ginger58

I'm not aware that the Braden scale has changed. If you can search for Braden scale online and that should help. I don't think the Braden scale is meant to be changed but the parameters understood.

You actually worked 12 months so I'd say one year.

One thing I might add also is when I had laporscopic gyn surgery, the CO2 they pumped in really put pressure on my bladder and when I went to urinate hours later I became very lightheaded on the toilet. It was 30 years ago but I remember something like that happening. It was very frightening. I don't remember anyone being worried about passing gas.

No. One of the moderators can give you the best help.

I'll give you a little help. I hope this isn't a real patient on all those meds!!! Look at how many of those drugs cause sedation. Most of them look like prn meds. Why is she on four anti-nausea meds? Can any of those drugs be eliminated? What does she have for long term pain control versus prn doses for breakthrough pain? She really is at risk for falling. Polydrug=many drugs and she certainly on a lot that can sedate. I'd keep her where she can easily be observed.

No quitting allowed! Hey, 7 patients, students and lots going on--it's not safe. Not safe for anyone. To me you're a good patient advocate, you realized that the patient was sedated from the dilaudid. Things get forgotten when running your tail off. You're not incompetent, you're human. It would be nice if there was time to make calls, notify this one and that one, write this up but in the real world things happen and the shift flies by. Until all the states get nurse:pt ratios that are humanly possible this is the way it is for now. Be good to yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting through nursing school and being out there taking care of patients.

We would put the MARS in a plastic bag so we could take it to the bedside. On the way out dispose of the bag. Isolation really is a pain but necessary.

A patient turner. For those needy patients, a robotic handmaiden.

Policies that determine who can do what regarding IVs are usually concerning RN versus LV/PN. These policies are usually set by the State Board of Nursing.

When I shadowed an RN I wore scrubs and just followed him around. Various questions came up during the four hours and I got them answered. I met the staff. I had interviewed first and then shadowed to see if I wanted to try the job. So, I assume they will have you put on OR scrubs when you get there. Wear comfortable shoes which you'll cover up with booties. Just ask them about call, call pay, weekends, shifts, etc. An OR person can better help you with the questions.

pamc217 I'm sorry that my posting was a bit rough. Since all the posters have applied for unemployment I guess I learned something. I thought you had to have looked for weeks in your field before you could apply. I had no idea it was a little easier to get it than I thought. Guess I've never had to worry about a paycheck between jobs which gives me a different perspective. So I do wish you luck in finding a job you will like and restart your career with a better outcome. Best.

I guess I don't understand how you can file for unemployment when as an RN you can work in many different areas? Sorry that it didn't work out for you in the OR, but you were given a second chance. Maybe this is a blessing as not all areas aren't for everyone. Aseptic technique is the key to a good OR nurse and they (management) have to be patient advocates. Again I'm sorry it didn't have a better outcome but filing unemployment is ludicrous!

Sillybella, what state do you live in? Check the RN practice act and find out if there's a specific ruling about using the word "nurse". Give a copy to the docs you work for, if you feel comfortable, and ask them if they could retitle you "doctor's assistant". Just say something to the effect that it makes you uncomfortable having patients think you're a nurse. The docs probably don't have a clue.

I absolutely couldn't agree more. Being high or drunk is no excuse for hurting someone. Like someone said, every action has a consequence. Enough of just sweeping it under the rug because they're drunk or high. Even though PA and other states have these laws, how much does the hospital support you in reporting this abuse and taking action? How do we as a group go about making this reporting happen and curtailing the abuse? As a society do we have to continue to have our health care system abused by these folks? It's usually our taxes at work caring for them. Enough is enough.