neneRN BSN, RN

I understand your rationale of watching to get a feel for things...but best advice I can give is to learn this line "What can I do to help?" Every time you're in that situation where you're maybe not sure what to do or are trying to learn how to ha...

I'm a Trauma Program Manager, previously an ER nurse...setting up trauma policies and protocols is a big part of what I do and would be happy to help in any way. Shands hospital (not where I work) actually posts all of their trauma policies/protocol...

I would say something with anxiety or even depression; single mom living with pain for 2 years, trouble sleeping, not eating, warm baths help...

My quickest meals revolve around the rotisserie chickens from Publix...I just pair it with refrigerated mashed potatoes and a big salad...or shred it and mix with Frank's hot sauce and shredded cheeses and make buffalo quesadillas...or cut up and mix...

Probably less than 4 miles, about 10 minutes...

Watching friends struggle through this has actually changed my mind about going the ARNP route...one works 3 part time NP jobs as can't find a great full time one, 2 have been out of school over a year and still work as RNs, 1 found a full time in a ...

If you have found an area that you love, go for it! Med-surg is a good foundation, but just like any other specialty, it has its own mindset...do Med-surg if that's where you want to stay or if you haven't found a niche, it is a good starting point....

Always go with Airway, Breathing, and Circulation to prioritize. Beyond that, in prioritizing what you can do for the patient: assessing first is always a big thing. Also, the NCLEX tends to want you to perform a nursing action if that is an option...

What type of facility do you work in? Hospital What unit? Trauma Program Manager Do you work part-time or full time? Full time What type of shifts do you work? Usually 7-3:30, but hours are flexible as long as I do 40. What do you generally do? E...

Yes, I work in Polk County...and I think a certain amount of weeding out (the TV show wannabes!) is required...

Graduated from PCC in 2001...excellent program, in my opinion graduates come out much better prepared than other local programs. Yes, a large portion don't make it past Nursing I, but you get back what you are willing to put into it...

Actually, we have a huge supply in our ER! (Hand them out to those Dx with STDs, etc)

The almighty patient satisfaction campaign and Press Gainey surveys... Higher ups that treat staff members differently according to who the "pets" are... Pts coming in that haven't bathed in weeks and need foleys....

We ALWAYS order a CXR before we can use the line...

Same as above poster except Phenergan (its no longer used in the facility)... and I would add Cardizem, Levaquin, Solumedrol, Td, insulin, ASA...

Had a little old lady yesterday who stated "I stopped breathing for 3 seconds last night"...um, if you are waiting 3 seconds between breaths, you are breathing 20 resps/min...??!?!?

I'm in FL...have 85 beds and saw 142,000 pts last year.

I've given it IV only once or twice, when a pt was truly unstable and had critical lab values...otherwise IM or SQ.

A FAST exam is a bedside ultrasound, typically of the abdomen, that is standard for all trauma patients.

As long as you documented that all risks were explained and understood by the pattient and that he was mentally clear, you'll be fine.

We assign our nurses to a room or block of rooms and the charge nurses places them as they come in. I think our ER is too big and spread out to self assign. We have several different areas...bear with me, its a complicated set up! Our ER is divided...

ST elevation is "above the line" and indicates myocardial injury. This is an acute MI (heart attack). ST depression is "below the line" and indicates myocardial ischemia. If this isn't treated, it can worsen to injury (MI). You can see ischemia for...

General rules for HIPAA: Do you need to disclose/access this info to do your job? NO! Is it in the best interest of the patient? NO! Why don't you do as the previous poster suggested and make a call when you see your neighbor is at home?

There has to be more to the story than this....your license just doesn't get taken away over one med error.

We also keep the daily assignment sheets with staff names and assigned area for 4 years. Not only is it important for the legal stuff, but how else would you keep track of who's working where? i.e., so the same nurse isn't always stuck with the same...