Jonty

Hi Sue I'm 62 working in Critical Care, 1300 bed hospital. Worked in SICU at Pitt County Hospital 2003-2005 before returning to UK. God how I wish I'd stayed in NC. Jonty

Hi Sue, 60 next month, working FT in a Level 1 Trauma/Neuro SICU. party on!!

I hit 60 in 4 weeks time, been nursing since 1963, military, all sorts, mostly critical care and ED. I returned to nursing after Desert Storm, decided on one more adventure, so came to NC from the UK. I work in a 24 bed SICU( Neuro/Trauma/Surgery) in a Level 1 Trauma Center. The only difference between me and the youngsters is that they go to bed early. I work FT and I hope to take my CCRN test next month. Age is nothing to do with the years you live it's more a question of how you live your years!! My body ain't what it was but my brain is still keen and my thirst for knowledge has increased with each passing year. To anyone who feels daunted by the young fogies, don't be, a lot of them talk the talk, but when the going gets rough, they don't always walk the walk.

I returned to clinical nursing in my 50th year and enjoyed it immensely. After gaining a BSc degree I wanted one more adventure, wanting to try a 'new pool' I chose to work in the USA. As I approach my 60th birthday I still enjoy critical care, my colleagues are a brilliant team and in my opinion represent much of what is best in American nursing. I love the differences between the UK and the USA and have found that we have much more in common than the fainthearted would wish you to believe. Most of all I enjoy the American way of life, having just returned from a 2 week vacation in England my Bank Manager probably thinks the same thing!!:rotfl:

I am working in SICU in NC, I left the UK, in part to satisfy a wish to experience nursing in the USA, in part because I love the country although I recognise the warts and all!!:chuckle The unit I work in is a very tight team with a brilliant nurse manager, I have been nursing 41 years and I have never been easily impressed. The facilities and support are significantly better than the UK. The hospital I work in is very committed to its nurses and nursing. I feel that I am treated with far more respect in my local community than was the case in England.

I work in Neuro Critical Care, we use it extensively as most of our patients develop faecal incontinence. It's used throughout our 1300 bedded hospital and is invaluable in containing anal excoriation. Seems to disseminate faecal soiling with less friction. Also makes a great shaving foam in times of need!!

Absolutely brilliant summation Heather..I would have been horrified to think that after 39 years practice I wasn't caring because I hadn't heard/read of Jean Watson!!

Further to my last post I thought that there wasn't a great deal of "coat".. turns out it's film coated to facilitate easier swallowing!! Therefore crushing it does no harm except it absorbs a tad faster...:zzzzz And... by the by.. if it's in a gelatine capsule is that not also designed for slow release?

We use Nimodipine (NIMOTOP) in my Neuro Unit in the UK. It is definitely enteric coated and it is crushed for patients who are unable to take oral medication. We have discussed the effects with our Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and he says that it contravenes the license and should not be done.!! Our medics insist that we carry on the present practice. They don't say where they will be when litigation commences! They also decline to give written orders for the practice... still we outnunmber them and we have sufficient witnesses on our side. ). Our pharmacy are able to produce it in liquid form but the Pharmaceutical company refuse to grant us a license to do so. Funny old world?

C.diff.. it smells yucky..looks like s*** which of course it is!! and no matter how careful you are it always gets on your shoes!!

I've been offered a post in neuro critical care and intend to take the CNRN when I get to the USA. c fiser mentioned a book. Where can I get this information?

Hi I've worked in Neuro ICU for the last 6 years and been nursing for 39. As you are new don't get carried away by 'quick'. Be thorough first, speed comes from experience. NurseDennie has outlined an approach that will start you on the right path. Remember also, more is missed by not looking than by not knowing. Jonty

Hi Judy.. Thank you for the information.. I had already decided to enrol with the AANN. In view of your response I think the CNRN is a must. regards John Howes:roll

I am an English RN of 39 years experience. For the last 6 years I have been working in Neuro ICU in England. I am about to take up a post in Neuro ICU in Greenville NC. I am a member of the British Association of Neuroscience Nurses (BANN). I understand that the AANN has a CNRN qualification. This appears to be fairly specialised, I would be grateful for any information from practicing Neuro ICU nurse in the USA. Essentially my questions are:- To what extent is it recognised by employers in the USA? What is it's intrinsic value from a professional standpoint?