bahamagirl

Latest Activity

1. Visiting Hours

   bahamagirl replied to redwolf's topic in MICU

   We have a locked unit so that every visitor must phone before coming into visit. We don't allow visitation between shift change (0645-0745 and 1845-1945). We also don't allow visitation during rounds in the morning. Is is only two per bedside and ...

2. Sepsis protocol?

   bahamagirl replied to cardiac.cure03's topic in MICU

   Hello The sepsis six pack is early goal directed therapy that entails fluid to keep cvp greater than 12, pressors, xigris, steroids, antibiotics and cultures. If you read the River's Trial it is good article on treating sepsis.

3. Sepsis protocol?

   bahamagirl replied to cardiac.cure03's topic in MICU

   We don't have a protocol at our hospital but we follow the SEPSIS SIX PACK recommendations. We have had successful outcomes using this as a tool. I think the most important is early recognition and early treatment. I think there needs to be more e...

4. Family: The Monitor Monsters

   bahamagirl replied to Nurse-o-Matic's topic in MICU

   I should clarify alittle. I believe that families have every right to know what is going on with their loved one. I tell families what I look for on a monitor i.e. blood pressure and heart rate and what the rationale for why we do things, but I fee...

5. Giving/Getting Report

   bahamagirl replied to Lorilei-RN-in05's topic in MICU

   Giving report can be a little tricky when you first start out. It needs to be clear and concise as well as organized. I always start by stating the name and age, diagnosis, past medical history and what brought the patient to the unit. Then report...

6. PDA's and the ICU

   bahamagirl replied to Rivs's topic in MICU

   There is hospital in our area that started using blackberries as a tool for communication. Each nurse has one as well as the doctors. They email the doctor and get a reply in a timely fashion instead of calling and waiting for the phone to ring. A...

7. burnout?

   bahamagirl replied to dietcokeRN's topic in MICU

   I believe that we are no good to our patients if we get too involved in the emotional side. Emotion can sometimes cloud our judgment. We are their to save the patient and not to cry with the family. I care very much about my patients and do my abs...

8. Family members as patients on your unit

   bahamagirl replied to KAW1962's topic in General Nursing

   I work in an icu and my cousin required admission for septic shock. I never expected any preferential treatment but in our unit it is something we just do for one another. I never asked for labs and imaging reports but everyone went the extra mile....

9. Family: The Monitor Monsters

   bahamagirl replied to Nurse-o-Matic's topic in MICU

   I tell the family who are oogling the monitor and who panick with every alarm that they shouldn't get concerned until I get concerned. I also hesitate on the teaching aspect because everything is relative. Yes the blood pressure is better but I've ...

10. Inventions we'd love to see....

    bahamagirl replied to Nurse-o-Matic's topic in General Nursing

    I would love to see a drive up ct scanner. No moving the 300 plus pt with a vent and 10 iv's. You just drive up, scan and your done. And an automated answering service that the families can call and get an update. Press one for John Doe, "You...

11. If you could change on aspect of nursing.

    bahamagirl replied to AMBERRN2B's topic in General Nursing

    I would like more staffing but I would not give up some of my pay. Why should we sacrifice our pay??? Staffing is a necessary tool to improve patient care and outcomes and reduce stress and injury. How often do you see an office worker give up som...

12. ICU RN's responsible for CRRT or CVVH

    bahamagirl replied to graciev's topic in MICU

    We also set up, maintain and troubleshoot our crrt machines. Thank the lord for citrate because it saves alot of time and headaches trying to save a filter. We staff our patients 1:1 and given a one day class on crrt. We always have a pt. on it so...

13. Recently Transferred in IMCU, ready to transfer back OUT!!!

    bahamagirl replied to AtlantaRN's topic in MICU

    It sounds like you have a very good head on your shoulders and that this unit could use someone like you. I started in a very difficult unit and the nurses gave me a hard time. I stuck with it and let no one walk over me. My advice would be to sti...

14. NY State may require nurses to obtain 4-year degrees

    bahamagirl replied to Brian's topic in ADN/BSN

    I am a nurse in Canada where it now required to have a degree in the nursing field. However anyone who has graduated before 2005 is grandfathered. It has both pros and cons. I think it will give the nursing profession more of a proffessional face ...

15. Infection Control

    bahamagirl replied to oreocookie's topic in General Nursing

    That use to happen to me all the time until we got lopez valves. They fit on any type of ng or peg tubes. It is a three way valve with a stop cock. This eliminates you having to disconnect the tube feed from the ng. You just slide your syringe in...