mcknis

mcknis

Med Surg, ER, OR

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All Content by mcknis

  1. Supplies a new grad ER Nurse should carry

    Stethoscope, tape, pens (usually lose one or give one to "unclean" patients to keep), trauma shears, Vocera (required, or else it wouldn't be around), ammonia inhalant taped to back of badge....
  2. Male Nurse Hair Styles

    It definitely depends on where you work/go to school/part of the country/etc. I went to a fairly strict nursing school with former "military-nun" grade instructors. If they didn't like you, you didn't...
  3. Ring Cutter used in Your ER

    Regarding ring cutters...VICE GRIPS or for TUNGSTEN ONLY!!!!! Tungsten rings do break under extreme force. They are unable to be cut through, except for with a laser cutter, and you would never use...
  4. Getting burnt out with non urgent patients

    I completely agree and there are many times where the jaded and cynical feeling creeps up throughout a day. "I have severe abdominal pains and need that medicine that begins with a D-------." As they...
  5. What is the "best" stethoscope for the ED?

    Umm, whatever is available. I always my stethoscope around my neck. It is a Littmann Cardiology III and one that has been proven well by me, but whatever is available I will use. Have used the old...
  6. CDC: 1 in 5 in US visit ED each year

    This is interesting to read about and those of us in the ED setting know it all too well. In my neck of the woods, I wouldn't be surprised to see 1 in 5 visits each month. I am kidding, but it...
  7. Nurses week gifts from employer

    It surprises me how many hospitals choose not to show their support of their staff during nurses week, but yet there are still funds made available for signs, or memos, etc... I digress. We did get...
  8. Is the cynicism inevitable?

    Yes, the fact of cynicism in the ER environment is certainly an interesting one. I have been there for 4 years now and there are moments that I truly wonder about my view on the lives of others, but...
  9. Earning potential

    Yes the figure that he quoted you sounds high for a NP, but definitely doable for CRNAs. CRNAs, from my research, enter around $130-150k. They are definitely higher paid than NPs and yes, I assume, if...
  10. What's the inside scoop?

    Like hella mentioned above, speed is very important. If you do anything, make sure to stay caught up. That is probably the best information I could provide. I can attest that if a tech, nurse, medic,...
  11. Can a pt hyperventilate themselves into resp failure?

    Sort of sounds like the crazy schizo type we all get to be witness to. There is a young girl you loves to frequent our ER. She is 14 has multiple mental health diagnoses, including pseudo seizures,...
  12. Undiagnosed A Fib w/ RVR Medication?

    Like someone else mentioned, without knowing the pts history, it is difficult to know why the provider ordered Cardizem over Amio. Amiodarone is an option, but many will attempt Cardizem and then...
  13. Concealed Carry...as a nurse?

    Thank you all for your comments on the issue at hand. It appears like many have a strong stance in one direction or another. My personal opinion is that you should have a right to defend yourself with...
  14. My Danskos STTTTIIIINK!!!

    Mine that I bought, Dansko Pro XP did the same thing, but they even began breaking down after 3 months of wearing them. I have been sending them back and forth to Dansko with replacements for the past...
  15. Any suggestions for a "work" watch?

    Yes anything that is cheap and digital is a great way to go. Schools will tell you that a watch with a second hand is the way to go, but doing VS or anything else can be done with a digital watch. I...
  16. Or, how about when a seasoned nurse who has "many years of experience in this setting" establishes an IV, secures it and gives report to you that its a great working IV, but you find the IV in place...
  17. switching from ER to family practice

    I am looking also at going into an NP program, but going from ED to family practice is a big change. IN the ED we get to see a little sick, a little not sick, critical care, trauma, GI, etc.,...
  18. Danskos...wet insoles?

    I thought that alternating would be a way to go, but their new clog model (XP) is exclusive to The Walking Store and at $180/pr, I may wait to get a cheaper version. I have not worn them for 3 days...
  19. Danskos...wet insoles?

    Thanks GrnTea for the words if wisdom.! I did the newspaper thing and the shoes have dried well. Will have to try the antiperspirant
  20. Roc

    Yes, typically its' for speed in takedown more than anything. Etomidate has such a short half-life its concerning. I prefer Roc because its half-life is 45-60 minutes. It provides such a better...
  21. What's in your pocket - ER Style

    Steth around neck and tape with it ammonia inhalant on back of badge small sharpie clipped to badge Vocera (ugh) clipped to chest pocket trauma shears and two pens in right pants pocket gum and chap...
  22. What is the best stethescope for an ER nurse?

    Agree with EmergencyNrse... I have used many scopes but just use whatever is comfortable for you. I used a sprague scope, but it was to thick around my neck and gave me an ache. I prefer anything I...
  23. Just curious what the typical cost is for a RN-BSN bridge program? I have seen costs range from $20,000-30,000. Is this typical? Thanks for any info... Also, if there is anyone out there who is...
  24. Need a Stethoscope

    Redding Medical or Steeles have good prices and Redding is typically the cheapest I have found. Other sites seem to mark up extremely. Always look on Ebay as prices can be really cheap. Don't hesitate...
  25. What kind of watch do you wear?

    I have always bought cheap and have never regretted it. I like the idea of watches with the second hand but can't get over the "tick-tick-tick" all the time. It really drives me crazy! I personally...