tinkertoys

Standing orders can be WONDERFUL in LTC, but should be utilized with caution. During a recent viral outbreak in our facility, we had standing prn orders for phenergan and lomotil for the pts of some of our Doctors. The orders had a time limit coverin...

11-7 should do more??? Come On !!! Contrary to popular belief, LTC pts don't sleep at night. They are lonely and scared, and needing attention, sore from PT and asking repeatedly for pain pills +/or hot packs, they need to pee (constantly), they're ...

I work 7P to 7A in a 102 bed center, where the majority of our beds are skilled care. 1st and 2nd shifts have 4 nurses and one Team Coordinator, and an average ratio of 1 CNT to 9 patients. 11-7 has 3 nurses (no TC), and 5 CNT's. Because of the divis...

Jasmine... John_G is right. Long term care is a good place to look for work, especially if you can get into a skilled facility. Do your homework - visit as though you were going to going to bring a loved one to stay there. Watch the staff, take note ...

In my facility, it is often necessary to start (or restart) IV's, and draw blood. My problem comes with those pts who are dehydrated, etc. with small, fragile veins, or veins that roll and move when you approach with a needle. It breaks my heart when...

I fail to see the connection between the breaking of a sacred vow between a husband and wife, and the unpredictability of our lives ( and death). I fail to see how a relationship outside of a marriage can do anything but add to an existing mistrust a...

I don't know about assisted living facilities, but in LTC it is definitely NOT OK to leave meds in the pt's room! Go to your director for clarification - there are most likely regs concerning any meds left with the patient, and not complying with the...

At our facility, we utilize "PEP Cards". They are business-card size, with blanks for the recipient's name, date, reason for special thanks, and person issuing the card. They are available to staff, patients, family members, etc. When a staff member ...

AMEN!! What most people don't realize is that patients are being released from hospitals much earlier, and in very fragile conditions.Who takes care of them while they continue to heal? Our facility cares for patients who are on ventilators, recoveri...

GO FOR IT!!!I returned to school and received my RN at age 39. In observing my fellow students, and other nurses, the more mature ones are often more focused and dedicated to the nursing profession. An unspoked "plus" that educators and employers bot...

Would I recommend nursing as a career? YES...But not if you are doing it just for the paycheck. To me, nursing is not just a job or career, it is a calling. Those who come to us for care, by whatever route, are placing their lives in our hands. I hav...