Pearls of Wisdom

[seanpdent, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

I'm looking for suggestions.

I would like to know what you have learned over the years as a nurse that they DID NOT teach you in nursing school that has helped you out at the bedside.

What tips & tricks have you learned by accident, or have learned the 'hard-way' that has made your life easier when working at the bedside?

For instance, no one actually showed me, but I learned through my own difficulties that administering ProSource through and NG/OG or Duotube flushes MUCH easier when mixed with H2O prior to flushing it through the tube. Otherwise it will take you forever and a day to flush.

Any and all suggestion would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks.

[stephlucasrn2008]

well this WAS learned from nursing school from a kick ass critical care instructor that taught you the real world way of doing things...

many times, you must PICK YOUR POISON... do you want your patient to perfuse their kidneys or go into FVO? do you let them drown in fluid or keep their K above 2 (haha)? do you give high concentration O2 a COPDer who is in resp distress (when RSI is imminent?) or watch them to blue like Violet in Willy Wonka?

and btw... just for kicks... i always doubt my newbie knowledge base... i was at work today and overheard an RN giving report and saying the pt. was receiving vitamin K IM's but the potassium level was fine... YOI and DOUBLE YOI!!!