Kenneth Oja PhD, RN

teaching, research, and evidence-based practice

Nurse Research Scientist and Assistant Professor

Columnist

All Content by Kenneth Oja

  1. Kenneth Oja

    NCLEX exam without going to nursing school?

    Kenneth Oja replied to Mora101's topic in NCLEX Exam, Programs

    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...
  2. Kenneth Oja

    Where to wear ID badge

    Kenneth Oja replied to poopylala's topic in Scrubs, Uniforms, 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...
  3. Kenneth Oja

    What is the difference between ultrafiltration and sequential filtration?

    Kenneth Oja replied to Mz.Roz's topic in Dialysis, Renal, 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...
  4. Kenneth Oja

    Patients allowed to go outside and smoke???

    Kenneth Oja replied to JackiRN's topic in Patient, Colleague 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...
  5. Kenneth Oja

    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....
  6. Kenneth Oja

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

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

    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...
  7. Kenneth Oja

    RN Jobs That Do Not Require Covid Vaccine

    Kenneth Oja replied to TraumaRN52's topic in Disaster Preparation

    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...
  8. Kenneth Oja

    PICC Line Clarification

    Kenneth Oja replied to JayMal's topic in Infusion, Intravenous

    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....
  9. Kenneth Oja

    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...
  10. Kenneth Oja

    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...
  11. Kenneth Oja

    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...
  12. Kenneth Oja

    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...
  13. Kenneth Oja

    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....
  14. Kenneth Oja

    At home practice for initiating an IV?

    Kenneth Oja replied to aellisrn10's topic in Nursing Student Assistance

    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...
  15. Kenneth Oja

    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...
  16. Kenneth Oja

    Care Plans Help Please! (with the R\T and AEB)

    Kenneth Oja replied to RNinJune2007's topic in General Students

    This is what I used to tell my students and it always seemed to help: The "related to" is typically the pathophysiology of the medical diagnosis. So, for example, a patient with chronic kidney...
  17. Kenneth Oja

    B52 cocktail

    Kenneth Oja replied to zzyzx's topic in General Nursing

    The safety and efficacy of combining different medications can vary depending on the types of medications, the patient's medical history and diagnoses, and the intended therapeutic outcome. It's also...
  18. Kenneth Oja

    Inverted QRS

    Kenneth Oja replied to Carrig RN's topic in Cardiac

    An inverted QRS complex could be something as "serious as a heart attack" all the way down to having misplaced ECG leads. Some common conditions indicative of an inverted QRS complex include...
  19. Kenneth Oja

    Reason for not giving IV push med too fast?

    Kenneth Oja replied to kate64's topic in Medical-Surgical

    You're correct in noting that it depends on the medication, which is why it's crucial for nurses to understand and follow the appropriate guidelines for safe medication administration. Pushing...
  20. Kenneth Oja

    Which port is used in a triple lumen central line?

    Kenneth Oja replied to Dawson's topic in General Nursing

    It's important for nurses to understand the lumen configuration and designation when caring for a patient with a triple lumen. When I worked in the ICU, patients were often receiving multiple...
  21. Kenneth Oja

    CABG Care Plan

    Kenneth Oja replied to Nrs. LaLa-Land's topic in Cardiac

    You'll want to consider the general risks related to any type of surgery/procedure as well as the risks specific to the cardiac system. The biggest priority for a CABG patient who is a fresh post-op...
  22. Kenneth Oja

    CNA "Patient Abandonment"

    Kenneth Oja replied to Animorpha's topic in Medical Assistant, CNA/MA

    Giving advance notice and leaving your position as a CNA does not constitute patient abandonment. Also, most patient abandonment laws are geared toward licensed healthcare providers such as nurses and...
  23. Kenneth Oja

    What is RN license endorsement?

    Kenneth Oja replied to Niki_RN's topic in Nursing Professionalism

    The RN license by endorsement process allows RNs with a valid nursing license to obtain a license to practice in another state. So, yes, you would be able to practice in both Texas and New York....
  24. Kenneth Oja

    Ephedrine Nursing Considerations, Patient Teachings, and More

    Kenneth Oja posted a topic in Nursing Student Assistance

    This article will cover key information about ephedrine and what nurses need to know when caring for the client taking ephedrine. Ephedrine Key Information Ephedrine is an alpha and...