kiszi

Brings to mind a time several years ago when I had an impromptu phone interview for a telephonic case management job. I had been cleaning out my car in the driveway when she called, so I was a little hot and bothered already. On top of that, my cell phone connection was horrid (this was before wifi calling was commonplace) so I did the interview while pacing in my driveway and in front of my house trying to find a "sweet spot." I apologized profusely and tried to present myself well, but I think it was a lost cause at that point It worked out for the best anyhow, as I ended up on a completely different career path. You sound like someone who can roll with whatever gets thrown at you! I was cracking up at the mental image of you coming out in a towel to a surprise greeting by your son and husband

My hospital routinely uses a Doppler on the femoral artery in codes. HOWEVER, we would never delay CPR to get one. Normally once CPR is already in progress, somebody grabs one for the next pulse check. I second MunoRN's comment about palpation of a pulse in a code being unreliable. I feel like it's more helpful and quicker to Doppler a pulse, and the person running the code can listen for it as well.

Were you happy with your pay before? If so, i suggest you mind your business. You dont know what this nurse was making at her last job or how the pay negotiations went for this one. If you plan to "demand" a raise, be prepared to leave if they say no. I would also advise saying nothing about what you saw, but ask based on what your research has shown to be fair compensation for someone in your position.

Director of what? The student health clinic?

Leave if you must, but if the company policy is to give a month notice and you only give two weeks, you can expect to not be eligible for rehire. Is it possible to sit down with the DON and discuss your concerns, or it is beyond that by this point?

Plenty of full-time workers do something PRN on the side. I think it's best to be up-front with a potential PRN job about your availability and needs. As to whether it will hurt your chances, it really depends on what the employer is looking for. But if they want someone who can drop everything and pick up shifts anytime, it probably isn't the place for you anyhow.

Sounds like part of the blame lies on the nurse that acknowledged the order and didn't pass the info along. At any rate, no need to beat yourself up. Use this experience to do better.

It doesn't hurt to try!

Way to quickly prime IV tubing without using the roller clamp: Spike bag upside down. Squeeze drip chamber, flip right side up, release. No bubbles! Also, when priming with a glass bottle, squeeze and fill the drip chamber before opening the air vent. The fluid won't flow till the vent is opened.

Yep, I've known doctors to look at it. One would even check to make sure nurses were titrating drips when the bps were outside parameters.

Every hospital is different, but mine has a cardiac stepdown/progressive unit that sounds similar. Most acute post-cath intervention patients go there if they are stable enough to not need ICU. Nurses there do sheath pulls, drips, BIPAP, etc. All patients are on tele monitoring with bedside and central monitors. The acuity can be high at times. It's a great stepping stone for ICU; many nurses in my cardiac unit have come from there.

You are correct on the application deadlines and start dates. As far as housing, if you want an apartment you should have no problem finding a good one close to the hospital or university. Houses to rent or buy can be a little more tricky to find.

My perspective on tox screens is that of a CCU nurse. It actually surprises me how often tox screens are not done on pts presenting with cardiac arrest with no known cause. It can be a valuable tool when used in the right situations. Generally I don't do many tox screens, as they are typically done in the ED. However, I don't explain what each lab test is for unless asked, and the same would apply for urine screens. If asked, I would inform the patient we are checking their urine for potential substances that could be affecting their condition. Consent for testing the MD deems necessary is included in the consent to treatment.

I work in a cardiac ICU and serve as a code team member. The majority of codes I go to occur on step-down units. So yeah, I'd say ACLS is essential. I believe it is required at my facility also, but not 100% sure.

I would have said something like, "yeah, the department really was a mess after the remodel! Its awesome that you guys stepped up and took care of business! Great job!" But then I am one to avoid confrontation whenever possible.

Well, I was given a sitz bath when my oldest was born and never used it in the hospital, but it was a lifesaver when I got home! Maybe the new moms are embarrassed to use it in the hospital and could be encouraged to take it home at least?

I got report that my patient was dead. I went in the room, and she was lying in a bathtub, dead as can be. Then one of the docs and I tried to drag her out of the bed by her feet. As we're doing this, I noticed her skin was really macerated and coming off in chunks. Then she opened her eyes and started talking.

Cath lab experience will not get you anywhere. If CRNA is your goal, start getting ICU experience now. Most applicants to anesthesia programs have more than the minimum 12-18 months when they apply. I suggest you look up the admission process and requirements for several schools that interest you to get an idea of what will be involved.

Orientation is but a short time. I guess I don't understand why you would want to quit this job based on that alone. My advice is to play along and get through the next several weeks--the train wreck patients will come soon enough. You didn't mention whether the unit itself was what you expected, only the orientation aspect. That would be important to know to understand where you're coming from.

Anecdotally, it seems many COPD-ers deal with some degree of anxiety which can contribute to feelings of SOB. Cautious use of anxiety meds could be discussed with the doctor.

I work nights, and it's rare for a nurse to be off the floor for more than the time it takes to grab food from the cafeteria. When one of us does leave, "report" ranges from a quick "can you listen out for 10 and 12" to a brief rundown of current drips and potential needs, not anything near a real report. More like "I'm letting you know I'll be off the floor." The assumption is that the nurse's time away will be brief. Fortunately I work with a good group of people who I know will jump in if my patient crumps, and the charge nurse is there for backup as well. How sad that the nurse who took responsibility wouldn't step up. We generally note in the chart when handoff is given and to whom; would that work for lunches perhaps?

I live in the Charlotte area and cost of living is pretty reasonable here. 21/hr might not seem like much, but when you add in shift diff and/or weekend diff, it should cover your expenses easily, especially if you don't have kids. I say go for it! CVICU is a tough environment, but your residency should prepare you well. If that's where you want to be, do it!! The opportunity may not come again.

Hey all, I read on the UNCC program's site that a physics course is strongly recommended. Did all of you who got interviews take one?

I seldom call off. I've gone in feeling like crap because I knew staffing was short that day. However, I have also taken a mental health day or personal day on a rare occasion, and did not feel a bit guilty.

I placed my Ohio license on inactive status a while back. I sent an email requesting inactive status as directed on the website. I never got a reply either, but my license soon showed up as inactive on the site. Keep checking. I believe it will say something like Active-Not Renewing until after the expiration date, at which point it will say Inactive. Hope this helps!