rachel h BSN, RN

This may be a dumb question, but how can a nurse be an independent care provider as so much of what we do depends on physician orders (IVF, meds, certain procedures, etc.)? Do you collaborate with a physician, which would then mean you're not truly...

I have been reading several threads about nurses working for themselves and being independent contractors. I don't know if this thread may be more appropriate for the Nurse Entrepeneurs (sp) forum, but I was wondering how a nurse can work independen...

I am a new nurse, just graduated in May. I am beginning to question whether or not I made the right career choice. The main reason is I cannot stand being yelled at sworn at and basically treated like crap by patients and family members of patients...

I love starting IVs, but am only fairly decent at it. I have the biggest problem with 'rolling' veins, I can never seem to stabilize them. Any suggestions? Any other general tips for a successful IV start? Thanks.

What kind of meds are used to control anxiety disorders long term? I have heard that some SSRIs are now used to treat anxiety as well as depression. Do these medications tend to work very well for anxiety? Are there some that have more side effect...

How about an order for Lantus 5mg IM? Or "Make sure patient gets regular insulin and record" You don't say...

You will learn so much more as a CNA than a volunteer. As a CNA, you get hands-on experience with patients. If you work with cool nurses (like I did as an aide) they will take the time to show you certain skills and explain things to you. You even...

I have stumbled upon incorrect IVF, piggybacked antibiotics and pain meds that the clamp was never opened on so they never infused... and this was on patients who had serious bacterial infections... MRSA, PCP, etc. Scariest part is that is documente...

I usually am intimidated when taking care of other health care professionals- just feel as though I'm being 'judged' on my techniques, knowledge, etc. However, the other night I took care of one of the nicest patients I have ever had... he complimen...

I don't have any kids either, so that makes my schedule a little more flexible. I usually go to bed around 1am- I need to unwind for a bit after I get home from work. Sometimes I'll sleep in but if I need to run errands I'll just set my alarm to ge...

I always use a 60cc syringe filled with water and 'swirl' the syringe while I'm pushing the medication into the G-tube. Then I just flush with another 60cc of H2O- seems to work well. Also, if you can give those 'beady' meds right before the patien...

Do you mean pneumocystis carinii (or PCP) pneumonia? We get a lot of HIV+ patients with this dx. Length of stay varies from 4-5 days to a few weeks depending on various factors, such as their CD4 count, age, general health, etc. We use pentamidine...

What is the transition from Med/Surg to ICU like? I am very interested in critical care nursing and I have a year of med/surg experience now. I was just wondering if it is very intimidating/ overwhelming? Do you feel like you are brand new all ove...

The hospital I used to work for changed the name badges so that your title was in bold letters and HUGE- I swear you could see it across the room, whether it was MD, RN or LPN- the letters were about an inch high. That really seemed to clear it up f...

Oh I hate the pain scale due to the fact that an overwhelming number of patients seem to get annoyed with it and many of them don't quite understand it. I would much rather just be able to document that I gave a patient a pain med because they were ...

I just jot down things on my worksheet that I need to include in my note, which I almost always write at the end of my shift, there is NEVER time to chart as events occur, unfortunately. I don't enter my notes as a 'late entry'- I've never seen any ...

I'm no expert regarding oncology, but what I see used most frequently for comfort is morphine hooked up to a continuous pump and the nurse can increase the amount to provide for the patient's comfort until they pass away. I'm not aware of any drug t...

I'm allergic to amoxicillin and have used erythromycin many times for strep throat...

The opinion of nursing has got to change. I think that is the most frustrating part of being a nurse. From family members hanging out of a patient's doorway staring at you like you are doing nothing when in fact you are charting, preparing meds or ...

I don't know why the only job you'd be able to get is in a nursing home? My first nurse's aide job was in Post Anesthesia Recovery (aka the recovery room) and I had no prior hospital experience nor had I even enrolled in nursing school. It wouldn'...

I am a new nurse who started working in a large teaching hospital on a med/surg floor almost a year ago. It's been hard enough adjusting to being a "real" nurse, but we get a lot of patients that are not exactly, for lack of a better term, "nice." I...

Thanks for all the feedback. I think part of it does have to do with the fact that I am young. And I just want to clarify that these patients who have threatened me have all their faculties- they are A&O- I would never let it get to me if the p...

Yuck- I thought I was the only one. I use Naphcon eye gtts- they have an antihistamine in them that really helps. I also use the real thick regular eye gtts- it's almost like a gel- to keep my eyes from getting dry and itchy. That seems to work we...

Yes, that's definitely appropriate to ask for a patient's MAR- you're just doing your job. I do it all the time- just say "I need to borrow so-and-so's MAR so I can give him/her their meds." What I do to keep track of meds is write down what time e...

I work for a teaching hospital and the environment is great. It's very collegial (sp?) with the residents- I find it to be very teamwork oriented. It's great to be asked for your opinion/advice by the residents about your patients. Really makes yo...