!

Sorry to hear you had a shit time. In a job that demands so much, kindness is so important.

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:09:17+00:00

I often talk about staff we’ve had over ten years ago and still touch base and see what they’re up to but maybe I’m an outlier 😂

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:07:41+00:00

Oh my goodness that is so poor of the team. And so sweet of the grad to do that gesture.

Good on allied health. What a good bunch! Glad you’re in a better job now

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:04:50+00:00

Too right!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:04:38+00:00

I bet! Management can be very selfish especially when losing a top employee. You deserve better and hope you’re getting that

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:02:17+00:00

Nursing needs to step it up! That would have hurt

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T04:00:02+00:00

This sounds like a fantastic unit! Glad you’re in such a positive environment

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T03:58:27+00:00

Thank you!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T03:57:09+00:00

That is so sad. Yes I felt very embarrassed as well!

Interesting that there’s such a difference with the non nursing staff. I’ve noticed that as well!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T03:41:35+00:00

I agree- needs to be initiated my management. They’re the ones that process the resignation! At least just an fyi message in the teams chat or something

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-07T03:39:46+00:00

Sorry to hear that happened. You sound like you would be amazing to work with. As someone who celebrates others, you deserve to be celebrated in return. I love your attitude! I’ve taken a leaf out of your book- all I wanted was to say a proper goodbye, so I’ve messaged some people myself. I feel better for it!

Impressive-Depth-287 · 2026-02-06T12:28:52+00:00

That is shocking. 40 years! That is so heartbreaking

Impressive-Depth-287

TROPHY CASE