EMSnut45 BSN, RN, EMT-P

EMSnut45 has 15 years experience as a BSN, RN, EMT-P and specializes in ICU and EMS.

Latest Activity

1. Winter 2015 Article Contest Top 10: You Pick 4 Winners

   EMSnut45 replied to tnbutterfly - Mary's topic in Announcements

   Awwww, you all have me blushing!! Thank you so much!!!

2. Beyond Burnout: What is Compassion Fatigue?

   EMSnut45 replied to Lynda Lampert, RN's topic in General Nursing

   Been there, done that. I LOVE the high acuity, technology, and independence of the ICU. It was the unrealistic family members, physicians that didn't want to discuss the real prognosis, and ultimately what we "do" to chronically ill and debilitated p...

3. Denying Death As A Society

   EMSnut45 replied to Kyrshamarks's topic in General Nursing

   Soooo very true, and exactly why I'm taking a breather from the ICU. Like others have mentioned, I have also found that families are more receptive if it is first presented as "it's time" rather than a laundry list of options given to an overwhelmed...

4. Skype Interview with Cruise Line

   EMSnut45 replied to EMSnut45's topic in Travel

   Approach the interview as you would any other. It was exactly the same as any in-person interview I've done, just through a computer screen. Dress as you would any other interview, have your résumé, list of questions, and note paper handy to referenc...

5. Intubation - confused about orders

   EMSnut45 replied to RNexplorer's topic in Critical

   You are a pt advocate. It is perfectly acceptable for you to speak up in a professional manner. I have and will continue to do so for my pts. They are relying on us to do that! After reading your reply though, my bigger question would be why are they...

6. Skype Interview with Cruise Line

   EMSnut45 replied to EMSnut45's topic in Travel

   Sure!! Ask away!! as far as shifts, it was 24 hours on and 24 hours off. When I say 24 hours on, I mean I didn't get to sleep and worked for 24 hours straight.

7. Cruise Ship Nursing Anyone?

   EMSnut45 replied to AnnieOaklyRN's topic in Career Support

   Yup— been there, done that. You'll learn real quick that US employment standards are pretty posh! I worked 100-120 hours per week on less money than I made landside. Living quarters were tiny although not as terrible as the staff lower on the totem p...

8. Had to code my best friends husband

   EMSnut45 replied to wannabeagreatRN's topic in Stress 101

   Hind sight is always 20/20. It's not easy to turn off the criticism, but it sounds like you did everything you could to get him to take care of himself. Please know that you were a loving friend to him. I can't imagine the pain that you are feeling r...

9. PARAMEDICS IN THE ED...Do you have them????

   EMSnut45 replied to EDtraumaCNS's topic in Emergency

   PLEASE don't call EMS providers "ambulance drivers!" I can run a full ACLS/PALS/NRP cardiac arrest and initiate hypothermia. I can RSI and intubate. I can perform a chricothyrotomy. I can rescue patients from any number of traumatic events and initi...

10. sedation

    EMSnut45 replied to jacsbein's topic in MICU

    Precedex is not intended to be the sole drug for sedation when used for longer term (not immediately prior to extubation). By using precedex in addition to another sedative, the amount of that sedative can typically be reduced significantly (sometime...

11. Difference between ICU and ER nurses

    EMSnut45 replied to bella14k's topic in Career Support

    "Sit down and critically think..." Ha! I wish! It's more like running like a chicken with its head cut off while doing ten things at once, keeping track of orders, vitals, drips, tests, charting, family, all while wishing you could cut yourself in t...

12. RN Shift Report Sheets - New Grad

    EMSnut45 replied to SICURN3's topic in MICU

    You are very welcome, ICURNBSN!! I posted that four years ago and have made multiple revisions as my pt population changes. I have since worked in an "all in one" ICU and now work as a critical care transport nurse. I still use the same "brain!" I'm ...

13. What do you wear to an interview for a RN position?

    EMSnut45 replied to tortorRN's topic in Job Hunt

    I always wear a suit. Studies show the interviewer makes their decision within the first 30 seconds of meeting you. Appearance is a major influence. Elude confidence (but not overly so). Remember your manners. Treat the receptionist well. Spit out th...

14. Nurse with anxiety/depression

    EMSnut45 replied to nursepenelope's topic in Home Health

    It sounds like you are having a rough time right now. If you look around here on Allnurses and over in the Breakroom, you will find that many of us on this site have depression, anxiety, bipolar, and the list goes on. Having the diagnosis in and of i...

15. What Are The Most Creative Call-off Excuses You Have Heard?

    EMSnut45 replied to bluegeegoo2's topic in Professionalism

    A co-worker called out because their "fish was sick." Seriously! Apparently it was some high dollar exotic fish that they had to take to a vet (didn't know vets cared for fish-- learn something new everyday) and give it frequent meds. They later brou...