UMichSCN07

UMichSCN07 specializes in Trauma/Burn ICU.

Latest Activity

1. Buttocks Skin Graft Protection Strategies???

   UMichSCN07 replied to Kel.R's topic in Burn

   Honestly, I’ve never found an acceptable solution short of advocating for a diverting colostomy and/or lots of prone positioning. FMS’s leak and can cause pressure/shearing. Same for “butt bags,” which can also sometimes make a bigger mess than not u...

2. Starting out in the burn icu

   UMichSCN07 replied to Leadkrm's topic in Burn

   First off, congratulations! I too started out as a new grad in a burn ICU. Burn care is as much an art as it is a science, so most of what you are inquiring about will be learned on the job and will probably be somewhat specific to the unit you hire...

3. Dressing changes and meds. How much/when to push?

   UMichSCN07 replied to dirtyhippiegirl's topic in Burn

   Over my 4+ years as a burn nurse, the orders I've seen generally allow doses every 5 minutes. In your case, I'd start with 1 mg Dilaudid about 30 mins before starting the dressing change, then 50 mcg Fentanyl alternated with 0.5-1 mg of Versed every ...

4. If you could do it all over again, would you?

   UMichSCN07 replied to wahoowa01's topic in Men

   I agree. Could have saved myself $80K in student loans for a master's degree that I'm not using. I also think that at a younger age, I would have had more energy and tolerance for the BS that I'm having trouble dealing with @ 31. Mike in Michigan

5. Whats it like being a guy in a female dominated career?

   UMichSCN07 replied to Josh_H's topic in Men

   The vast majority of the time, I don't notice, especially since in my ICU, I'm rarely the only guy on between RNs, techs, RT, and clerks. That being said, there are days that I say to myself (and usually when venting to my wife) "why the **** did I ...

6. Current Nursing Students- Which Stethoscope is Best?

   UMichSCN07 replied to shawnb's topic in Michigan

   I'd say you got a great deal. Me personally, I used to use the Littman Classic II SE, since I also spend time as a road medic and cardio scopes just hear too much when you're bumping down the road in the back of a 'bolance. But indoors, yeah, a car...

7. Sinai Grace Working Conditions

   UMichSCN07 replied to 23Nurse's topic in Michigan

   Time commitments are not uncommon. Mine was 15 or 18 months, I forget which. It's mostly due to the amount of money the unit has to pay to get you trained. I had to do a week of "central nursing orientation" plus a week of "critical care orientati...

8. So Who Are They Hiring?

   UMichSCN07 replied to iluvdetroit's topic in Michigan

   I think the major sticking point is the fact that you're 5 going on 6 years away from the bedside. Most of the openings I have seen for ICUs at my facility want experience in the past 2 years minimum. I know that on my unit, there have been several...

9. Inaccurate story on CNN?

   UMichSCN07 replied to amyphee's topic in Burn

   Just celebrated my 2nd year in a major regional burn center. The ONLY time I've ever seen docs do a dressing is in the OR, after having done a debridement/graft. Otherwise, it's all nurses and techs, with the docs popping in to see the wounds after...

10. Post Cardiac Arrest Hypothermis

    UMichSCN07 replied to Jcasares's topic in Men

    We've done some post-arrest hypothermia at my facility, but I believe only certain units can perform it (Med ICU, Surg ICU, and Cardio ICU, IIRC), requiring transfers from any other units. Mike in Michigan

11. C.S. Mott Hospital (U of M)

    UMichSCN07 replied to J9G2008's topic in Michigan

    I have classmates who went straight to Mott out of school (BSN, not ADN, but shouldn't make a difference), including the PICU. L&D and the general floors, shouldn't be an issue. Holden NICU and the PCTU (Peds Cardio ICU), probably should have s...

12. Percent of Men in Graduating Class?

    UMichSCN07 replied to BusinessGrad's topic in Men

    1. We graduated 47, and there were 6 guys (including me). About 12%. 2. 50/50? Probably not. Although, interesting to note, many medical schools are reporting 50/50 male/female entrance ratios and some even a majority of female students. However, I...

13. ER nurse wondering whats the best way to treat burns

    UMichSCN07 replied to robinzkj's topic in Burn

    ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support, sponsored by the American Burn Association, required training for all in my unit) states that any burns over 20% TBSA are to go into DRY DRESSINGS. Heat loss is not "just a fact of life" with burn patients, hypother...

14. ACLS?

    UMichSCN07 replied to oguesswhat's topic in Michigan

    About $200 is probably the cheapest you're going to get, unless you can find classes sponsored by your employer. Mike in Michigan

15. Oakland University NP program or University of Michigan Flint??

    UMichSCN07 replied to GRnurse57's topic in Michigan

    Megan- If this helps, be aware that all NP/CNS/CRNAs will be transitioning to a DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) within the next 5 years or less. Having looked into this, UM-Flint is one of only a few programs in the state with a Family NP DNP pr...