Herecomesthesun

My PICOT question for the Evidence Based Nursing class is regarding the effectiveness of reusable cloth masks. I have read about 5 scholarly articles/ studies about the effectiveness. I too was sceptical that cloth masks would do anything. It does turn out that surgical masks filter out approx 40-70% of particles, and some homemade cloth masks have the ability to filter 20-50%. So some cloth masks are as effective as the lower end surgical masks. From the studies I've read, cloth masks do help to reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses to the wearer, and more importantly (in this case) from the wearer. There was only one peer reviewed meta analysis, which had some good info in it, but unfortunately stated that there wasn't nearly enough research done on the topic to give a conclusive answer. Another interesting theory is that the poor filtering of cloth masks allowed just enough virus through so the body would mount a response and create immunity, as opposed to getting a full dose of the virus and getting sick. My opinion after doing a deep dive into the study is yes, the public should definitely wear cloth masks at all times when out in public, but the nurses and other medical staff should be wearing a surgical mask at all times in the hospital. I'm not sure how I feel about wearing a mask when running, I guess I would base my judgment on how populated the area was. The amount of virus a person is exposed to directly impacts whether they get sick. Because the nurse has a higher risk of being exposed, they should always be wearing a surgical mask, and should have access to eye protection and an n95 if they are working with a positive Pt or even with a patient who is a suspected positive.

I work in the hospital, and we are conserving our supply too. We are keeping them at the nursing desk instead of leaving them out on the floor, and advised to hand them to family members only if they are absolutely needed.

You are currently unhappy and depressed in your NICU job. When you interview, go with the mindset that will ensure you work somewhere that will satisfy you. If you get weird, negative vibes from anyone don't take the job. You are no longer a "new grad" and desperate for any job that comes along. Also, if you stay in the NICU for 3 more months your skills will be more sellable.

This is such a good question. Congratulations! I may be able to transition from med-surg to PACU next year too. I would also like to ask what are the things you definitely need to know. For instance for my post op pt I always ask: last antibiotic time, type of anesthesia, end anaesthesia time, EBL. Also I have heard there is a medical procedures for dummies book that I plan to buy.

I'd tell myself not to be afraid to get school loans, don't move out of your childhood home until after you finish school. I spent over 10 years in school just because I insisted on paying my own way, and working full time while I went to school part time for my LVN, and then RN. Now I'm going back to school for my BSN, and then MSN. sheesh! I could have been done so much faster. My years spent as an LVN in hospice were formative to the strong person I am now though.

Congratulations!! That is awesome. I agree with a lot of the other nurses here. I also want to emphasize that I think the magnet hospital is the way to go because they will support your transition to another unit, another position, or higher education much more than a standard hospital. Also you may get some experience in the hospital and decide you want to take your career in a different pathway, and the magnet hospital will support and nurture these aspirations.

It sounds like you are doing a great job. You will become more confident the longer you work. I too have anxiety about not giving a thorough report. My floor gives the assignment before the next shift comes in. I use this to my advantage and come in early to study my patients. I am unpaid for this time, but I really feel this preparation sets myself and my patients up for a safe shift. I research and write down: allergies, pt history, pt chief complaint, pertinent labs and tests, meds that are due, and any questions I want to remember when I am getting report, I sometimes also read some of the notes. I really feel like this brings me peace of mind before I start my shift, and at the end of my shift when I'm giving report.

Can you also get in contact with the paramedic that was there that day and get a notorized statement that she had admitted to poisoning you? I think this would be good just for your own protection.

I agree with many here that the oncoming nurses response was inappropriate, and also could have made the BP higher. I don't think I saw anyone else mentioyn that if the patient was on IV fluids you should also think about decreasing or discontinuing this too. Sometimes I will hold these for 1hr and retake the BP to see if that is the cause, but I don't think that is technically allowed.

I work 3 busy 12hr shifts at the hospital, but do some yoga on my lunch break, and carry some workout clothes, and go running for about 30 minutes immediately after my night shift. I borrow a clean blanket, set it up on the floor of an empty room, take off my shoes, and only do standing/balancing moves to avoid touching the gross floor. I eat my food during quick breaks before my lunch. Exercising really helps me deal with all the pent up stress from my job. The yoga helps keep my back and other areas from hurting, and the running helps me deal with fatigue after my shift.

It sounds like my opinion is unpopular, but I will share it. If I were a new grad and took this job, I'd probably be looking for something better within a year. This may be "fair" but I really feel like your employer is setting up the nurses and the hospital for failure. I have been working night shift for 3 years, and Everytime I take vacation for over a week (ie start waking up at 7a and going to sleep at 10p) it takes my body at least 1 month to stop having jet lag, and readjust back to staying up all night. The process of reaclimating is intense for me. It sounds poorly planned to intentionally have large groups of sleepy inexperienced nurses on nights all the time. Sounds like they are just asking for med errors, or other serious incidents. Also sounds like they are going to have a lot of turn around. Why would a company do this? My best guess is that they are too cheap to offer a shift differential. Maybe with a differential they could establish a set night shift crew. I would be interested to hear other reasonings for this situation.

I feel terrible for this mom, that being said I would never want my kid at my work. There are too many gross things there. I won't even hug or kiss when I get home before I have a thorough shower.

If you have invested in personal nursing insurance consult them regarding legal advice. They may supply you with an attorney or free legal advice. Or ask HR if they supply legal advice. If you have a union and you are meeting with your supervisor they usually entitle you to have a union representative there to support you. If you know of some specific incident that they are speaking of take all the notes you can remember regarding what happen, what time, with whom, what was said, mention if you were understaffed etc... BUT don't disclose that you have notes, just memorize them before the meeting. During the meeting try to stick mostly to facts. Good luck!

I'm sorry to say, but I am laughing at this. I have dealt with too many difficult patients and family! Some people can be so awful! It doesn't sound like your management is helping either. I'm thankful that my management tries to resolve issues without throwing me under the bus. I learned how to deal with difficult people in hospice. Those patients and family members are in major crisis mode. They are not always the nicest and to make matters worse, you are in their home. I think it's best to never escalate your voice to their level, acknowledge that they are facing a tough situation "being on isolation is just that, isolating. It must have been difficult to not be able to see the CNA smile". Let them vent, so they feel like you are listening. Realize that these people are facing tough issues, probably have mental health challenges and use that knowledge to NEVER take anything personally (super challenging, I know!). But still state simply "personal insults are inappropriate, please keep your comments on topic". Also, if personal insults continue tell them "I will not tolerate this behavior", and walk out if needed. Hope this helps.

If the previous comments haven't convinced you yet I think you may want to look at what you wrote in the first place. You listed all the benefits of taking the job in SF, but none of the benefits of dear BF. As a former CA new grad that had to relocate to be able to find a job in the hospital I say take the job. I originally could not find a new grad position in a Sacramento hospital, so had to move to LA. I did not get new grad training, and the work environment was TOXIC. Thankfully husband was willing to move, and I am now at a different Hospital that is better, but we both miss Sacramento.