Squirlatheart

Thank you all for responding. I gotta tell ya that this is probably the most difficult job I have ever had. Between learning 3 different machines, the different steps in each one of them, putting people on and taking them off in "rush hour," not to mention the machine failures, and then the daggone thing that happens when a bunch of women work together in a close setting... wow... I have a good couple of days and then one that makes me wonder if I will ever get it. But the patients... they make me want to do it because they are what it is all about. Your encouragement is very much appreciated. Bless you all... Squirl

Hi there... In our unit, when we cannulate a fistula, we attach a 10 cc saline syringe to the cannula, aspirate and mix the blood in the cannula, and then flush both lines with the mixed saline/blood. We then give our heparin and flush it with 10 cc normal saline. We give the heparin through either arterial or venous since it is systemic and then flush that through with saline. Hope that makes sense. This whole thing is such a difficult field to learn. Wish I could learn it faster. Squirl

Hi all, I am new to dialysis and have been training for about a month. I work in a very, very stressful clinic that has a very demanding DON. He scares me to death when he walks in the room each morning. Anyway, I am training on three different machines at once and am having trouble remembering the procedures for each as far as priming and connecting the patient up. Does anybody have anyway that is a cadence or anything I can remember as far as the Gambros in priming and setting up the machine and then connecting the patient to it?? I can string it fine up to the prime procedure. Then know to spike the bag, put the one line in the WHO, open clamps, and hit prime and prime w/o WH, but then I get lost about how to connect the tubing up from there and the buttons to push when connecting the patient up. I have to know this job, I have to keep this job, and I love the patients and don't want the DON to intimidate me anymore. If I can just get down the Gambro machines then think the other 2 will come with time. Please help.. I am desperate to learn this.... Also the sequence with catheters as far as draw back 5 cc, then where to draw labs and how to go from there??? There must be a cadence or something that will help me remember. Thank you so much and forgive the long post. Squirl :uhoh21:

This is just the best board around. I thank all of you for your replies. :kiss You guys are just the best to share so much knowledge on all these topics, and I am just thrilled to have found you all. Squirl

Hi all, Could somebody tell me in general for hospital staffing how many weekends a month you have to work? I know it will probably vary some, but I am just trying to get an idea of whether most places you have to work every other or what. Thanks in advance. Squirl

Hi, Can anybody recommend a good study guide for ACLS certification? I am working on Rapid Interpretation of EKGs at present but wondered if there was additional material available. Thanks in advance. Squirl

Thank you all for your advice. I did send out my resume as well as a cover letter initially, so they have those. Question though... I am applying at 4 or 5 facilities and have interviews scheduled over the next 2 weeks. What do I do if they offer me a job before those interviews are completed? Should I just be honest and tell them about the other interviews or what? I know I will be grateful for a job offer, but I also know that I am a good nurse (although a little dumb at the moment) and I want to go where I am supposed to be.. Thank you all again. Squirl

Hi to all of you and thank you all for your presence on this board. I read and read and read, and you guys are just so very helpful. I am an old nurse, have been out of nursing for about 10 years. Before that, I worked 4-1/2 years in CCU and previously had worked about 3 in ICU. I went through a messy divorce, became a single mom, and worked at home for the last 10 years in a medical-related field (not nursing though) so that I could make the commute to get my daughter to and from school, activities, etc. (we live in the country). Anyway, I am posting my resumes this week, posted 2 last week, and have my 1st interview Wednesday. I am scared to death, but I want to return to nursing SO badly. I am worried though because obviously my clinical skills need to be updated, as does about everything else. Any advice for the interview? what to wear? etc.? Any help is so appreciated. I am turning this over to bigger hands in prayer, as I feel absolutely sure this is what I need to do with the rest of my life... Bless you all, Squirl

It is never too late. Get what you can done while you are in transition. If you want to be a nurse, nothing will stop you. I am 49 and just returning to nursing. I know in my heart, it is what I should do.