Reebsnrn

I have had very few problems with my sexuality in L&D and I work in the deep south in some of the most close-minded places. I've also traveled and have always waited to make my preferences known until I get a feel for the people. I don't lie or mislead people, but allow people to make their own assumptions. When I say "spouse" most people assume husband, which is okay with me. Eventually it comes out and is okay. My advice is not to lie to people because then they feel betrayed and like they can't trust you. I've never been put in a situation to feel uncomfortable, but I've never put myself in that position either. Good luck and feel free to ask questions. :imbar

I have had very few problems with my sexuality in L&D and I work in the deep south in some of the most close-minded places. I've also traveled and have always waited to make my preferences known until I get a feel for the people. I don't lie or mislead people, but allow people to make their own assumptions. When I say "spouse" most people assume husband, which is okay with me. Eventually it comes out and is okay. My advice is not to lie to people because then they feel betrayed and like they can't trust you. I've never been put in a situation to feel uncomfortable, but I've never put myself in that position either. Good luck and feel free to ask questions. :imbar

We get enough of the pregnancy test b.s., which kills me...especially when they get fussy because we are seeing "those people that keep coming in bleeding or acting like they are having a heart attack." Buying a $7 pregnancy test at the drug store must be a foreign idea...guess where our taxes are going?!

We get enough of the pregnancy test b.s., which kills me...especially when they get fussy because we are seeing "those people that keep coming in bleeding or acting like they are having a heart attack." Buying a $7 pregnancy test at the drug store must be a foreign idea...guess where our taxes are going?!

I'm a L&D nurse gone ED nurse (I know...not the best transition, but it's done and over with thank God!), and have played with the USG machine on L&D. I can't identify specific anatomy, but can see a beating heart and figure out fingers, toes, head and occasionally attempt to measure the cervix. In the ED, this has been useful for those presenting at gestational ages that aren't condusive to easy dopplered FHTs. I read that some of you are using the USG for IV initiation and got really interested. I know there are long term certifications, but what about some of those contact hrs for RN's with USG. I would love to try to take a formal class, but in the meantime, are there any suggestions on weekend inservices or anything of that nature? Also, how is the USG for help with the IV initiations going? Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch in advance-ree

I'm a L&D nurse gone ED nurse (I know...not the best transition, but it's done and over with thank God!), and have played with the USG machine on L&D. I can't identify specific anatomy, but can see a beating heart and figure out fingers, toes, head and occasionally attempt to measure the cervix. In the ED, this has been useful for those presenting at gestational ages that aren't condusive to easy dopplered FHTs. I read that some of you are using the USG for IV initiation and got really interested. I know there are long term certifications, but what about some of those contact hrs for RN's with USG. I would love to try to take a formal class, but in the meantime, are there any suggestions on weekend inservices or anything of that nature? Also, how is the USG for help with the IV initiations going? Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch in advance-ree

I've learned first-hand that the ED is one of those places, like L&D, that you either love or hate. Fortunately, I love both L&D and ED and don't ever see myself working anywhere else. You cannot be uptight and make it without driving yourself or someone else crazy. After working my entire nsg career in L&D (mostly female field), it was great to get a little testosterone in the mix to break up some of the caddy b.s. With that comes a whole new level of perversion though! I'm fairly hard to offend so maybe that is why I'm subjected to it, but the subject of sex is always around. Most frown upon relationships in the ED, but it happens. Most are just good friends. I've learned alot about myself and definitely about my skills and where I want to go from here since coming to the ED. It rocks. Organized chaos at its best!

I've learned first-hand that the ED is one of those places, like L&D, that you either love or hate. Fortunately, I love both L&D and ED and don't ever see myself working anywhere else. You cannot be uptight and make it without driving yourself or someone else crazy. After working my entire nsg career in L&D (mostly female field), it was great to get a little testosterone in the mix to break up some of the caddy b.s. With that comes a whole new level of perversion though! I'm fairly hard to offend so maybe that is why I'm subjected to it, but the subject of sex is always around. Most frown upon relationships in the ED, but it happens. Most are just good friends. I've learned alot about myself and definitely about my skills and where I want to go from here since coming to the ED. It rocks. Organized chaos at its best!

There shouldn't be much interpretation or variance from one person's vag exam to another's but, unfortunately, I've come across some. I've done some traveling and encountered some docs that when they say a pt's 3cm, the nurses know the pt is actually 5cm or vice versa. USUALLY, the nurses tend to agree with each other once they trust your exams. The only suggestion is to check behind some of your seasoned nurses until you get the hang of it. Station is another measurement that takes some practice, but comes after mastering the dilitation. Good luck!

There shouldn't be much interpretation or variance from one person's vag exam to another's but, unfortunately, I've come across some. I've done some traveling and encountered some docs that when they say a pt's 3cm, the nurses know the pt is actually 5cm or vice versa. USUALLY, the nurses tend to agree with each other once they trust your exams. The only suggestion is to check behind some of your seasoned nurses until you get the hang of it. Station is another measurement that takes some practice, but comes after mastering the dilitation. Good luck!