Custom badge buddy/reference suggestions

[Murse901]

I'm thinking about making a badge buddy/cheat sheet to clip onto my badge with some quick reference material. So far, I can only come up with the following:

* Glasgow Coma Scale (I just can't get it memorized)

* Normal pediatric VS ranges (we don't get a ton of peds, and I don't like to guess)

* Common pedi drug doses as well as emergency drug doses

Does anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks!

[Frizbeeboy]

I think this is a really good idea. I have a badge card that I write notes down on and keep the info with me. I like having it on my badge so I dont forget it. I tend to leave pocket guides in my locker. I have also been known to put a password or two down on these and code them in such a way that someone wouldnt know what it means. Great idea.

[TheCoppertop]

I did that a lot as a new nurse. I found myself looking on the cards a lot so then I started a game, I'd answer it myself, then check the card to be sure, and soon I didn't need pedi vs, celcius/fahrenheit conversions, etc anymore. Its a good way to learn. I'd still be lost w/o phone numbers though!

[Frizbeeboy]

Yeh having the phone numbers is huge. I feel like there are some things that you just cant memorize. Phone numbers tend to be a moving target. Most of them stay the same but there is always a new one every few months. Or someone leaves and they give the new person a fresh phone number. As a new grad I remember multiple times thinking that I waste so much time asking people what an extension was or trying to find the right phone number. I really like the badge reference card idea.

[ecerrn]

The blaslow tape has all the info you need for peds, carry it in your pocket. Other things you can take the time to look up.

[WRNCEN]

I would recommend a pocket designed book. Many nurses I know use the critical care or trauma pocket notes, if your fairly new to practice this info is quite helpful to have in print since your unable to use the technology of your phone. Check the ENA website out they may have some.

I am disgusted with the fact that facilities still ban the use of our hand held technology at the bedside. Being courteous and explaining to the patient what you are doing I have found to be very positive and the patient is appreciative. We should not be expected to know everything especially in emergency nursing since there is such a variety. Sorry off my soap box now!

[Peri-Op_Nurse]

Other important "Badge Buddy" information - VTE and Stroke Core Measures and the new Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock protocols

[chylerlove]

[COLOR=#000000][/COLOR]I lovebadge buddies for a quick reference! Between the ones I made and those providedfor me in the ED I work at, I accumulated too many to put on a badge! Now mostof us keep our laminated "pocket references" on a ring (like peopleuse for index cards and such). Here's a breakdown of what I find handy:

On my badge:

Phone numbers

All the stuff required by TJC takes up so much room that the #s are all I keepon the badge

On my pocket ref key ring:

Tube/Specimen collection reference (especially helpful for those labs you drawthat aren't as common; just make sure you use info from YOUR hospital becausethey differ from place to place when it comes to color, putting certain ones onice, using a tourniquet, etc.)

A laminated ruler (the small ones that comes with the TED hose are a good size)

our trauma specs (i.e. what makes someone a mechanism page out, a 922 or 911,etc.)

Dilution Specs (like how much Lidocaine to dilute certain grams/mg or abx forIM injection)

RSI drugs

Hope that helps!

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[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

What about common dosages for drugs/drips including max dosages? (propofol, fentanyl, versed, cardizem, cardene, NTG, etc...)

Phone numbers are always handy. The ones I seem to use the most are lab, blood bank, nursing supervisor, charge nurse (if you guys carry phones) & radiology.