Let's share some nursing tips

[LindaGracie, ADN, BSN]

I was thinking the other night that we need to share techniques and tricks we have learned to complete nursing tasks more efficiently and effectively. I know I am not the only nurse who seems to struggle with successfully completing a nursing task. I'll share a couple of tricks of the trade I had to figure out on my own or observed someone else doing it successfully. Please share your tricks of the trade as well.

When getting a blood sample from the heal of an infant (preemie), prick the medial side of the foot just distal to the heel (at the base of the heel).

When inserting an NG tube into the nostril, don't aim the tube up but aim it straight back. It will go under the Inferior Nasal Concha back towards the throat rather than go up into the Nasal Conchas causing injury and nasal bleeding. It will take less time and be much less painful to the patient.

What are some of your tricks of the trade you have learned and want to share with other nurses?

[RNperdiem, RN]

Hydrogen peroxide poured onto fresh blood stains removes blood from fabric very well. First time I primed a rapid infuser, I hosed down some of my coworkers with blood, and I applied peroxide while apologizing. 

[T-Bird78]

As one of my nursing instructors phrased it, when administering a suppository, pinch those hiney cheeks closed as soon as you insert it!

When the pt won’t quit talking while trying to get vitals, that’s when you use the oral thermometer and keep it in there until the BP is obtained. I’ve been doing tympanic more frequently since COVID but will shove that thing in their mouth to get it to stop LOL. 

Always pee whenever you have the chance, even if you don’t think you need to.

 

[HarleyvQuinn, MSN, RN, NP]

On 9/7/2022 at 10:55 PM, LindaGracie said:

When getting a blood sample from the heal of an infant (preemie), prick the medial side of the foot just distal to the heel (at the base of the heel).

I'll add that you should use a heel warmer for infants prior to getting blood samples, especially if you're doing the newborn screening. Really helps to get the blood sample you need with less fuss. 

Any time you are opening the diaper of a male infant, always use the front of it to shield yourself from the potential spray. Once cold hits the little guy he is likely to pee if he hasn't already and, trust me, they hit across the room with that stream. 

Be careful when taking rectal temperatures on infants. It stimulates the rectum and you may get more than you bargained for. I've also seen some fascinating distances earned with feces from the tiny ones. 

Stand to the side when swabbing the throat, especially in children, and be prepared in case they vomit. Gag reflexes. 

Wear a mask with some sort of eye protection any time you are I&D/lancing something. Sometimes things go off like a volcano and no one wants that in their eyes. Just ask Dr. Pimple Popper. I also recommend this when doing digital blocks now, too, as I have had a resident accidentally spray me with lidocaine while numbing up for a toenail removal. 

Two masks with toothpaste/peppermint oil/other non-fragrance scent between them for exceedingly strong smelling scenarios. These include infected wounds, patients covered in feces, or c. diff. It just helps cut the smell while you do what you need to do. 

 

I'm sure there are a million more I can think of later. Probably associated with embarrassing or amusing stories. 

 

 

[Kitiger, RN]

Have your patient take a sip of water before you give them a pill to swallow.