Lizziefive

I worked at a rural clinic in Guatemala. I KNOW they need the stuff you listed. visit http://www.aktenamit.org you can send it to the address in guatemala city and write PARA CLINICA - MARIA on the box.. they will know what to do with it. When I was there we got random donations all the time- someone even sent surgical and vent equipment which was a waste since we dont have either.. good luck! thanks! liz

Hi Katie! I started working in the ER when I was six months pregnant. It was stressful but not as bad as I thought it was going to be. If I could do it all over again though I would have waited to have the baby. Its not impossible but it is more difficult just because when you take your maternity leave you forget a lot- now I am going back in 2 weeks and am very nervous!! Plus ideally I would have liked to take 6 months off- but felt a little weird asking for that much time off right after I started so I only took 3 months.. Having a baby is the best thing in the world and should be your only focus when it happens- If I were you- I would start trying in six months.. not too long but long enough to know what you are getting into and for you to know your coworkers enough so they will help you. Good luck!! Liz

Thanks! Its good to hear that you recognize that we have something to offer too. I try and help the older nurses out when I can because I want them to help me when I need them to explain something to me.. and I think this works out for the most part.

Someone told me when I graduated as an RN not to tell anyone but the hiring manager and my preceptor that I was an LPN and it really did help.. sure people treated me like a newbie to nursing but at least things were fully explained to me and nobody acted like I should know this already. Even if I did know something already- I learned a different take on it.. Its different to work as an RN - you are more independent and have to make more decisions by yourself- but being an LPN first is a huge advantage- let everyone think you are a new graduate with excellent skills! Good luck!! Liz

Floor nursing isnt for everyone. LTC isnt for everyone. You have to find your nitch. I was an LPN before an RN- I decided to go back to school because of the lack of opportunities for LPNs. For your first job as an LPN I would try and get exposed to the most as possible. Hospitals are good for that- I worked in a pediatric unit with vents and liked it but couldnt have spent my life there.. you got to try out different fields. If you dont want to be a drug pusher dont go to LTC as an LPN for sure. But dont be discouraged- nursing has something for everyone. Did you ever think about hospice or homecare? Its a little more mellow and you can still learn a lot. PS if you really hate your job- you shouldnt stay because usually that attitude is sensed by your pts and they really have more important things to worry about than is my nurse happy. maybe a drs office setting would be better for you..

Hey thanks for the great responses. I am making an RSI cheat sheet with all the mg per kg doses and the average dose for a 70kg pt to use a a reference. I find it difficult to be a new nurse in the ER- I am lucky that where I work there are many great nurses with 15+ yrs of experience so I am never the only RN during RSI or traumas. Plus allnurses and RNs like you guys are a huge help to me! Sometime there just isnt enough time during the shift to vent/ have things explained which is why I love to come here and chit chat. I would love to see the RSI worksheet you mentioned.- if its not a bother. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liz

Thanks for the responses. I am ACLS, PALS and of course BLS certified. I just wanted a quick number I could put into my head so when the Dr orders 300mg of sux for an average person I would be able to catch the mistake quickly- sometimes it is good to memorize a ballpark figure- to know if the dose sounds about right based on the persons size. We usually always start low and go from there but we have a lot of new Drs now and I find there just isnt time to double calculate every med dose. Often I find that the MD or resident push the drugs but they simply ask for the meds to be prepared- so I like to have syringes filled with the norm dose for them. Thanks again for the responses.

Ive only heard to bend the knee. It just makes more sense.

Hi! I am preparing to go back to work after a maternity leave and am studying some of the RSI meds. Basically I want to have memorized the USUAL dose (not per kg but the number that is given for an average sized person) for the sedatives and paralytics. ALSO how fast should these meds be pushed- over 1 min- over 2 min- FAST or what? I am having trouble since most of these meds arent in my med book. Also if there is anything I should look out for besides the obvious. Thanks!! I always know I can count on my allnurses to help me out! Here is my list Etomidate (20mg right?) Fentanyl Ketamine Midazolam Propofol Thiopental Sux (usually 100mg right? seems like a lot) Vec Rocuronium Which ones are usually titrated drips afterward?

Thanks!!!! im going to check it out!

hmm. i will have to look for the protocol.. can you elaborate on overbreathing? thanks!!!! liz

Hi. Im a newish grad who is now working in the ED. I had a vent patient the other day and the RT told me the settings very quickly for me to document. I am just wondering what settings should I be expecting to document? what are the norms for these settings? I just want to have a heads up for next time in case something is missing.. Thanks!!!

Hi. Im a newish grad who is now working in the ED. I had a vent patient the other day and the RT told me the settings very quickly for me to document. I am just wondering what settings should I be expecting to document? what are the norms for these settings? I just want to have a heads up for next time in case something is missing.. Thanks!!!

I will reply- even though I never went to Maria- so my knowledge is based on what Ive heard- Ive heard that they have a really low passing rate for the NCLEX exam, and that the area hospitals would rather hire graduates from any other school than Maria. Sorry.. Did you ever try Albany Memorial or Samaritan hospitals nursing program? They have an LPN to RN transition.. I did it, and recommend it.. its very hands on.. it takes 12 months good luck

Hello I have started orientation at NYP for a position at the Allen Pav ER. Mind you I havent been there very long but it seems to me that they have a very good reputation within the hospital system. I was worried they would be kinda looked at like the little hospital that doesnt matter but I hear a lot of great things about it. Its far though from me and I live on the west side so.. commute is always something to think about. What unit were you hired for?