CTnuse

Latest Activity

1. Monitoring patients on heparin

   CTnuse posted a topic in CCU

   What is your protocol on monitoring APTTs on patients with heparin gtts? Do you differentiate between standard nomagram and a modified nomagram. I have seen too many people bleed or develop large hematomas because thier APTT has not been checked for ...

2. Pain management in Post-CABG patients

   CTnuse replied to MeganWoods's topic in CCU

   In our CTICU we use mainly Morphine and Ketorolac for those who do not have GI complications. If they are onthe early extubation pathway, Morphine 4-6 mg/iv and Fentanyl 50-100mcg (depending on size) x3. Once extubated, morphine until taking po well...

3. What are the "big rocks" in your life?

   CTnuse replied to betts's topic in General Nursing

   I love that story!! Our professor read that to us the first day of class (I am about to graduate from a modular BSN program in NY) It set the tome for the rest of the courses. It is also a great thing to live by. My Big Rocks are my family!

4. Wages and incentives

   CTnuse replied to wendyssmile's topic in General Nursing

   I totally agree!!!!! More money is spent on sign on bonuses, travelers and in-house agency! A lot of these nurses take these jobs because they pay more. Hello!! What is that telling you? Why doesn't administration get it?

5. telemetry transport

   CTnuse replied to jmsteinberg's topic in General Nursing

   I think if the nurse and the physician agree that this is a stable patient than tele is not needed. First you always treat the patient, not the rhythm. Denise

6. limiting visitors

   CTnuse replied to laurel schultz's topic in General Nursing

   I violate our visiting policy all thie time. We have set times inour unit. I explain that I will allow visitors as long as the unit is quiet, they do not get in the way and the patient is stable. I also tell my visitors that not all the nurses are...

7. IABP Removal

   CTnuse replied to BJRN76's topic in CCU

   Wow that is really murky water. I work in a Cardiothoracic ICU and we see our fair share of balloons. Our surgeons always d/c the balloon, hold pressure for ~5 minutes (sometimes using the Syvek Patch) then pass the responsibility to the PA/NP on d...

8. Handwashing

   CTnuse replied to CTnuse's topic in General Nursing

   NurseDennie - I totally agree with you that after several times of using the ETOH rub it builds up. That is when i do use the chlorohydrate soap and water. As far as the germs on the bottles, these are in dispensers on the wall as recommended by ...

9. Handwashing

   CTnuse replied to CTnuse's topic in General Nursing

   I am doing a practicum project for my BSN degree and chose handwashing as the subject. The literature is full of pros for the alcohol based handwashing agents especially if placed at the bedside. I implemented this product in my ICU at each bedside...

10. Traveling Nurses

    CTnuse replied to CTnuse's topic in General Nursing

    ratchit, I work in a cardiothoracic ICU and yes we do use travelers and they have helped out trmendously. The staff is getting frustrated because they are getting big bucks and do not admit frsh hearts or have them until at least 24 hours out. The...

11. becoming a nurse

    CTnuse replied to nate's topic in General Nursing

    My husband had open heart surgery at the age of 34 to replace his aortic valve. After the surgery he developed arrythmia problems and to make a long story short (and weeks in the intensive care) I appreciated the way the nurses cared for him AND me ...

12. Traveling Nurses

    CTnuse posted a topic in General Nursing

    I have a question! What do you think of the use of traveling nurses in the intensive care area? Your feed back is greatly appreciated.

13. Handwashing

    CTnuse posted a topic in General Nursing

    What do you think of alcohol based handwashing agents as an alternative for soap and water?