ICUNurseCline

ICUNurseCline specializes in ICU.

Latest Activity

1. Critical Care question about nursing experience

   ICUNurseCline replied to RACH22689's topic in CCU

   I started in ICU right out of school in a small hospital. My advice is seek out as much clinical time in an ICU as possible, and search for jobs for new grads in ICU. They are usually posted in Jan or Feb and Jun or july. Then you will be able to tel...

2. The Case Against Breastfeeding

   ICUNurseCline replied to EffJay's topic in Ob/Gyn

   Thanks for posting that article. I found it enlightening. As a working mother of a 4 month-old, I have to say that pumping at work can be a strain and I have never found it relaxing. I am a nurse, so as all you other nurses out there know, time isn't...

3. Tampanode Precautions after pulling epicardial pacer wires

   ICUNurseCline replied to cruisin_woodward's topic in CCU

   I stated myself incorrectly. CT's go into the pleural space, yes, but the pleural space is not the same thing as the pericardial sac. It would still be a different anatomical space.

4. How often do you document...

   ICUNurseCline replied to NeosynephRN's topic in MICU

   We are on q4 hours. If you are concerned about one particular assessment finding, it's cover-your-butt and document to the hilt. We do VS q 1 hour or q 15 for any drip. If I feel unsure I automatically do VS q 15min just to be safe. If I were you, I'...

5. How do all the experienced ICU nurses feel about....

   ICUNurseCline replied to student200977's topic in MICU

   Mommy of three, Know where your policy manual is or where they are on your facility intranet. You don't have to have all the answers, just know how to find them. You can always reply, " I am not sure. This is my first week, but I know that SoandSo co...

6. Need opinions/advice for a new grad job...

   ICUNurseCline replied to csm99's topic in CCU

   The cath lab will be there later. Start working nights in the CVICU and learn all the ins and outs of the cardiac patient. Then, if you want a change, seek out a job in the cath lab. I agree that cath lab is a "sweet deal" only if it's sweet to you.

7. Tampanode Precautions after pulling epicardial pacer wires

   ICUNurseCline replied to cruisin_woodward's topic in CCU

   Um, chest tubes go into the lung. Tamponade occurs around the heart. I don't see how a chest tube does a bit of good for tamponade. Unless it's a unique chest tube that somehow got put into the pleural sac. And I doubt that's ever happened.

8. I still feel lost- any suggestions?

   ICUNurseCline replied to beyondmeasure's topic in MICU

   I feel the same way sometimes. I am in a MSICU and it's my first job. Focus on the positive moments. School only teaches us enough to keep us from really hurting someone. We don't have to have all the answers, we just have to know how to find them. L...

9. How much lifting does an ICU nurse do?

   ICUNurseCline replied to newyorkgrrrrrrrrrrrl's topic in MICU

   A ton. No pun intended. We usually don't have a CNA, so its us RN's who do all the lifting and turning.

10. Any great ICUs out there?

    ICUNurseCline replied to ItsTime's topic in MICU

    I did 3 weeks of clinicals on Neurosurgical ICU at WFU Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem NC. I had a wonderful experience and learned a lot. The manager was very organized and helpful. Most of the staff were eager to teach, and the docs were al...

11. Computer documentation

    ICUNurseCline replied to mrsrn's topic in MICU

    I use powerchart. It took a while to get used to it, but now that I have, I love it. I think it provides better continuity of care across all disciplines. I agree with a previous response: CHANGE IS GOOD. Not only that, but the ONLY constant in healt...

12. How do all the experienced ICU nurses feel about....

    ICUNurseCline replied to student200977's topic in MICU

    Dorie, I highly respect the med surg nurses that work in my facility. If I got floated to their floor, I'd just die. We had one sent to us to help us out one busy night, and she made all the difference. But with all due respect, a nurse should be tau...

13. How do all the experienced ICU nurses feel about....

    ICUNurseCline replied to student200977's topic in MICU

    I am a new grad myself, may 08. I cannot provide the experienced point of view, but I'll give you my 2 cents worth anyway. I started in ICU, but I came in with a VA internship in MICU for a year and clinicals in 2 different ICU's under my belt. And e...

14. MD's losing/lost trust in RN's

    ICUNurseCline replied to JeffTheRN's topic in MICU

    I think your manager should be aware of this. It is an issue which needs to be addresses, but if you address it yourself, you will be putting yourself in the middle of a gossipy, sticky situation. Your manager should know the proper channels through ...