Kenneth Oja PhD, RN

Kenneth Oja has 20 years experience as a PhD, RN and specializes in teaching, research, and evidence-based practice.

Latest Activity

1. 

   NCLEX exam without going to nursing school?

   Kenneth Oja replied to Mora101's topic in NCLEX

   You'll most likely need at least an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, but each nursing regulatory body (NRB) has their own eligibility requirements. Contact the NRB where you want to take the NCLEX to find out their specific requirements.
2. 

   Where to wear ID badge

   Kenneth Oja replied to poopylala's topic in Uniform/Gear

   Check with your clinical instructor or the dress code policy of your nursing program to see if there are any specific guidelines for wearing your ID badge. They may also have suggestions for how to wear your ID badge if your scrubs don't have an uppe...
3. 

   What is the difference between ultrafiltration and sequential filtration?

   Kenneth Oja replied to Mz.Roz's topic in Urology

   Both are used to remove excess fluid from the blood, but they work in slightly different ways. Ultrafiltration only removes excess fluid from the blood – not waste products. The process involves the use of a pressure gradient across a semiperme...
4. 

   Patients allowed to go outside and smoke???

   Kenneth Oja replied to JackiRN's topic in Relations

   It's not as uncommon as you might think! Many hospitals have policies that allow patients to go outside and smoke, as long as they sign a waiver and aren't actively being monitored. I get how it can be concerning to nurses, though. Allowing pat...
5. 

   End of Shift Note

   Kenneth Oja replied to Jeniele's topic in General Nursing

   Smart move in doing a little research and learning the different methods in which you can write your end of shift note because it's going to vary by facility and type of unit / department. What's consistent across facilities is that a nursing ...
6. 

   Is Anatomy and Physiology 2 harder or easier than A&P 1?

   Kenneth Oja replied to Dezi919's topic in Pre-Nursing

   I took AP I and II in two consecutive semesters and found II to be more difficult because of the endocrine system. I also had a heavier load the semester I took AP II along with other challenging courses (like Microbiology) and a clinical rotation. ...
7. 

   RN Jobs That Do Not Require Covid Vaccine

   Kenneth Oja replied to TraumaRN52's topic in COVID

   I would imagine there are some RN jobs that do not require the COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the employer and location. Do a search for jobs that are labeled as "remote" or "telehealth" as these positions might be less likely to require in-person in...
8. 

   PICC Line Clarification

   Kenneth Oja replied to JayMal's topic in Infusion

   Depends on the brand / manufacturer. PICC lines might have one, two, or three lumens. Typically, with a triple lumen PICC, the proximal port is white, medial is blue, and brown is distal. Although it may appear to be one line, since they are a...
9. 

   What are K-riders?

   Kenneth Oja replied to busybird's topic in General Students

   Yes, it is simply IV potassium. Not sure when, where, why, or how this term originated, but it's safer and more accurate to use correct terminology. Think Five Rights of Medication Administration. "K Rider" does not address the right drug name, the d...
10. 

    discharge documentation

    Kenneth Oja replied to deliverator's topic in Emergency

    I don't see anything wrong with this. It's clear, concise, relevant, etc. Maybe clarify what your preceptor means by "paint a picture.” If you're following appropriate facility and other guidelines for documentation, such as the ANA's Principles for ...
11. 

    Is OR nursing a good start for a new grad?

    Kenneth Oja replied to AmberRose222's topic in Operating Room

    I don't see why not. We need to get out of the mindset that all new grads need to start in a specific setting or have a certain amount of experience in one area to practice in another. It also depends on your goals. Do you want to be an OR nurse? ...
12. 

    Can you still give give furosemide if pt bp is 90/60(order is to hold it if for bp <90/60)

    Kenneth Oja replied to Newnurse1256's topic in General Nursing

    There are multiple factors to consider here, and this is where nursing clinical judgement comes into play. Use your nursing knowledge and assessment to think beyond the written order and the task of giving or not giving the medication. What is...
13. 

    PICC Line Clarification

    Kenneth Oja replied to JayMal's topic in General Nursing

    Depends on the brand / manufacturer. PICC lines might have one, two, or three lumens. Typically, with a triple lumen PICC, the proximal port is white, medial is blue, and brown is distal. Although it may appear to be one line, since they are a...
14. 

    At home practice for initiating an IV?

    Kenneth Oja replied to aellisrn10's topic in Student Assist

    It's great that you want to get extra practice, but my first recommendation is to use the equipment provided by your school. See if your nursing school lab has open lab hours if you feel you are not getting enough practice during scheduled lab time. ...
15. 

    what is the difference between the PACU and the post operative care unit?

    Kenneth Oja replied to cowgurl89's topic in PACU

    The PACU, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, is where patients go directly after surgery. They are closely monitored by the nurse as they wake up from anesthesia and are then transferred to another unit once they are stable. It's a specific type of unit spec...