Ellen in Ont

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1. Christmas in the spirit or not?

   Ellen in Ont replied to CEN35's topic in General Nursing

   I truly believe you get out of Christmas what you put into it. Not that it has to be done in a hurry - the exact oposite. I always try and be completely ready by Dec 1 (except to put up the real trees - two of them). Then I can relax and enjoy the ho...

2. Refusing an assignment

   Ellen in Ont replied to essarge's topic in General Nursing

   For the first time in our ICU, last month we signed a workload grievance. When we recognize the conditions are unsafe, and we have gone through all the channels to correct this, the workload grievance shifts the blame back to the hospital. The staff ...

3. smallpox link

   Ellen in Ont replied to oramar's topic in General Nursing

   A smallpox outbreak has always been my greatest concern. That is the scenario I have been trying to plan for. I recently contacted Dr. D. A. Henderson (one of the original people who eliminated smallpox and currently is head of bioterrorism defence a...

4. Question about Jackson Pratt Drains & retention sutures

   Ellen in Ont replied to hoolahan's topic in General Nursing

   In our hospital all RN's remove JP's, hemovac's, sump drains and penrose's as well as all types of sutures, central lines, arterial lines and epidurals. We do have policies for all of these and are watched for the first one. I thought this was standa...

5. Is NTG appropriate? (Cross-post)

   Ellen in Ont replied to mattcastens's topic in CCU

   This probably isn't as in depth an explanation as you can get from others but here goes. We use Dopamine often with NTG (either patch or gtt) and as well add Dobutrex at times. All have different effects that can help when someone is having a problem...

6. How is code blue announced at your facility?

   Ellen in Ont replied to deespoohbear's topic in General Nursing

   Our hospital is a "quiet hospital" which means the overhead paging system is only used for the different codes. We have code blue followed by the room number, code pink for a pediatric code, code red for fire, code yellow for missing patient followed...

7. HELP with skill please!

   Ellen in Ont replied to delirium's topic in General Students

   One other trick. If there are no open areas or incisions on the patient's leg, I find they go on easier if you use baby powder on their legs first. Don't worry, you'll get it.:)

8. Do you mix your own IV's?

   Ellen in Ont replied to deespoohbear's topic in Safety

   The only premixed IV fluids we use are Lidocaine and Heparin. Everything else we mix ourselves. KCL is treated no differently than any other drug in our stock cupbaord and is even kept on the shelf beside the 10 and 30cc bottles of NS and sterile wat...

9. A few sarcastic remarks to get you through the day (public service :) )

   Ellen in Ont replied to mgthompson's topic in Humor

   During the first "Survivor" episodes, I heard a cute saying that would fit here. You are sooo off the island!

10. ER or ICU?

    Ellen in Ont replied to 502Nurse's topic in Emergency

    I agree completely. They are totally different and have completely different focuses. If you really want ICU then apply for your apprenticeship there. It will go a long way in getting a job there when you are finished. It will also give you a feel fo...

11. Anyone Here Interested (or already in) Nursing Informatics?H

    Ellen in Ont replied to incognito's topic in General Nursing

    You chose not to get e-mails through your profile so you will have to get replies here unless you change it. I have been an ICU nurse for 11 years and I have also done some work in nursing informatics (I co-ordinated the introduction and training in ...

12. Why 12 hr. shifts???

    Ellen in Ont replied to SusieQ1243's topic in General Nursing

    I love 12 hr shifts. I get a lot of time off between working two or three in a row (I am part-time). I also like the extra 4 hours per shift it gives you to get everything done. The rare times I have worked 8 hours (called in in the middle of a shift...

13. A nurse is a nurse is a NURSE???????

    Ellen in Ont replied to P_RN's topic in General Nursing

    In reply to CraigB-RN, I have worked in a 7 bed ICU in a rural hospital for 11 years. I also have my CCRN (or the Canadian equivalent, CNCC© (certified nurse critical care Canada). We are the only ICU within about 220 miles. We accept all kinds of p...

14. Painfully Slow Process

    Ellen in Ont replied to rninformatics's topic in Informatics

    Start with this organization: Canadian Organisation for Advancement of Computers in Health (COACH) http://www.coachorg.com/nisig/ Let me know if you need more info and GOOD LUCK! Angela[/QB] Thanks for all the information Angela. I'll check it ou...

15. Painfully Slow Process

    Ellen in Ont replied to rninformatics's topic in Informatics

    Congratulations on finding your niche! I have been considering this field for a while now but love where I am at present (ICU). However, my aging body isn't going to last there until I am 60! I have always loved technology and even have some experien...