HELP a nursing student out!

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

For a group presentation on Evidence Based Practice, I would like to incorporate how a then vs now scenario to show how, through research, what we do as nurses changes.

For instance how you used to (do would care, catheterize, ect). I don't need what you do now or what research has gone into make that change. Just something used to do that isn't done any more. I can fill the rest in.

Thanks so much. For any help

jme

[iNurseUK, RN]

Well this goes back to the Dark Ages but I can remember using Eusol and liquid paraffin on infected wounds until research proved that this actually slowed down the wound healing process.

What else? Re-using a giving set three times for intermittent IV infusions (like Flagyl for example) proved to be a very bad idea by research and that was stopped.

Leaving cannulas in situ for more than a week used to be standard practice. Now they are left in no longer than 72 hours UNLESS it is to deliver chemotherapy (sole exception) that was a research-based change too.

Not sure how much use this is to you as I am English and practice in Canada may be different but good luck with your presentation.

[nurseygrrl, LPN]

A good topic would be infection control. When handwashing came about, use of gloves, universal precautions, disposal of sharps, and now safety needles. How it has all changed over the years. Good luck!

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

Urine tests for sugar before giving Insulin . Remember? 1+, 2+ , 3+, 4+ depending on what colour the urine turned after you added tablets. Trying to determine if the colour was a 2+ or a 3+.

Glucometers are so much easier!

[JulVaccRN, BSN]

a clinical instructor told us that when she was a young nurse, they were told not to use gloves while changing an ostomy bag because it would make the patient "feel bad." How times have changed!

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

a very new one is that my unit does not test the balloon when preparing a foley cath. apparently new research shows this leads to more infections.

[FloridaGatorRN]

a clinical instructor told us that when she was a young nurse, they were told not to use gloves while changing an ostomy bag because it would make the patient "feel bad." How times have changed!

OMG that is like damn disgusting haha.. I am sorry I dont care how "bad it makes you feel"... I am not risking touching your poop with my bare hands.. I have a family thank you very much! Wow... it is amazing how times have changed!

[CloudySue]

Hmm, how about keeping track of narcs! My aunt, back in the 60's, used to help herself to anything she wanted. She had a drug problem for a long time. She's not with us anymore.

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

a very new one is that my unit does not test the balloon when preparing a foley cath. apparently new research shows this leads to more infections.

This is my hospital's new policy. My understanding is that testing the ballon could cause it to fail while in the patient.

[Riseupandnurse]

We used to do gastric lavage for GI bleeds. Now they just go to endoscopy right away. Also used to routinely put pt's with low b/p in Trendelenberg. Not supposed to do that any more; ashamed to say I can't remember why.

[UpinawayRN]

Used BETADINE for every wound, tear. Oh, and heatlamps to decubs..and feeding pts with 60cc syringes. (pretty sure you could go to jail for this now) vest restraints ..heck, any restraint that had to be tied to keep pt from falling..sure were a lot less falls though(yes it is cruel in hindsight)

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

There was another thread on this you might find really interesting

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nursing-old-fashioned-519478.html

a bunch of us old girls were sharing the good ole days!

and another that may help

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/what-some-questionable-517785.html

good luck :)