circusdog64

I have really enjoyed Excelsior. I completed my ADN in 2008, and now am registering for my final class for my BSN. I started exactly 2 years ago for the BSN, taking 6 credits each and every term. It is a very friendly program to do if you need to work full time and raise a family. The ADN was a collection of exams that you study for and then go to a local testing center to take. When all the classes/exams are completed you go to a testing center for a CPNE - a demo with patients. This is not as hard as it seems, and you will not be disappointed if you go for it!

NedRN, I am new to this site, but as usual you response is concise and prompt. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge in these uncharted waters (at least they are for me).

I am not clear on the criteria for a tax home and it's implications. I do not own a home and plan to plan to place my things in storage. I live in Oregon (for the past 10 years). Has anyone information to share to help guide me?

I see this is a old post, are you graduated now?

I went to LCC in 1993 and got my RRT there. It was (and still is) a excellent school. Eugene is a great town with a down to earth life style. SHMC is a good hospital to do your clinicals at too. I think you will be pleased there. The weather can be a downer at times due to rain, rain, rain..... but it is green and pretty. Best of luck and welcome to Oregon!!!!!

You will need a little research for this one. First, find out when her last sleep study was. Those settings (14/6) have a nice pressure support of 8 cmH20 and the FiO2 at 28% sounds like you should have a beter response to this therapy. Is it a nasal mask, does she have her mouth open while sleeping (open circuit)? Like Ariesbsn says does she seem hypoxic? Definately verify the SpO2 is correct w/ HR. Things are not right as they sit and you need to aggressively seek input from your Medical staff. If this is a home unit, call the company supporting it to come and check it out (most now have a card that runs them). Good luck!

Try Alta Vista's babelfish. Free online translation (many languages), great for practice and self-teaching.

Hi, I am one of those Respiratory Therapist who is going into Nursing. I have been a RRT-NPS for 11 years and I am at the top of my field. I would love to answer your specific questions if you email me. Tori [email protected]

It is always important to remember not to withhold oxygen in the presence of hypoxemia (reflective of the low SpO2 level). The EMS was correct in it's actions of titrating up with the oxygen. The report of a past event of hypercarbia via the family member may or may not be correct. People often misunderstand what the history is and exactly what happened at a past event. Did he/she truely get intubated because of hypercarbia? Why wasn't NPPV attempted? There seems to be more to the story. Also, it is important to remember: (#1.) Any SpO2 value under 80% is not truely reliable-it could be higher or lower as refective of the PaO2. (#2.) Remember the oxyhemoglobin dissocation curve when dealing with SpO2 levels and what the actual PaO2 is. (#3.) The only way to know if someone is truely a CO2 retainer working on the hypoxic drive is an ABG. Not all COPD patients (in fact only a small % really) are CO2 retainers. I am a RRT-NPS for 11 years now (and a current RN student).