Cin RN

I am also a New Grad nurse in a med/surg/trauma icu. When the docs round, we are there with them when they examine the patient and speak with families. By doing this, we are able to facilitate with updates on the patient and explain things to the families when the docs leave. Families too are intimidated by the doctors. We are also able to clarify orders and procedures without having to call them later. Sometimes we are too busy to round, but when possible it can be very helpful to everyone concerned. Hang in there, you are not alone. My friends who have been nurses for years say that one day, it will all come together.... I for one and anxiously awaiting that day.....

The fact that you are worried is a good thing. Observe how others do things, how they work, tricks they use, then adopt or adapt them to work for you. I was an extern in a MSICU for my last 2 years of school and now I am a GRAD RN. (Still working through the "imposter" feelings). Everyone does things differently, some things work well, others do not. You will figure out your own style. Good luck to you, the work is hard but the rewards are great, and the sorrows are heartbreaking, but when you help a family get through those "times", its worth it all!:chair:

Hello, I will be donating a kidney to my stepdaughter on November 22, 2006. (See 'My daughter's GFR if 4, HELP' thread for more info). Since her illness began in April 2005, it seems as if we have spent every holiday in the hospital. She has RPCG, or rapidly progressive cresentic glomerionephritis. She is 23 years old and a senior in college studying marketing. Now she wants to continue school and after completing this degree, go into child phsycology. Anne has dialysis 3 days per week now, has had to suspend her schooling this semester and has very little energy. I feel so blessed to be a match and have the ability to give her this great gift.:biggringi People ask me if I am nervous or have second thoughts.... NONE AT ALL. Our surgery will be at the very hospital that I work at, so it is a great family affair. The transplant team are wonderful and everyone has been very supportive. I was wondering from the "experts" here, what are some things to expect, watch for and do to make this hospitalization as easy as possible. No medical advise expected, just that good old nursing "hints". They are always better than any info in a medical book.

Sorry, I don't want med info, I was really just looking for emotional coping for a new grad and a "mom" trying to juggle the illness. Goodluck on your pending delivery!

I have just returned from my appointment with the transplant surgeon. I am a new grad nurse (MSICU), soon to be a new grandmother (Feb 2007), and will be giving my stepdaughter a kidney in the near future. Our story is a complicated one, but in April of 2005, Anne became very ill and ended up in the very unit that I work in. After 3 weeks in ICU, another on the floor, and several "call the family in, she's toast" calls, we are a year and a half into this illness, Rapidly progressive cresentic glomerialnephritis (excuse spelling please). Labs today of note BUN 106 and Creatinine 11.2. She had an AV fistula done, and 4 subsequent surgeries on it, (her vessels are very "deep") She is now clotting off the needles at the moment of insertion (with an INR of >3). The docs are debating the need to dialyse her or just do the transplant. The big worry is if she clots off the new kidney. This girl is 23 years old and has been thru it, so to speak. Over Memorial Day weekend we traveled to Duke University hospital to have a "patch" placed in a PFO. She had TOF as a baby and it was repaired, but when she was hospitalized in April, she had a PE and blew the patch out. I told you it was complicated. Any advise, assistance, words of wisdom are greatly appreciated, I have lots more info on her, but running out of room.. Thanks Cin

Greetings curlysin, I agree with the advise of go everywhere, some for the money others for the experience. I hope one day to travel to your home country to visit, and possibly to work. If you ever find yourself near West Virginia in your stateside travels, contact me, I would love to show you some of our "lovely countryside". Welcome and good luck in your travels! Cin RN

Been there, done that.... Sounds like you have your head in the right place. A good friend gave me some great advise before I took my NCLEX... Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and say to yourself, "I will own this test and make it my own!". Then, upon getting through the sign in hastle and computer tutorial, when the first question comes up, close your eyes, take another deep breath, and relax enough for the knowledge in your head to come out and answer the questions. You will succeed. Good luck