[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

And no cell phones on a TELEMETRY UNIT. They're supposed to interfere with the sensors.

We can. In fact, all the nurses have to carry them and a lot of the patients do too.

[PHTLS]

Originally Posted by Angie O'Plasty, RN

We can. In fact, all the nurses have to carry them and a lot of the patients do too.

Wow, times have changed haven't they? Actually, I've never witnessed a telecomputer going haywire over a cell call.

I also heard that cell phones can screw up a Baxter IV pump.

[PHTLS]

Originally Posted by efiebke

Apologies. . . this just tickled my funny bone. Code Brown = "Poop Patrol". A lot of Code Browns can give a nurse a Code Blue!

Cheers!

Good one!

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

I also heard that cell phones can screw up a Baxter IV pump.

Never saw that either, and we do use Baxters.

Maybe the equipment's newer.

[PHTLS]

Originally Posted by Angie O'Plasty, RN

Never saw that either, and we do use Baxters.

Maybe the equipment's newer.

Well, my manager says that she attended an inservice warning nurses about cell phones screwing up IV pumps, but the telemetry thing was okay.

[Jessica Student RN]

Unfortunatly I see code browns too often. lol

[begalli]

Originally Posted by DDANN

Frankly--I havae never heard of CNA in telemtry--I worked in ICU CCU for years and only licensed nurses were allowed in units

We have a CNA in my CTICU from 7am-11pm. They are a tremendous help with bathing, turning, getting people oob and into a chair, "code browns" and keeping the linens stocked in our rooms and on the unit. If there is a procedure going on in the room, we will call the CNA for an extra pair of hands. We also have a central supply person on our floor who we call when we need something - they deliver from our stock-room! The ICU pharmacy is ten steps outside our unit's door.

Nursing staff consists of only RN's, but we rely heavily on the entire healthcare team.

[Havin' A Party!]

Originally Posted by Annesy

... i am currently working as a CNA on a tele unit. my job is super interesting. here's a typical day for me (not including all of the unexpected events of course, which are many). I work 12 hour shifts in a hospital with a very well known Heart Center and CCU; lots of patients!!

0645: get report from night shift CNA, and a list of my patients and the nurses that have them.

0700: introducing myself to pts, do vitals, some orthostatics, help pts to bathroom, work as fast as i can safely afford to, as this is for 10-13 patients in all ranges of indenpence and level of accuity.

0830: chart vitals, help with breakfasts, baths, beds, bathroom, ADL's, ambulate pt's, get transfers from ED and CCU, or overflow from wherever.

1100: second set of vitals, blood sugars on ACHS people, help with lunches, transfering zillions of patients to/from treadmills, cath lab, xray, PICC placements (IR), etc. more baths and ADL's for the late sleepers.

1400: I&O's (most cardiac patients, esp. CABG people are on strict fluid restrictions. empty foleys, hats, ostomy bags, tally up drinks from B and L trays, and water pitcher, pass more ice water for those who can have more.

1500: third set of vitals. usually a lot of admits at this time, after the poor person has been languishing in ED since like 0300 (they are usually very unhappy, hungry, tired, scared, etc. by the time they get up to tele) we have 2-3 circ nurses, that only do admits and discharges because we have SO MANY people coming and going on Tele. You will too. : )

1600: second round of blood sugars, lots of charting on vitals, ADL's, sugars. D/C iv's, foleys for those who have been discharged.

1700: ambulate, dinner stuff, bathroom stuff. transferring patients to TCU, home, SNF, wherever. help secretary take off orders. clean up the floor, empty linen, be a gopher for the nurses.
..
1930: exhaustion. drive home, eyes droopy, back tired, frazzled, stressed, full of new learning experiences. one day closer to being a nurse myself...

As you've accurately detailed, without doubt, the most physically demanding job in the hospital. This is hard, hard work! And the least compensated.

Please be careful not to wear yourself out before graduation.

[Annesy]

Thanks for the support! I actually did just resign from my CNA position. I am in no way discouraged to become a nurse however. My classes start in June, and until then I will be traveling and skiing. I resigned because the job was too stressful, very low paid at $11.50/hour, and tiring, in return for the huge daily effort I was putting in. It was an interesting window into the world of nursing though, and I completely recommend CNA work to those interested in changing careers, or those just starting out. As a teacher, I had an inkling of what nurses actually do, but no specific picture of "a day in the work life of an RN". I feel so ready to start clinicals!

[Havin' A Party!]

Originally Posted by Annesy

... I actually did just resign from my CNA position...

Good for you! Likely you would've gained very little more for nursing school by staying there. And you'll be much healthier / happier for having done so.

My suggestion is that future nurses spend no more than a year or two at those spots -- and on a very part-time basis ONLY. That period will maximize your learning and minimize the potential for physical injury (which bears a high probability).

Good luck to ya!