First clinical day

[manna]

We survived, despite being petrified and looking like a bunch of white marshmallows wandering around.

I don't know that I'm cut out to be a nurse. I'm obsessively paranoid about germs - bringing something home to my family (two little kids). I cared for a patient with an infection today (held her hand, not wearing gloves), and I could barely bring myself to eat a sandwich - even after washing my hands 3 times.

We worked in pairs today, and our patient slept all morning until about 1130. Once she woke up, we just went in and held her hand, of course she begged us not to leave. How do you break away when they get so emotional? I'm plagued by guilt already.

Since our patient slept all am, we helped our classmates in the room next door. Their patient needed total care (neuro problems), so we got an interesting experience there. Took all four of us and our instructor to bathe her and change her sheets. Good learning experience, though. :)

Two more clinical days this week. So far we're only doing VERY basic assessment/care plans, VS and hygiene. We aren't giving any meds, but have to research our patient's meds and write them up anyway. Next clinical rotation will be a bit more intense (after we have check-offs we'll be given more responsibility).

How's the semester going for all you other newbies?

[manna, BSN, RN]

Hi all - this is my very first time posting. I will intro myself later, but at the moment, I need your critical thinking on a med administration question - Here goes:

In researching a drug, the nurse discovers that it is important to evaluate the heart rate prior to administering the medication. How would this influence the actions taken by the nurse as he or she prepares the medication?

HELP ME PLEASE!!!

Thank You

I think the answer here would probably be to ALWAYS evaluate the heart rate/pulse and/or BP before giving that particular med (particularly with something like Digoxin).

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

Hi Manna. Good to hear from you. White marshmellows... LOL. I think of us as white geese following mother goose.

With that attitude about germs, you'll make a terrific nurse. They should command a healthy respect. Your first clinical sounds like my first experiences... baths, careplans, med sheets/labs, very basic assessment and communication. Glad to hear that Ivan didn't visit you with the same vengence others experienced.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

sounds perfectly normal to me. I worked with a nurse who was truly paranoid about germs. But she is a GREAT nurse. If your handwashing times increase in time or intensity it may be a sign of stress for which you would need to consult MD.

[jadiva]

In researching a drug, the nurse discovers that it is important to evaluate the heart rate prior to administering the medication. How would this influence the actions taken by the nurse as he or she prepares the medication?

Hi. The 1st thing a nurse does before giving her meds is assessing her patient.

part of that assessment includes vital signs. Remember, a nurses job is not just to push that cart, but most importantly is to make judgement calls, which includes questioning a medication order, as well as witholding a medication if it can be detrimental to your patient's health.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

Manna,

I'm glad you're feeling better about clinical... I, personally, don't bother taking a shower or changing my clothes right away. Of course, I work in LTC too and have less patient contact with the germs that are in hospitals, so I feel better. If I have blood splashes (or otherwise) on me, then yea, I do shower and remove my clothes immediately.

You'll be fine! :)