NurseMelly11

Thank you so much for that. I just wanted something more recent than March of last year. Our shared governance team actually assigned me to research this and find any current EBP pertaining to the topic, so that’s why I was looking. I wasn’t trying to go against admin or the lab. It’s actually now my responsibility to report back that there is not any new EBP and that this is still the best practice. It was assigned to me, so I thought I’d reach out on here to see if anyone else knew of something I didn’t. I appreciate your feedback.

First of all, breathe. Just breathe. Then, stop comparing yourself to others and where they may be at the same mark you are. Everyone learns differently and at a different pace. That is why orientation and new grad residencies are flexible and can be extended sometimes if needed. No one expects new grads to be on top of everything and know what they’re doing all the time. That’s why we keep a close eye on you for the first year. Plus, you’re at the highest risk to make a mistake which makes you a higher liability. And, that’s just facts. So, that being said and now knowing that you’re not alone, what are you going to do to improve and learn from mistakes? You’re not good at giving report? Get online and read about report giving techniques. Listen to another nurse giving report, whom you feel gives great report. Then, take notes while observing and start implementing that into your practice. You missed a timed med? Then start setting alarms. Do you have a smart watch? Keep a phone in your pocket (on silent if allowed), or have a smart device provided by your facility? Set alarms. I sometimes forget things to this day in my personal life because, well, I’m getting older and it happens. LOL! Unanticipated things happen constantly at my job, so I set alarms on my watch and label them. It’s a huge help. Stop worrying about getting fired and refocus that energy on how you’re going to improve each day, learn a new “trick” or technique each day, and how you’re going to advance and keep that job! You’re a new grad. No one expects you to have the knowledge, or skills and time management techniques, of a tenured nurse. Breathe, refocus and believe that you can and will do this! Go get ‘em!

I think telling her exactly how you just explained it here is perfect. Just talk to her and tell her what you need and specifically lay out your request. Be brief and give her the facts, your needs/wants, and ask to make sure she understood what you said. You explained it perfectly here. Do the same when speaking to her and I think you’ll do great! ?

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, our hospital policy stated we could not transport any specimens for a PUI or confirmed COVID patient through the tube system. Then, restrictions changed to that we could transport blood and urine for these patients through the tube system, but not the actual COVID specimens. Now, over a year later, several hospitals in our state are allowing transport of the double bagged specimens through the tube system. We have asked to change our hospital policy, but continue to be told no by lab, but not given a reason as to why. We would like to stop having to take specimens ourselves to the lab because it is delaying pt time in the ED, it is decreasing patient satisfaction, and it takes an employee off of the unit, which at times is not realistic. I’ve tried finding latest EBP on this topic, but pretty much everything I have found is from early 2020. There is nothing current. Would any of you be willing to share with me what your hospital policies are and if you know why they are the way they are? Thank you.

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Did they start you on the prophylaxis medications? Your chances are super super slim, but they still have put you on meds and scheduled you for a redraw of blood in three and six months.

Change. Jobs. Now. This is not safe, it’s not good for your emotional and mental health, and this is not normal. Nothing is worth your license or your health and happiness. Start looking, get another job, put in your two weeks, and know and believe you deserve better. Do not do this to yourself. There’s better out there. Trust me.

First of all, I’m so sorry and I’m praying for your coworker and for you. It’s awful and your feelings are real and okay. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling sad and heartbroken. I too have lost coworkers and friends. I think it’s so hard too because we are with each other, sometimes, as much as our own families. Even more so during times of need (like pandemics.) It’s a deep pain. We go through things together that no one else ever understands or comprehends. It bonds us. It ties us together. It’s a camaraderie that most others just don’t understand. So yes, it hurts differently. Please reach out for help. I hope wherever you work even offers some type of free counseling, or some type of mental health resource. I’m so glad you reached out on here and asked. Know that you’re not alone and your feelings are heard. Many prayers and virtual hugs to you, your coworker and her family.

I have not done the regular massage thing, mostly because I’m too tired when I’m off work to actually go to appointments. I do sleep on a heating pad every night...yes every...and try to stretch well regularly. My back hurts pretty much all of the time, but I’m getting older now and have been doing this awhile. make sure you’re using as much lift assistance as you can, raise beds to your height when working on patients, and lift with your legs. If you feel that regular massage will help, then by all means, you do that. Go for it! Whatever helps you be most effective is wonderful. I also do at home yoga and it helps relieve a lot of stress and sore muscles. Maybe that can help some as well. ?

I work in an ER. There’s always funny stuff going on. You never know what’s going to come out of people’s mouths. I think one of the funniest things that’s ever happened to me actually happened after shift though. I had to run to the grocery store before going home. I had my nurse hat on and scrubs (hate going anywhere with all that on by the way but my stop was urgent) and a lady approached me. She kind of seemed panicked. She said, “Are you a nurse?” I thought about my answer for a second and then looked at her body language and face and said, “Yes. Are you okay?” She said, “Oh I think so, but I’ve got this spot right here that I need you to look at.” Before I could utter another word, a breast was out and in my eyes!! With a huge abscess! Right there in the grocery store!! I said, “Ma’am. Okay. I saw it. Cover yourself back up. It’s okay. Go see your doctor, or get that looked at by someone as soon as you can. It needs to be treated.” She was so grateful and happy and walked away. I’m left there in the medication isle, mortified and still trying to process what just happened. I eventually got back to my car, thought about it, and just laughed. What else can you do? Hahaha!! ?‍♀️

I’m not the same in height (5’9”), but I do have the same upper body issue. I wear a good tight sports bra and either Dickies or Grey’s Anatomy tops. They fit my arms and chest perfectly. Have you tried those?

This came from my med book, multiple physicians I have worked with and learned from over the last 15 years, pharmacists I’ve worked with and our pharmacist actually shared this information with me (see attachments.) The main black box warning is about concombinate usage with opiates, but secondary, as found in medical books and pharmacy resources, is about the incompatibility and warnings if you do not dilute the medication to a certain titration amount (aka: concentration.) You should never dilute Valium unless absolutely necessary, and if so, it’s recommended a 1:40 ration. 5mg per 40 mL of compatible IV fluids. Also, there’s no need for being rude in your comments. We are all on here just trying to help and learn from one another.

IVP Valium should not be diluted. It’s a black box warning actually. When I was a “baby nurse,” I learned this the hard way. At any rate, you’re correct that it should be administered through the closest port, if infusing fluids. Be careful, as it is only compatible with certain fluids. I usually stop any infusion and give in the IV hub, as this is closest to the patient, and give slowly. Verify blood return prior to administration. This is important because Valium immediately “unconcentrates” in plasma. Kind of neat actually how this works. This is why it is safely administered closest to the patient. I actually like to pull out some blood into the J-loop and then push the Valium. This helps it dilute into the blood and causes less pain for the patient. Valium does tend to burn and can cause phlebitis and infiltration if not done correctly. As stated above, you can safely dilute it in large quantities of compatible fluids, but it depends on how much you are giving and should be verified with pharmacy first. I hope this helps.