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.

If I'm reading your post correctly you had experience in the military, challenged the LVN license and passed, and didn't work in the field for 4 years. Is this correct? If so, it may be that lapse of time. What sort of experience did you get in the military?

Where's the charge nurse? Where's your manager? They need to know this. I would have the charge tell this aide that everytime she leaves the floor she needs to tell her or report to her/him where they'll be. Then personally I'd check with my patients and without creating suspicion, just ask the patient what the aide has helped them with today. I can tell you where our aides used to go: out to smoke frequently, hide in a room with a housekeeper and chat, cafeteria. Maybe this person needs another job. Getting paid far more than they're worth.

Congratulations for coming through that only slightly scraped! You're very lucky to have co-workers that will speak up for you. I know this always sounds trite but remember that family thing is about them and not you. Best wishes for the holidays.

The Rn's that I worked with found the results within what seemed like days on the website.

Ethics committee is due. I'm glad that I never had to deal with this when I worked NICU. Heartbreaking. If the committee can't come up with a reasonable solution then I'd take myself off the case.

File a police report. Demand the hospital get bouncer type security. Restraint chairs such as used in jails for time out. Better medication/adjusted meds. Maybe be outfitted with tasers. After being tasered I don't think they'll do it again. Training for staff on self defense and some of the pressure points to help cease and desist. I'm so sorry these things are happening to staff. It really is criminal.

Some drugs aren't meant to be shaken but rolled for reconstitution.

Congratulations on graduating from NS! When calling a doc for meds and if you think of it while you're on the phone instead of after you've hung up, like happens to some of us, just ask if this will be a problem with HIV. You did good. Where I have worked if a pt has renal or liver disease they try to keep the Tylenol dose below 3,000 mg per 24 hours. Even if he got 1 or 2 doses before his doc got there he'd be fine. Keep up the good thinking.:balloons:

WOW!! I didn't think rudeness was so rampant but reading your posts I am horrified at how we are all treated. Our patients got to fill out their own menus and there were those that didn't "realize" they needed to check off creamer, more syrup, this or that and expected me to run back and forth to the kitchen. I had an ambulatory man (executive) that put his light on to move his tray table an inch, fix his blanket and his arms weren't even broken! Rich or poor some folks feel entitled to unreasonable demands. I once asked a "How to get along with difficult people" trainer what to do with these folks. She said to tell them that I'm there to meet their medical needs and make sure they progress towards discharge. Not in these exact words, but to tell them that I'm not there to meet their handmaiden needs and if they need this much care that maybe they should call a friend or family member in to help them with these other needs (fluffing pillows, moving a blanket an inch, and on and on). I don't mind doing these things if I have time and am not being abused. I agree that for a time I allowed the abuse but sometimes it's hard to bring reality to the attention of the patient.

Yes, I'm sure most of us have and it doesn't feel good. Sorry for your misfortune but they will probably twist everyones' words when they get refused what they want. Don't be surprised if this hits administration but it won't be about you, it'll be about their not accepting HIPPA regulations. They'll huff and they'll puff...