Is there a "nursing for dummies" type book?

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Sometimes I find myself going blank as what I should do for care. Obviously chocking, and unresponsive comes easy. But I wish there was a quick reference book of what I should do if someone is more lethargic than normal. Stuff like that..

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Google would fit that category

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We're not allowed to have phones

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
We're not allowed to have phones

Oh well, you're out of luck!! If it makes you feel any better, all of us have wished for a nursing for dummies "save me now" quick reference guide.:woot:

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If there is, I wouldn't recommend using it.

Please speak to your manager/supervisor about resources approved for your area and other educational opportunities of which you may be able to avail yourself.

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

I recommend these books. They are the best I've found so far and are very well laid out and easy to understand:

Signs and Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses (2-in-1 Reference for Nurses Series): 9781582553184: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

Assessment: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses (2-in-1 Reference for Nurses Series): 9781582553191: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

Pharmacology: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses (2-in-1 Reference for Nurses Series): 978158255327: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

Fluids & Electrolytes Made Incredibly Easy! (Incredibly Easy! Series®): 9781683129: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

Anatomy & Physiology Made Incredibly Easy (Incredibly Easy! Series®): 9781496359162: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

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Where are you working? What type of work do you do? What are some examples of times when your mind went blank?

I do feel like I "go blank" when confronted with a potentially serious situation. I finally picked the top three situations where I think I blank out, (hopefully my perception is not a reality?), and made small laminated cheat cards I carry with me at work.

If you could give some specific examples we may be able to help you more.

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Practice, practice, practice.

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I work in LTC. Sometimes when a resident is acting lethargic, I forget what should I do. I mean I realize that maybe I should see if they're on a narc, if they've eaten, maybe blood work, but I wish I had a lay out, like a check list of things to do

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I work in LTC. Sometimes when a resident is acting lethargic, I forget what should I do. I mean I realize that maybe I should see if they're on a narc, if they've eaten, maybe blood work, but I wish I had a lay out, like a check list of things to do

Are you a nurse? A recent grad?

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Recent grad

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

Have you done BLS? What was the first thing they taught you? ABCs! Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

Are they breathing on their own? No --> Start CPR

Are they breathing but their BP is low? Yes --> Put on 02 and start IV fluids (with an order), call a Rapid Response and/or a physician

If they are breathing and their vitals are ok, do a neuro exam. Establish their GCS. Take a blood sugar. Look at what meds they've been given in the last hour. Call the physician.

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