twarlik

twarlik specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.

Latest Activity

1. How soon to give a prn??

   twarlik replied to candycane267's topic in General Nursing

   I'll give PRN about 30 minutes early if needed. However, with pain meds I try to see if the patient's pain is really being controlled. If a pt is consistently needing pain meds early, then I'm on the phone to the doc to see if a change can be made.

2. Computer charting-what do you think?

   twarlik replied to RNperdiem's topic in General Nursing

   I assume you don't have computers at the bedside? We have a computer in every pt room and just chart as we go. No need to write anything down; just chart what you do when you do it. Sounds like your hospital's system is a bit flawed.

3. Computer charting-what do you think?

   twarlik replied to RNperdiem's topic in General Nursing

   I've done both and prefer computerized charting. I think it makes information much more readily available for everyone to access; our physicians are able to pull up vitals and assessments from their offices now. I can actually chart a full assessment...

4. New Grad - Big Decision!

   twarlik replied to KrisssyKrisRN's topic in New Nurse

   Who are "they"? Yes, day shift is busier. You also have much more support and resources that new grads need.

5. New Grad - Big Decision!

   twarlik replied to KrisssyKrisRN's topic in New Nurse

   Is the night shift job a 12 hour shift? I worked 12 hour nights for two years and loved it. I think the majority of people can adjust to nights with little difficulty. Remember that there are many other differences between working nights and days ot...

6. Work and Nursing School - is it possible?

   twarlik replied to gnomik79's topic in New Nurse

   I worked 20-30 hours/week while in nursing school. It if definitely doable. I second the opinion of one poster who suggested working in a hospital if possible. I worked as a nurse tech and got invaluable experience. Of course, having a 19 month year ...

7. First two weeks on the floor...

   twarlik replied to KyPinkRN's topic in New Nurse

   What sort of things were you doing for her? Were they things like fluffing her pillow and filling her water pitcher, or more serious tasks? I've found that those "time consumers" often benefit from having me make strict hourly rounds. I tell them wh...

8. How do you get the courage to work overtime?

   twarlik replied to RNJayhawk's topic in New Nurse

   I can certainly understand. I work 40 hour weeks as well and am usually hesitant to pick up overtime for the same reason. I just love my days off too much! Are you able to work half shifts? Sometimes I will stay for the first 4 hours of evening shift...

9. Nervous!! Advice please!

   twarlik replied to flygirls2's topic in New Nurse

   If you ever stop asking questions or get to the point that you think you know everything, that's when I would start to be concerned. You're going to have a huge learning curve this first year. Soak up as much information as you can. Find an experienc...

10. What Do You Do....

    twarlik replied to abundantjoy07's topic in New Nurse

    Good answers, TxPonyChic. I would add that for the 2nd question (low BP), I would first look at the patient and see how they're doing. Are they walking around and doing fine, or are they feeling faint? How does this blood pressure look when compared ...

11. When you don't know the answer.. what do you say?

    twarlik replied to flygirls2's topic in New Nurse

    All excellent answers! Don't ever be afraid to tell a patient or family member that you don't have the answer to their question. Better to be honest with them than try to fake it and give them incorrect information. I think most people will apprecia...

12. Is Joint Commission more hindrance than help?

    twarlik replied to oldiebutgoodie's topic in General Nursing

    The Joint Commission no longer announces its visits. Hospitals are given a window of time in which they could be visited (usually several months). This is suppose to keep hospitals in a state of "continual readiness". Not sure how effective it will b...

13. Single patient use BP cuffs

    twarlik replied to sharann's topic in General Nursing

    Have you done a literature search? There was a recent article in Nursing Management regarding a hospital which was able to drastically reduce the spread of MRSA through a new infection control program. I don't think that the use of disposable blood p...

14. My family is getting tired...

    twarlik replied to BookwormRN's topic in General Nursing

    As someone who is responsible for putting together my unit's schedule, I can certainly sympathize with the position your manager is in. I know at my hospital, it is quite a lengthy process even getting new positions posted, not to mention actually fi...

15. Meds before dialysis?

    twarlik replied to gospursgo07's topic in General Nursing

    I don't think you did anything wrong. Generally, we always hold medications prior to dialysis unless the MD states otherwise. This is especially true for blood pressure medications. I agree with the one poster who suggested calling the dialysis nurse...