biker momma

ED RN's I could use your imput. During a recent survey in our ED one of the "dissatisfactions" that staff indicated was our staffing ratio - RN to patient. Could you share with me how your department staffs? Specifically: # of RN's to patient # of techs/CNA's per patient or RN # of ED beds daily # of patient's seen type of area you serve: rural, suburban, urban Trauma designation Adult/Pediatric/mixed Your imput will help us in our development of a plan to improve our staff satisfaction regarding this issue. Thanks, Diane

I am doing some research on blanket warmer temperatures. Specifically I am looking for feedback on the following: 1. What temperature is your department's blanket warmer set at? 2. Who's decision is it as to the setting? 3. Any research articles that pertain to the set temperature you might be able to refer me to. Thanks, diane

Welcome to the wonderful world of nights! You've gotten great tips here. A couple of things I'd like to add that might help. I have put up light blocking curtains up in my room. I run a fan when I sleep, "white noise", which really helps. In the summer I run an airconditioner in my room - best investment I've made (both white noise and cooler). Turn off your phone, if you feel you must be able to be contacted leave your cell phone on but only give the number out to those who really might need to contact you in an emergency. Night shift ED nurses are a different breed - hope you love it as much as I do!

The ED I work in has instituted a "policy" of hourly rounding. I understand that this is an ideal on a medical/surgical type floor and agree with the concept in the ED but......am wondering about in the ED. Do any of you work where hourly rounding in the ED is the norm. I make a point of checking my patients frequently (usually more often that q hour) and charting the interaction. Part of this new policy is an effort to improve our patient satisfaction scores. A second suggestion that is floating around is doing walking rounds at change of shift. Again I see the value but am wondering about how well it works in the ED. Any thoughts? What is your ED's policy on charting and patient rounds.

The hospital I work at uses Press-Ganey scores and we have the same problem. We are "nagged" frequently that our scores aren't high enough. While I admit there are some nurses who give just the basics in care the majority of us give our all 99% of the time. Some of the negative scores are related to wait times, pain management - things that as the nurse I have no control over. One question that management loves relates to knowing the nurses name; I can tell the patient my name everytime I step into the room but most of the time they don't remember it a month later when the survey comes in the mail. Like others - I do my best by every patient and have to accept that I can't change the world.

I am newly diagonoses with MS. Had a MRI due to visual change and numbness - 7 days later I got a call from a Family Practice MD who was covering for my PCP.....I haven't see a Neuro yet but have been told by my PCP, the covering FP and two ER MD's who looked at my MRI that MS is the cause and correct. I am almost 55 and thought I was too old to develop MS but like many of you have had symtoms off and on for years that were vague and never worked up. Other thans some slight numbness by my right eye and right leg I am doing fine. I am blown away with the diagnosis and still in shock. Wondering how this will affect me in the future, my job, my kids - well, you all know. Currently I work 12 hour shifts in a very busy ED. I work 6 shifts in 8 days and then am off for 6 shifts (all 1800 to 0630). I would appreciate any advice you all have: telling my kids, family, co-workers, administration, etc. Advice on treatment and daily living. Have so many questions!!! Thanks for letting me rant.

Thanks E's mom. I have written to some of the ED's that I have found that have similar programs. Haven't gotten much feedback but what I have gotten is positive! Am currently working on a proposal to do a similar program in our ED. I did a short survey in triage with children that presented with fever as a complaint. Am going to do a longer one once cold and flu season hit us here.

I too am going to the National ENA Conference. I have thought about taking the review class there but am still up in the air.....by the time I get up the drive to do so it will probably be full! Maybe we will run into each other in Minneapolis?

I work in a 50 bed ER. Stocking is an issue here also. Our tech's are "supposed" to stock (some areas during the wee hours of the day, some early am) but they many times too busy with other tasks. Ideally I think it should be an assigned duty and that person should be only assigned that job until it's done. I work a 1800-0630 shift around 4am or so things ususally slow down and I then try to restock the rooms I am using. I also make it my job to stock as I go i.e if I have to go find IV tubing I bring my pockets full and restock the cart. Our glucometers are QC's every am at 6 by an ED tech who is coming on shift. I would love to have a supply elf that magically replenished items as they were used!

I too am looking into "fever kits" and am wondering if anyone has any experience with these in their ED? In doing a Google search I have found 3 hospitals that are using these but wonder if there are anymore??? If your ED provides these could you contact me with information. Thanks, diane

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Good luck VS!!! You have gotten farther than I have in the process. When you have time, after the test, would you tell me more about the CD's you got and CEN Secrets. Which you found better as a review material, etc. My plan is to seriously start the process this fall - am stocking up on study materials at this time. I would love to take the test early next year.....