Back in the day......

[meanmaryjean]

I was regaling a new grad the other night as to how things have changed in the 35+ years since I became a nurse.

She was appalled to hear that:

Gloves were for surgery. Only. Yes, we cleaned up messes and changed dressings/ started IVs with our bare hands

The only 'treatment' for hypoplastic left heart was to place the baby in the mother's arms.

We mixed our own TPN.

Benadryl and ibuprofen were only available with a prescription.

PLEASE share you 'back in the day' stories!

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I still see barium enemas. My son actually had several in Houston, Texas, within the last 10 years.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Grande dame? I'm a grande dame? (even a smilie face doesn't completely blunt the pointed end :) ) (but thanks)

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Grande dame? I'm a grande dame? (even a smilie face doesn't completely blunt the pointed end :) ) (but thanks)

Oh come now, grande dame is French for "great lady", right?

Admittedly, the line between "light heartedly facetious" and "snarky sarcastic" can be a thin one.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I know what it means. :) I'm flattered, I think. So now I'm looking about for my big hat with the plumes and ribbons. I've got one here somewhere!

:: putting on Traviata for atmosphere ::

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Grande dame? I'm a grande dame? (even a smilie face doesn't completely blunt the pointed end :) ) (but thanks)

i hear you sista :

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Don't forget your parasol and opera glasses.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

brandon, we going have ta hurt yo:sarcastic:

[JBudd, MSN]

now now GrnTea, it is just a polite way of saying "crusty old bat"

(she said as she continued crocheting her snood)

[DoGoodThenGo]

*Back in the day* when there was a "shortage of nurses"....

CUNY to Add Teachers to Nurse Program - NYTimes.com

[DoGoodThenGo]

I know what it means. :) I'm flattered, I think. So now I'm looking about for my big hat with the plumes and ribbons. I've got one here somewhere!

:: putting on Traviata for atmosphere ::

Kind of had this in mind: see 4:51 to end. *LOL*

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Paregoric. (sp?!) That I think was liquid opium. Used for all sorts of things, from teething to diarrhea.

And another one I can't spell Ergaphine (Irgaphine???) The cream that "drew out" splinters......

Castor oil, and MOM for any or all kids who did not have a daily BM, as every illness or complaint under the sun was due to not having a BM.....

[KCMnurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Paregoric. (sp?!) That I think was liquid opium. Used for all sorts of things, from teething to diarrhea.

And another one I can't spell Ergaphine (Irgaphine???) The cream that "drew out" splinters......

Castor oil, and MOM for any or all kids who did not have a daily BM, as every illness or complaint under the sun was due to not having a BM.....

Truly - and many a hospital stay was prolonged because of it...