bahamagirl

Latest Activity

1. Visiting Hours

   bahamagirl replied to redwolf's topic in MICU, SICU

   We have a locked unit so that every visitor must phone before coming into visit. We don't allow visitation between shift change (0645-0745 and 1845-1945). We also don't allow visitation during...

2. Sepsis protocol?

   bahamagirl replied to cardiac.cure03's topic in MICU, SICU

   Hello The sepsis six pack is early goal directed therapy that entails fluid to keep cvp greater than 12, pressors, xigris, steroids, antibiotics and cultures. If you read the River's Trial it is good...

3. Sepsis protocol?

   bahamagirl replied to cardiac.cure03's topic in MICU, SICU

   We don't have a protocol at our hospital but we follow the SEPSIS SIX PACK recommendations. We have had successful outcomes using this as a tool. I think the most important is early recognition and...

4. Family: The Monitor Monsters

   bahamagirl replied to Nurse-o-Matic's topic in MICU, SICU

   I should clarify alittle. I believe that families have every right to know what is going on with their loved one. I tell families what I look for on a monitor i.e. blood pressure and heart rate and...

5. Giving/Getting Report

   bahamagirl replied to Lorilei-RN-in05's topic in MICU, SICU

   Giving report can be a little tricky when you first start out. It needs to be clear and concise as well as organized. I always start by stating the name and age, diagnosis, past medical history and...

6. PDA's and the ICU

   bahamagirl replied to Rivs's topic in MICU, SICU

   There is hospital in our area that started using blackberries as a tool for communication. Each nurse has one as well as the doctors. They email the doctor and get a reply in a timely fashion...

7. burnout?

   bahamagirl replied to dietcokeRN's topic in MICU, SICU

   I believe that we are no good to our patients if we get too involved in the emotional side. Emotion can sometimes cloud our judgment. We are their to save the patient and not to cry with the family....

8. Family members as patients on your unit

   bahamagirl replied to KAW1962's topic in General Nursing

   I work in an icu and my cousin required admission for septic shock. I never expected any preferential treatment but in our unit it is something we just do for one another. I never asked for labs and...

9. Family: The Monitor Monsters

   bahamagirl replied to Nurse-o-Matic's topic in MICU, SICU

   I tell the family who are oogling the monitor and who panick with every alarm that they shouldn't get concerned until I get concerned. I also hesitate on the teaching aspect because everything is...

10. Inventions we'd love to see....

    bahamagirl replied to Nurse-o-Matic's topic in General Nursing

    I would love to see a drive up ct scanner. No moving the 300 plus pt with a vent and 10 iv's. You just drive up, scan and your done. And an automated answering service that the families can call...

11. If you could change on aspect of nursing.

    bahamagirl replied to AMBERRN2B's topic in General Nursing

    I would like more staffing but I would not give up some of my pay. Why should we sacrifice our pay??? Staffing is a necessary tool to improve patient care and outcomes and reduce stress and injury....

12. ICU RN's responsible for CRRT or CVVH

    bahamagirl replied to graciev's topic in MICU, SICU

    We also set up, maintain and troubleshoot our crrt machines. Thank the lord for citrate because it saves alot of time and headaches trying to save a filter. We staff our patients 1:1 and given a one...

13. Recently Transferred in IMCU, ready to transfer back OUT!!!

    bahamagirl replied to AtlantaRN's topic in MICU, SICU

    It sounds like you have a very good head on your shoulders and that this unit could use someone like you. I started in a very difficult unit and the nurses gave me a hard time. I stuck with it and...

14. NY State may require nurses to obtain 4-year degrees

    bahamagirl replied to Brian's topic in Diploma, ADN, BSN

    I am a nurse in Canada where it now required to have a degree in the nursing field. However anyone who has graduated before 2005 is grandfathered. It has both pros and cons. I think it will give...

15. Infection Control

    bahamagirl replied to oreocookie's topic in General Nursing

    That use to happen to me all the time until we got lopez valves. They fit on any type of ng or peg tubes. It is a three way valve with a stop cock. This eliminates you having to disconnect the tube...