Gingeriffic

Latest Activity

1. New dialysis nurse - blood collection question

   Gingeriffic replied to mariok's topic in General Nursing

   I haven’t encountered this, so thanks for sharing. It’s useful to know what is going on elsewhere. Just to clarify - in these situations (I’m mostly interested in accessing the line for labs if it’s not directly prior to or after a run), what other...

2. New dialysis nurse - blood collection question

   Gingeriffic replied to mariok's topic in General Nursing

   If it’s for routine lab orders, you should not be using the dialysis lines for samples. It’s a huge unnecessary infection risk to access these lines and should only be used for labs in an emergency situation or if blood cultures from line are desired...

3. Let me hear your perspective...

   Gingeriffic replied to mi_dreamin's topic in General Nursing

   OP, I appreciate and understand your concern and curiosity. It’s impossible to know what truly happened and unfortunately it’s so easy to speculate. I don’t doubt that the “brain is fried” comment came with some aspect of generalizing/stereotyping/pr...

4. pvcs bigemy medsurg

   Gingeriffic replied to pvcsbig's topic in General Nursing

   Assuming patient is tolerating irregular rhythm/ectopy (no shortness of breath or chest pain, and has acceptable blood pressures), don’t expect to do anything urgently just based on abnormal rhythm and ectopy. Especially since patient has history of ...

5. Strange HTN case

   Gingeriffic replied to Anonymous666's topic in General Nursing

   There shouldn’t be such a discrepancy between BPs taken on each arm. The tests/imaging ordered seems aggressive for typical hypertension. Are there any specific reasons or findings prompting this work up? How soon are tests going to be done?

6. How long to run a code?

   Gingeriffic replied to smary8055's topic in Critical

   Only an advanced provider can call a code. This seems wild to me that this discretion is left to ?nurses and the rest of a code team?? I’m pretty sure in situations like yours, you can get provider guidance over the phone and that would allow the ver...

7. CCRN Exam

   Gingeriffic replied to conway13's topic in Critical

   I crammed through the weekend before the test and passed. The review books, study guides, and practice tests were more difficult than the exam itself. It’s heavy in cardiac/hemodynamics content so spending the most time on that and multi-system wa...

8. Can a graduated nurse be a medical assistant ?

   Gingeriffic replied to Ilovelife1234's topic in Career Support

   I believe the term ‘clinic/al assistant’ for this position (probably pretty much the same role as MA) for those that have not done a medical assistant program. Semantics. The point of this whole post is that it’s almost silly for OP to consider somew...

9. Can a graduated nurse be a medical assistant ?

   Gingeriffic replied to Ilovelife1234's topic in Career Support

   Here’s a posting for an MA/LPN opening. Do you meet the requirements to work as an MA?

10. Can a graduated nurse be a medical assistant ?

    Gingeriffic replied to Ilovelife1234's topic in Career Support

    A BSN isn’t “unable” to perform MA duties. It’s a matter of not being an MA. Go ask a clinic and see what they say, instead of asking a bunch of nurses if you “can” take vitals and give shots. Of course you “can.” But you probably won’t get hired as ...

11. Can a graduated nurse be a medical assistant ?

    Gingeriffic replied to Ilovelife1234's topic in Career Support

    Medical assistants get administrative things in their schooling. And my understanding is that LPNs receive training more focused on ambulatory duties compared to ADN more inpatient. Most clinics require CMA or RMA and you can’t become certified or re...

12. Can a graduated nurse be a medical assistant ?

    Gingeriffic replied to Ilovelife1234's topic in Career Support

    MAs and LPNs are interchangeable because of duties. Haven’t you noticed that open positions are listed as MA/LPN? As a BSN, you weren’t taught certain things specific to LPN or MA role. A medical assistant isn’t an untrained professional, they have w...

13. New to ICU from tele - tips needed!

    Gingeriffic replied to Emmers4's topic in Critical

    I really like F.A. Davis Critical Care Notes Clinical Pocket Guide. They’re the ones that are 1/4th notebook sheet size and on little flip rings, about $35. Basic info and not institution-specific (for your hospital’s preferred protocols and whatnot)...

14. I feel like I’m not taken seriously?

    Gingeriffic replied to mph53953's topic in Critical

    Knowing answers to even basic things will come over time. Don’t feel guilty or inferior for asking questions about ANYTHING - questions = safe nurses. And you’re lucky you look young for your age, embrace it!! Hang in there and you’ll be more confide...

15. Stethoscope recommendations?

    Gingeriffic replied to Morelaur288's topic in Critical

    Littmann Master Cardiology hands down. But instead of taking our word for it over the internet, ask around on your unit - I’m sure people are using various steths. Compare (on the same patient is extremely helpful) and see which you like the most! Do...