SWAT_RN

Latest Activity

1. Maximal barrier precautions and PICCs

   SWAT_RN posted a topic in Infusion

   Someone help me understand this please! We are to follow the "new" maximal barrier precautions when inserting PICCs, full sterile head to toe drape for the pt., sterile gown, gloves, head cover and mask for the person placing the line. And we thoug...

2. AUTISM SPEAKS- You HAVE TO WATCH THIS!!

   SWAT_RN replied to kukukajoo's topic in General Nursing

   I have a son with ASD. Please demand that your congressperson support insurance parity bills which are pending in many states. Currently many of we working parents with insurance cannot afford to pay for the therapies that our children need. Fo...

3. measuring PICCs

   SWAT_RN replied to SWAT_RN's topic in Infusion

   I was taught to find the vein with US and mark the skin, then measure from the mark to the shoulder, then to MCL, then to the 3rd ICS. I've had the opportunity to assist with PICCs placed under fluro and I lust after that kind of accuracy!:bowingpur

4. Maximum barriers...argh!

   SWAT_RN replied to SWAT_RN's topic in Infusion

   Yeah I have that sign too, but still have problems with people coming in. I think I need a shotgun, or a loaded saline syringe...maybe I could shoot all tresspassers on sight...LOL!

5. Withdrawal of blood from piccs

   SWAT_RN replied to cannulation's topic in Infusion

   We no longer change caps after draws, have studies to support this practice. We use positive displacement caps and flush with 20ml non preserved saline after blood draws.

6. Maximum barriers...argh!

   SWAT_RN posted a topic in Infusion

   I understand the push toward maximum barrier use when inserting PICC lines (and other CVADs). Our IC nurse insists that I use a drape that will cover the pt. from head to toe, exposing only the small area needed to insert the PICC. I have been usin...

7. measuring PICCs

   SWAT_RN posted a topic in Infusion

   Hi everyone, I wanted to ask for any pointers in measuring a pt. for a PICC. We use Bard caths which are trimmed at the distal end, so once it's in, it's in. It seems that my insertions are like the 3 bears...first one is too long, second is too s...

8. bullies succeed?

   SWAT_RN replied to milani888's topic in General Nursing

   Where I work both bullies and whiners succeed. Closely following that are the brown nosers. It amazes me that those kinds of behaviors are rewarded.

9. Wedding band irritation

   SWAT_RN replied to confused101's topic in General Nursing

   I absolutely know that the alcohol gel ate the skin under my wedding band. I had blisters and actually denuded the area under my ring. When I approached my manager at the time about any alternate sanitizers, etc. she said, "maybe you shouldn't wear...

10. sleeping pills

    SWAT_RN posted a topic in General Nursing

    Hi all, I've been under tons of stress the past 6 months. Problems with hubby, kids, ex...and more. Been seeing a counselor who is gently prodding me to consider meds, specifically sleepers. I don't sleep well at all, maybe an hour or two, then I'...

11. Fake Nails on Nurses, Yay or Nay?

    SWAT_RN replied to Patience's topic in General Nursing

    I personally have very thin nails, they split and peel and curl up on the edges. They look and feel awful. I've tried all kinds of "treatments" without much sucess. And I work in a "no fake nails" policy place, therefore my split, peeling and bl...

12. If you could do it over again, would you choose nursing?

    SWAT_RN replied to jollyjenny's topic in General Nursing

    In all honesty, knowing then what I know now...probably not. What would I do instead? Maybe information technology, or business. Something that would have allowed me to make and keep a decent living and a family life. I wish I had back all the m...

13. Ohio Hospitals The Pay For Your Nursing Education

    SWAT_RN replied to jcalebsimmons's topic in Ohio

    Some of the smaller hosp. have loan repayment options, you sign on, they pay off your loans. It's a good deal unless you need to be in a big pond.

14. Picc Question...technique

    SWAT_RN replied to blsmom's topic in Infusion

    I've found that sometimes when the wire gets snagged up, the problem is the wire itself and not the needle or anything you are doing. Try a good quality floppy tipped wire, like a Nitinol and see if that doesn't solve your snagging issues. I was a ...

15. "Funny Codes"?

    SWAT_RN replied to burn out's topic in General Nursing

    Several year ago while working in our ED, call came in from one of the local EMS. One of the audience at a very large, outdoor country music festival was in full arrest. OK, we got ready and were standing at the squad doors when they unloaded the p...