Can I bring books to the floor to help with my learning

suzanne4, RN · Aug 14, 2005

Sure, you can bring your book, but unfortunately you are not going to have much time to use it if you are in a regualr LTC with a large patient load. You would be better off looking up the different things when you are at home and can think clearly. Most of your patients are there for some time...........

Happy-ER-RN, RN · Aug 14, 2005

I sometimes bring 3 or 4 books with me every day. I bring a little emergency/critical care flip book that has EVERYTHING in it, a bunch of flip cards on a ring with all the ER protocols, sometimes a drug book, and often something that I can look through in case it is slow--like how to read 12 leads. I think it's a great way to learn to look things up as you go, otherwise I know I will never remember to look up everything I was wondering about when I get home.

suzanne4, RN · Aug 14, 2005

Unfortunately in the LTC setting, there are usually around thirty patients that you are responsible for, so there isn't the down time like the ER. All of their meds, treatments, etc. So the time usually isn't there to review every diagnosis.

MissJoRN, RN · Aug 14, 2005

I have a book called "Mosby's Pediatric Nursing Reference" Maybe there is a Geri equivalent? Diseases are organized in ABC order and include just a short outline of important facts, easy to use when you're busy! And easy to keep on your med cart.

ClaireMacl · Aug 18, 2005

When I first qualified, I kept a notebook in my pocket and noted down anything and everything I didn't understand, then went home and scoured through Mosby's etc. Taking books to work is a good idea, sadly I think the only time available to you to read up on things would be during your breaks!

mrs mac · Aug 18, 2005

I am a new LPN in a LTC facility. I have not found the person to go to for specific illness questions. I was wondering, can I bring my med-surg book on the floor? Would it be a problem to take time to read the book and do a case study on my residents?

something a very wise nurse taught is to have a hard covered note book that you write important things in that you need to remember eg pedi hr or primary or secondary survey facts. its very helpful as a quick reference point when you have got anybody to ask.

prmenrs, RN · Aug 18, 2005

I think Claire's idea is the best. But you can also check the unit to see if they have books there.

mysticalwaters1 · Aug 18, 2005

I have a small handbook on med surg dx, and a lab/diagnostic book in my locker. I look at stuff at home. I do at work as well but not much b/c it's so busy. I have really used them with students. However if you take books I would not leave them overnight even if your name is on them especially leaving it there for weeks. I watch my books like a HAWK! I even feel uncomfortable with them on the unit just during my shift. I try to leave it in my locker but even that is difficult to run back look it up and back out on the floor. Sometimes the books somehow disappear, get lost, maybe thrown out... I really feal sometimes people take them home. Maybe some dont' realize it belongs to another. But my one coworker her name was all over several expensive med surg books. Well, all of them are gone now.

Cheyenne RN,BSHS · Aug 19, 2005

Originally Posted by raralpn

I am a new LPN in a LTC facility. I have not found the person to go to for specific illness questions. I was wondering, can I bring my med-surg book on the floor? Would it be a problem to take time to read the book and do a case study on my residents?

I found a much easier way to carry my med books and drug reference books by purchasing a Palm Os and then loading the programs into it that I need in my area of practice. I keep it in my pocket and it sure beats having to keep up with books, hoping no one else has "borrowed" them off the unit, or spend time away from the patient while I am hunting them. It doesn't get stolen like my Tabers and other texts I carried did since it stays in my pocket. It has been the best nsg tool invented since the stethoscope and pulse ox.