Custom badge buddy/reference suggestions

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  1. This is a discussion on Custom badge buddy/reference suggestions in Emergency Nursing, part of Nursing Specialties ... I'm thinking about making a badge buddy/cheat sheet to clip onto my badge with some quick reference...

    by Jun 25, '12
    I'm thinking about making a badge buddy/cheat sheet to clip onto my badge with some quick reference material. So far, I can only come up with the following:

    * Glasgow Coma Scale (I just can't get it memorized)
    * Normal pediatric VS ranges (we don't get a ton of peds, and I don't like to guess)
    * Common pedi drug doses as well as emergency drug doses

    Does anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks!
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    by Murse901 Jun 25, '12 11:21 am
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  3. 16 Comments so far...

  4. Jun 25, '12 by
    It's hard for other people to tell you what you need a reminder of. What information do you find yourself looking up often? Do find yourself asking the same questions? How about ABG ranges? Normal lab values? S/S of complications like PE, infection, infiltration, shock, fluid overload? Important phone numbers (the lab, ultrasound, IV team, patient transport, dietary, nurse manager, etc.)?
  5. Jun 25, '12 by
    Quote from Ashley, PICU RN
    It's hard for other people to tell you what you need a reminder of. What information do you find yourself looking up often? Do find yourself asking the same questions? How about ABG ranges? Normal lab values? S/S of complications like PE, infection, infiltration, shock, fluid overload? Important phone numbers (the lab, ultrasound, IV team, patient transport, dietary, nurse manager, etc.)?
    Well, the stuff I mentioned is the only stuff I can think of off the top of my head that I need a quick reference for. Hence, the request for suggestions of what other people need to reference.

    Thanks for the ideas, though.
  6. Jun 25, '12 by
    I'm not sure I understand you --- you have a facility ID badge and you want to hang something more to jingle-jangle around your neck (do you wear your stethescope too)????

    Why not just print out what you need and then shrink it on a xerox/copier. Laminate it and keep it in a pocket. I do know some nurses who put things on those little techno pocket thingys. (I apologize as I am computerily challenged - am I thinking PDA? I DO admire all you techno saavy folk out there!)
  7. Jun 25, '12 by
    If you are new to the facility, take note of all the phone extensions: pharmacy, lab, radiology, nuclear med, the house officer, security, etc. Print it in a small font, laminate it and punch a hole in it so it's on the back of your badge...eventually you'll have most of the numbers memorized, but I still refer to mine when needed
  8. Guide
    Jun 25, '12 by
    I like this idea! Can't come up with anything at the moment, but I'm definitely with you on the pedi VS ranges, and phone numbers.
    gonzo1 likes this.
  9. Jun 25, '12 by
    Quote from amoLucia
    I'm not sure I understand you --- you have a facility ID badge and you want to hang something more to jingle-jangle around your neck (do you wear your stethescope too)????
    Yep, I actually do wear my stethoscope around my neck for fast access on the rare occasions where I may have to actually, ya know, assess a patient.

    The reason that I would put it on with my badge is that it would be harder to accidentally leave at home, would be quickly available to me, and wouldn't have to be in my pocket. I really don't like stuff rustling around in my pockets.

    It would be nice to put stuff like this on my phone, since I always have my phone. However, we can't have our phones visible at any time for any reason, even if it's job-related. It's ridiculous, but that's the rule.
  10. Jun 25, '12 by
    I think you just have to figure out what you need a cheat on, and when you find yourself looking something up, make a note of it. Everyone has different trip-ups! They do publish some little pocket guides that you could flip though to remind yourself of what you are forgetting to make a mental note on.
    (I made a cheat that has all the social service phone numbers for my city, but I don't think that will help you much.)
  11. Jun 25, '12 by
    We had so many doors with different codes I couldn't remember them all, so I typed them , shrunk them and stuck them to the back of my badge along with phone extensions. Then I added a big badge that read Because I said so.
  12. Jun 25, '12 by
    Quote from CapeCodMermaid
    We had so many doors with different codes I couldn't remember them all, so I typed them , shrunk them and stuck them to the back of my badge along with phone extensions. Then I added a big badge that read Because I said so.
    I am surprised that you were allowed to have a list of codes on your badge. Never mind it getting stolen or left somewhere, what if it gets turned around and visitors and patients see the list? I do not see that ending well.