rnwaller

Hi Everybody, We need to distinguish here between an LTAC (Long Term Acute Care HOSPITAL) and LTC ie. long term care or a SNF - Skilled Nursing Facility/Nursing Home LTAC is a hospital (and licensed as one) some even have ICU level of care. Per Medi...

I continue to monitor the patient (which would include transfusion reaction) just as if I hung any other medication. That is, in essence, a nurses job. Keep up the great work everbody.

I am hopeful that you have enough repore with your manager that this discussion should not be a big deal. In my opinion, no need to tell your personal story, just express an interest in moving to day shift. Is there a day shift position posted? Is i...

Thanks for choosing ER Nursing (although this could change) 1. Ask your guidance counseler to 'shadow' and ER nurse. 2. Sign up to get your nursing degree - I highly recommend a BSN program while you're young!! 3. Graduate and taking the nursing boar...

I am concerned with the posts I see here. I seem to be reading a lot of one person 'against' another. I agree there are some bullish/bossy people out there - but my guess is they are fewer in nursing. Most nursing enviornments require teamwork, so...

I am agreeing with Liverpool Jane, as an RN and a JW I try to avoid hanging blood. In the US it is always two nurses who hang blood (so I am never doing it 'solo'), and after the blood is hanging it is my job to monitor the patient (as nurses do all...

Hello again, You mention this patient had chronic anemia. Is she getting the full follow up? Does she have a hematologist, is she getting Epogen? Iron? May be this is all true but I do sometimes find that a patient will refuse a transfusion, then n...

I have been working ED for 9 years now. Lately, I am feeling like a taskmaster - I start the IV, give the meds, dip the urine, give the contrast etc .... What I don't seem to have is any input/interaction with the diagnosis process. The best exampl...

My hospital is just looking at uniforms and I expect a decision this year about a single scrub color. I too have been at a facility that went all white. I agree with several posts - looks good but is impractical at times (I work ER). I can say th...

Your already on the right track. The system we used was two (or three) triage nurses. One continued traige and one started workups, including sending labs, ekg etc. (an ED tech can also be helpful) We had a chart rack and a specimen holder and this...

You sound very stressed at your current position. I hope you can clear up these change of shift procedures or you may need to move on. Think about suggesting some solutions, get a group involved in making it better, hopefully you can gain some adm...

re: pregnancy test Answer - Please call your PCP on Monday for your test results. The result is not an Emergency! I have actually been able to do this once!

Maisy, You did not say how busy an ER you where in or if its a one or two nurse triage system. I spent a year on committee of this very question. Some quick answers. We initiate standing orders in triage including Xrays and bloodwork - IV starts ar...

ED and Breaks, tough words in the same sentence. Scheduling - not a part of the ED language. I have just returned to a regular ED job after a few years of traveling. My experience is a system where you have a 'buddy' assigned is best. You and you...

If your relief has not arrived, report off to oncoming charge RN, if he/she cannot accept report then have your OT sheet in hand and let him/her know gently but firmly that you expect to be paid if you cannot report off in a timely manner. On the f...

I too am an RN, who is also one of Jehovah's Witnessess. I have tried to read the thread so I would not repeat anything. I have had the privilidge of doing a lecture on transfusion free medicine. I consulted the Watchtower's Hospital Liason Committ...

Working in nursing for the last 16 years in six states I have had a variety of experiences but none so frustrating as the recent assignment in Houston, TX. Apparently, it has been commonplace for YEARS that Mexican residents drive (illegally)across ...

I am a traveler and I have found most hospitals smoke free. Some have nurses who will allow patients to take a "smoke break." Sorry I can't go there, too much liability letting a patient (with an IV most likely) go outside the building - and how am...

I wish you all the best in your decisions. You complied with the nurse practice act but you have discovered that bad politics of HMO medicine. I have to agree with other posts, IF you want to take this on you need to go to the insurance companies. ...

I am a travel nurse whose home state is CT. Cost of living in CT is very high due to taxes - nice house 275-350k but then you pay 3-5k a year in property taxes!!! Plus property tax on your cars. Gas currently 3.19 (second only to California I belie...

Terra, I just read your reply saying you are renewing, I'll bet your agency is calling you back about the renewal!!! When you finally get them on the phone for that, get the recruiting manager on the phone, INSIST ON THE MANAGER/SUPERVISOR ONLY, get ...

Recently, I was on a travel assignment and after three weeks I got a call from my agency saying they did not want me to return. (I had a 10 week contract.) Be assured I have 15 years of clinical experience and it was absolutely not over a clinical ...

Thanks for the input, especially the phrase about having a phrase in your contract about what happens if the hospital cancels. I also found out it depends what state your in and the state law about contracts - both ways if you breach or if they cance...

highest paying locations and those hospitals that allow you lot of overtime looking to make a lot of money in a short time would appreciate input on this much needed info thanks Debbie My understanding is that Fastaff does 48 hour assignments, sounds...

I also work for American Mobile, I don't know who your recruiter is but this sounds WRONG to me. Stick to your guns, say No I want the bonus or a little extra hourly. Remember what others have just said a higher housing is better (its tax free). Be...