CrufflerJJ BSN, RN, EMT-P

ICU

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All Content by CrufflerJJ

  1. CrufflerJJ

    Retirement...Fading Memories

    CrufflerJJ posted a topic in General Nursing

    Fading memories... I've been retired now for a bit over 2 years. Prior to that, I worked 10 years as a RN in a local VA Hospital MICU. Before that, I worked for 4 years in a high...
  2. CrufflerJJ

    Defibrillators that charged to 400 J

    CrufflerJJ replied to ECMO's topic in General Nursing

    On my fire department, we had an ancient MRL defibrillator with an aluminum case stashed in a closet ever since it had been taken out of service years prior. It would go up to 400
  3. CrufflerJJ

    Drug Shortages

    CrufflerJJ posted a topic in Patient Medications

    Last week, I spoke with my father about drug shortages - whether they really exist in our hospitals. The brief answer is YES. Drug shortages not only exist in hospitals, but also in "the field",...
  4. CrufflerJJ

    Who's afraid of the ICU?

    CrufflerJJ replied to Trissity's topic in Critical Care

    I wouldn't say "be afraid" so much as "be paranoid." If you're part way through your shift and everything seems to be going too smoothly, consider whether you're missing
  5. CrufflerJJ

    VA Reputation vs Private Sector

    CrufflerJJ replied to AllCoolNamesAreTaken's topic in Government, Military

    I've been a VA nurse since February, after having worked as a (2nd career) RN for 4 years in the private sector. The hiring process is long & drawn out. Plan on about 4-6 months from application...
  6. CrufflerJJ

    Er nurse vs icu nurse

    CrufflerJJ replied to Mshealthness's topic in Nursing Career

    I LOVE your ADHD/OCD contrast. I've not done ER (but did volunteer in EMS x 19 years), and can see how the ER might be a triage/stabilize/move-'em-out environment, vs the ICU "What??? You don't...
  7. CrufflerJJ

    New ICU nurse

    CrufflerJJ replied to tigerRN2013's topic in Critical Care

    Congrats on graduating, and even more congrats on securing a job as an ICU nurse as a new grad!!!!! Your feelings of knowing "so little", yet being "eager to learn everything" are perfectly correct....
  8. CrufflerJJ

    Cursing on the job

    CrufflerJJ replied to Ciale's topic in Emergency

    You can always learn to curse in a new language. This might serve to relieve stress & is less likely to cause problems at work, unless your coworkers happen to speak Russian or Japanese
  9. CrufflerJJ

    Wasting

    CrufflerJJ replied to DeeDee_RN's topic in First Year After Licensure

    Despite what your preceptor says, SWEAT IT. Each & Every time you access a "controlled substance" from the Pyxis, make double-darn sure that you account for the amount used, and the amount wasted....
  10. CrufflerJJ

    nursing after a near death experience

    CrufflerJJ replied to dancingostrich's topic in Nursing Career

    Nope. Not weakness, but being open & honest about your feelings. Best of luck to
  11. CrufflerJJ

    Interview and future plans?

    CrufflerJJ replied to kcdunlap's topic in Job Search, Interview, Resume

    I'd be careful in talking about stuff other than your immediate med/surg opportunity. If you mention CDE (??Certified Diabetes Educator??) as a goal, then the med/surg folks might feel that you're...
  12. CrufflerJJ

    interview help

    CrufflerJJ replied to brownberrry's topic in MICU, SICU

    Every unit will have a different style of interviewing. You may very well not have any clinical questions at all. Then again.... Be able to tell about the sickest pt for whom you cared during your...
  13. CrufflerJJ

    Need opinions, thinking of working in the ICU

    CrufflerJJ replied to cardiacrocks's topic in Critical Care

    Your idea of shadowing is an excellent one. Contact the ICU's manager, expressing your interest. Good
  14. CrufflerJJ

    Reference check

    CrufflerJJ replied to ChellyBean's topic in Nursing Career

    Apologies in advance, but this is going to sound a bit harsh.... Congrats on having been able to be considered for a position. It sounds like you're being seriously considered, given that you've made...
  15. CrufflerJJ

    How to save my hands

    CrufflerJJ replied to caughtbuckinoff's topic in Health, Stress Management

    I'm a big fan of Gold Bond lotions. They are thick, not watery. Once they dry, your hands don't even feel oily. Good
  16. CrufflerJJ

    peer interview= Job offer?

    CrufflerJJ replied to RNJamie12's topic in Job Search, Interview, Resume

    It means that you made the first cut. There may still be multiple candidates for the available job(s). The folks interviewing you at the peer interview willl likely be your potential coworkers. Good...
  17. CrufflerJJ

    Need advice for possible transfer

    CrufflerJJ replied to AndyPantsRN's topic in Operating Room

    Your feelings of being 'constantly reminded of what happened all day long" sounds an awful lot like post-traumatic stress flashbacks. I'm not a psych person, nor did I stay at Holiday Inn Express...
  18. CrufflerJJ

    Need advice for possible transfer

    CrufflerJJ replied to AndyPantsRN's topic in Operating Room

    Does your employer have any sort of Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)? If so, you might want to get with them and talk over your thoughts about your dad's death, and how you're concerned that it is...
  19. CrufflerJJ

    PharmD student to Nursing school (long read)

    CrufflerJJ replied to SmoothKeys's topic in Pre-Nursing Students

    Having worked as a chemical engineer for 22 years (& volunteer paramedic for about 19 of those years, in my "copious free time") before going into nursing, I'd encourage you to follow your heart....
  20. CrufflerJJ

    new allnurses logo - feedback wanted

    CrufflerJJ replied to Brian's topic in General Nursing

    If allnurses MUST change its logo, I'd go with #202. The box around the "all" part suggests the all-inclusive nature of AN. That being said, I wouldn't change the logo at
  21. CrufflerJJ

    Job interview before NCLEX?

    CrufflerJJ replied to Meg86an's topic in Nursing Career

    As to whether you can get hired before NCLEX, that's up to the hospital. Some places will hire you, though. Congrats on getting an interview. Research the hospital beforehand, so you know some basic...
  22. CrufflerJJ

    The good, the bad, and the ugly

    CrufflerJJ replied to R!XTER's topic in General Nursing

    I'm sorry, but that's not the behavior of a
  23. CrufflerJJ

    Advice for a 2nd degree BSN student please?

    CrufflerJJ replied to RosaleiMae's topic in Ob/Gyn

    Congrats on getting ready to start your accel BSN! I'm not working in OB or L&D, but would recommend the following: - Make sure your OB professor knows your enthusiasm for the subject, and why...
  24. CrufflerJJ

    CCRN Fright!

    CrufflerJJ replied to blazenhsss's topic in MICU, SICU

    The Pass CCRN book can be overwhelming. I mainly used the CDROM of sample questions that came with the book. Se if a coworker or your unit educator has the Laura Gasparis CCRN CDs or DVDs. Those...
  25. CrufflerJJ

    What does widening/narrowing pulse pressure indicate?

    CrufflerJJ replied to happyhealthynurse's topic in Nursing Student Assistance

    Google is your friend. Search for "narrow pulse pressure" or "wide pulse