Nursing Blogs

from VickyRN - Baccalaureate degrees in nursing include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Bachelor of Science with a major in nursing (BScN). These degrees are customarily 4 years in duration and make up the second most common entry level into registered nursing. Registered nurses graduating with a baccalaureate degree make up 30.5% of new...

from traumaRUs - Per IL scope of practice, an adult health CNS can only see pts over the age of 16. So, those of us that see patients in an ER or urgent care setting need a second APN certificate to see children. Since its been 4 years since I got my MSN and my classes are going to be expiring soon so now is the time. There are multiple routes you can choose: ...

from traumaRUs - Families are the basic unit of our society. One of the most stressful events in a family occurs when a member has a health crisis and comes to the emergency department. Family presence is often the only comfort these families can provide to their loved one who is seriously ill or critically injured. Families should be allowed to remain...

from sirI - Here are frequently asked questions about the role of the Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC). (1) Realistically what type of person/personality does it take to be an LNC? One must be dedicated and persistent. Possess the ability to interpret accurately, the medical record. Be willing to spend countless hours pouring over a medical record (one...

from VivaLasViejas - Since so many of you have enjoyed my nursing-home stories, I thought I'd offer character studies of some of the more colorful "characters" I've had the privilege of caring for over the years. This one is about Ed, the crusty curmudgeon of "ear WAX!" fame from "Elders Say the Darnedest Things". Without revealing too many personal details, let us...

from SteveRN21 - Revolutionizing Neonatal Transport- Where do we find ourselves? As neonatal intensive care nurses and nurse practitioners, how often do we reevaulate where our critical care transport programs stand in relation to others worldwide? Current research in NICUs across the nation focuses on new medications, treatments for old trolls such as chronic...

from VickyRN - Everyone in graduate school has experienced it – the "dreaded" research paper assignment. The deadline is closing in like a freight train and you are procrastinating. What can you do to break the inertia? First of all, prepare the "shell" of your paper per whatever style your program requires (usually APA or MLA). My college, like most nursing...

from VickyRN - The CNE credential must be renewed after five years. To apply for recertification, the applicant may choose one of two options: Option 1: Option 2: During the 5-year period of recertification, at least 50 activities should be documented, if one chooses Option 1. This whole process seems rather complicated and laborious. I think I...

from VickyRN - The recession has definitely left its mark on universities and community colleges. Funding is being slashed, educators' salaries are frozen, faculty workloads are increasing, supplies are in short demand, and fear and uncertainty abound. The State Constitution of North Carolina requires a balanced budget each year (unlike our federal...

from VickyRN - “Oh no, not another PowerPoint presentation!” you mutter softly to yourself as you slip into a seat in the back of the dark auditorium. Unfortunately, your worst expectations come true. The presenter mechanically clicks through an insufferable number of slides during the longest 90 minutes of your life, reading each slide in a nasal monotone...

from VivaLasViejas - I don't know who said it first, but when I was a kid I heard adults quote this line until I was heartily sick of it: "If I'd known I was going to get this old, I'd have taken better care of myself". Psssssst......hey, you! Could you loan me some Advil till payday? It never occurs to us when we're young that someday we'll be fifty years old,...

from VivaLasViejas - .........and when to fold 'em too. One of the few physical advantages of the over-50 body is its ability to say No to excesses---of food and drink, of stress, of too many long, hard shifts in a row. It's only when respecting those limits conflicts with the reality of nursing, where self-sacrifice is often the order of the day, that guilt rears...

from VivaLasViejas - Ever hear that expression, "lowering the boom"? It's pretty descriptive of the way I felt tonight when my dear, sweet DON told me, ever so gently, that I might want to be prepared for lean times ahead: Our census has been dropping for weeks, and the numbers aren't going up any time in the foreseeable future; ergo, nursing hours are about to be...