sandygator BSN, RN

sandygator is a BSN, RN and specializes in Pediatrics, ICU, Dialysis.

Latest Activity

1. This isn't the hospice I used to know

   sandygator replied to jeannepaul's topic in Hospice

   The fact that there was SO much fraud in Hospice has prompted CMS to take a closer look at and beef up regulations concerning Hospice care. Unfortunately, they have gone overboard with their regulations (as per usual when the government is involved)....

2. Career change from ICU to Hospice

   sandygator replied to ecresn's topic in Hospice

   I was CN in a large University Hospital PICU for 20 years. I am now a CHPN in an 18 bed inpatient Hospice Facility for nearly 5 years. Talk about 180 degrees! I was ready for this change, but even so, it took some adjustment. As one responder said, l...

3. Average Patient Ratio

   sandygator replied to souleater11's topic in Hospice

   I work in an 18 bed house. 2 LPNs And 1 RN mostly, depending on census. Sometimes just 2 nurses, usually 2 cnas.

4. sandostatin AND laxative?

   sandygator posted a topic in Hospice

   I am a relatively new (3 years) Hospice nurse but have nearly 40 yrs nursing under my belt. Enough to know how to research meds. It is my understanding that Octreotide reduces both bowel motility and production of secretions and we use it to decrease...

5. questions about a hospice care agency job

   sandygator replied to treeye's topic in Agency

   I have been a nurse for 37 years. The first 10 as an LPN. Most of my positions have been in the field of pediatrics, mostly ICU in large University Medical centers. I retied complete "burned out" When I wanted to return to work I started with an agen...

6. Tips For Surviving Nursing: The Trauma Of Caring

   sandygator replied to sandygator's topic in General Nursing

   heelgal, Thank you so much for sharing. I hope it lightened your burden. My prayers are with you.

7. Tips For Surviving Nursing: The Trauma Of Caring

   sandygator replied to sandygator's topic in General Nursing

   clayah, The problem of substance abuse among nurses is, I am sure, much more prevalent that most people realize. I would think it's largely self-medication of undiagnosed depressive states as was my case. The rehab center at which I was an inpatient ...

8. Quitting smoking.. for real this time.

   sandygator replied to tachybradyRN's topic in Recovery

   Allimariee, I read your post celebrating 2 years of sobriety..that's wonderful!! People tole me that if I could give up alcohol I could certainly give up smoking...boy are they clueless. I did, however, use an AA slogan to finally quit after trying e...

9. My name is Alli.. and I'm an addict.

   sandygator replied to tachybradyRN's topic in Recovery

   Alli et al, Welcome, congrats, and talk anytime you need to! Sandy

10. PTSD- Am I alone??

    sandygator replied to strugglingnurse's topic in Disabilities

    Dear RN, I am struggling now with so many effects from my not working...money, guilt..mainly. I started out with a counselor thru work (EAP) but did not find her helpful, then went to a Psychiatrist who only wanted to give me pills, with no counselin...

11. Tips For Surviving Nursing: The Trauma Of Caring

    sandygator posted a topic in General Nursing

    Today I remembered a 4 yr old... lifeless, so pale, except for the bruises which covered his body. I remember so vividly the parent who angrily confessed that "the boy just refused to walk right"...so he beat him to death. I thought about the terror ...

12. PTSD- Am I alone??

    sandygator replied to strugglingnurse's topic in Disabilities

    I'm pretty sure my first post here was maybe in 1997...as a newly recovering addict. After 34 years in this profession, mostly in PICU and nearly 98% pediatrics, I realized today that I am indeed traumatized by my past. I came online looking to see i...

13. Share Your Funniest Patient Stories...

    sandygator replied to Trvln Nurse's topic in Humor

    In the early 80's I was working in a Miami Hosp in CCU. I was taking care of an intubated young black male who had the most forceful productive cough I've ever seen..when I would disconnect the ett to suction him he would cough huge luggies all over ...

14. Nurses Who Are Drug Addicts

    sandygator replied to jill48's topic in Safety

    Originally Posted by burn out This is why I do not like to work with nor do I think rehabiliated drug users need to be floor nurses. I am a recovering addict/alcoholic, and a 33 year veteran of nursing. Celebrating 10 years of sobriety, thank God fo...

15. Eating healthy on 21 dollars per week...

    sandygator replied to HM2VikingRN's topic in Activism

    htp://www.townhall.com