onco gal

Latest Activity

1. are "fake nails" okay for nurses?

   onco gal replied to Ruffles's topic in General Nursing

   Sorry but fake nails do not belong in this profession. It is a proven fact that they harbor fungus as well as bacteria, not to mention the potential harm that can be caused to the patient's skin integrity. I saw a CNA scratch a patient very badly d...

2. Speciality Differential?

   onco gal replied to Chiaramonte's topic in General Nursing

   Sorry, but all RN's are not equal. Those RN's who take the time and spend the money on certifications and education should be paid more if their performance warrants it. At our facility they base pay on experience when you are hired. We have had nu...

3. Lazy Student Nurse Preceptors!

   onco gal replied to jfpruitt's topic in General Nursing

   There is a lot to be said about the situation, attitudes and responses. First of all, on the surface, it was not a good assignment, but this is also part of your learning experience. While a student, I never started an IV and my first catheter plac...

4. Almost zero WBC count

   onco gal replied to misti_z's topic in Oncology

   The more we lessen the precautions, the more infections and deaths occur.

5. Frightening events during chemotherapy

   onco gal replied to pickledpepperRN's topic in Oncology

   I had to sound like cynical but, the Doctors are making a fortune by giving chemo on an op basis. 8-9 yrs ago it was being given in op setting in the hospitals, now nurses are mixing and giving it in the Drs offices. Chemo is "another drug", but the...

6. Frightening events during chemotherapy

   onco gal replied to pickledpepperRN's topic in Oncology

   No offense taken, however, it concerns me greatly to read that there are nurses out there that are caring for and being told to give chemo to our patient population. Frankly I do not think that ONS is doing much to elevate our certification and impo...

7. Frightening events during chemotherapy

   onco gal replied to pickledpepperRN's topic in Oncology

   I don't know how long you have been involved in nursing or oncology. I have been an oncology nurse for many years and have also worked bone marrow transplant and given chemo in the home. I am not out to prove anything. In addition, I am currently inv...

8. Frightening events during chemotherapy

   onco gal replied to pickledpepperRN's topic in Oncology

   I am an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN). This requires a minimum of 1000 hrs logged in Oncology nursing and at least 10 CEU credits to APPLY sit for the certification test by the Oncology Nursing Society. You have to pass the test to earn the certifi...

9. False Nails (Does it promote infection?)

   onco gal replied to bjweiland's topic in Safety

   I have seen terrible fungal infections that have grown under the fake nail disfiguring the "real nail bed". I personally do not wear them and would not. I feel the same way about artificial nails as I do about strong perfume and excessive jewelry. ...

10. Frightening events during chemotherapy

    onco gal replied to pickledpepperRN's topic in Oncology

    Only certified oncology nurses should be hanging Chemo. I have seen severe allergic reactions even with the appropriate pre-meds. Taxol is especially notorious for this and we ususally have the crash cart outside the door as an added precaution.

11. Implantable Ports And Chemo

    onco gal replied to das's topic in Oncology

    Although it is against ONS policies, I have seen it done after dye studies confirm placement. However, I have also had lines that draw blood very well and were out of place!

12. Taking Call

    onco gal replied to Kansas_RN's topic in Safety

    At our hospital we are "flexed off" if they can't "float us to another unit, when our census is low. Rather than "flex" everyone, they ask if we will take call at $3/hr. If we are called in we are paid time and a half. But we are not on call for ...

13. Manager DICTATES what to do on your day off

    onco gal replied to nimbex's topic in Safety

    Isn't obvious to everyone that poor management is driving people out of nursing. There will continue to be a shortage unless hospital's hire MANAGERS. Promoting the good ole girl system is creating havoc in our hospitals. We have the same problem ...