PButler

Hi, I was wondering what kind of nurse: patient ratios you have in the ICU. Here in NM we try to stick to 2:1 (1:1 for the very ill), but I have also worked in TX where we routinely had 3:1 and in Baltimore where is was even worse! I would love to he...

I don't beleive that everyone should be branded the same way. My sick time is mine and if I need it, I would like to use it without being treated like some misbehaved adolescent. Sure, people abuse it, which really sucks when it's the rest of the tea...

Tegaderm by itself should work just fine as long as the rest of the IV tubing is well secured with tape. In our ICU we use veniguard (the foam donut with clear tegaderm center). They provide excellent infection control and stick better than anything...

Just about all of our trauma pts have some sort of addiction. we generally stick to the benzos like ativan and wean them slowly. We can usually get them extubated and sent out to the step-down unit where they go into full blown DT's. We also use a lo...

The requirements will vary by state and hospital. To be a flight nurse you must have at least 3-5 years ICU or ER experience as well as certifications in ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP and often have a national certification such as CCRN or CEN. There a...

I can't comment on the other professions salaries but I don't know of any male nurses that make more $$ than females without working more overtime. Every hospital I have worked in pays based on credentials and years of experience, regardless of sex. ...

There are several decent schools out there who are now offering full online BSN. I am attending University of Phoenix. Like all schools it has it's good and bad points but it is a very convenient school for working folks with families like me! I will...

Hey nilepoc, So could you talk to my wife for me about that "supporting your husband through school stuff". If I could convince her that it was a good idea, I might join you in Georgetown! He He!

The requirements for flight nursing will vary depending on the program, but the standard is generally at least 3 years ICU or ER experience. You will also need ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC and possibly CCRN or CEN. Being a flight nurse is very fun and chal...

Hi, Just wanted to know if you see a noticable increase in your salaries because of the nursing shortages. My salary has almost doubled in the past 4 years. We are at a point where nurses can take control of their own careers and pay. Or can we?

He! He! He! That IS funny! You must work at a private hospital. Now I remember why I hated private hospitals and love working in a large university hospital. Some Docs and hospital administrators don't even know how arrogant and stupid they really ar...

Anything with an oil base should work. Mayo works great!

Hi, In the Trauma/surgical ICU and MICU at our busy university hosptial, the nurses do everything related to CRRT. We set up the prism and run it. Pts on CRRT are usually 1:1 to allow for the nurse to run the machine and still take care of the pt. We...

Hi guys, I am a flight nurse for Lifeguard in NM. Each flight program will have it's own requirements. The standard seems to be at least 3 years of critical care or ER experience for RN's. You should also be required to have ACLS, PALS, ENPC, TNCC. I...

I have worked in several states and I have to say that there is good and bad everywhere. Many times it is not how the state treats nurses but how the specific hospital or unit does. I worked in one hospital (A World Famous trauma center with a grand ...

Nursing really sucks at times...but for the most part it is a great career. I love the flexible scheduling so that my wife (also a nurse) and I can work opposite and take care of our own kids (No daycare!) We get to spend a lot of time together as a ...

Try Athabasca in Alberta or University of Phoenix (US). As far as I know both of these offer MSN via Distance or online. Good luck:)

I have worked in both ER and ICU, although I have much more experience in ICU (Trauma/Surgical). It's best to go where you are most interested in working and the area that best suites your personality. To work in ICU you have to have the most in dept...

Hi Matt, I am a flight nurse with Lifeguard Air Transport in ABQ, NM. We use a combined system with Vent, Monitor, O2 and isolette on a sled that slides directly onto our Lifeport bed. It works well but is very heavy. It slides easily from aircraft t...

Hey Mito, Being a male nurse, I would have to say that most guys seem to work in ER or ICU. It's an adrenaline thing! I am currently a flight nurse but have also worked in Trauma ICU and ER. A lot of guys in the OR too! Male nurses can work just abou...

I have also lived in the US for over 6 years. There are many wonderful places to see and work and some not so nice. Travel nursing is a great way to see the country and you get free or cheap housing for each 3 month contract. Chose a good travel comp...