LPN2RNBSN

I am curious as to the experienced dialysis RNs thoughts re the training for dialysis techs. FMC does a 12 wk program, what about DaVita? FMC, from what I can tell, does not train in machine problems ie the other day the temp kept going up and up, th...

Recently, in our unit, there have been a few patients whose potassium is 5.3 and the physician continues to want them on 3K bath. The potassiums are done weekly. Although, routine orders say decrease to 2K, I am wondering if other units function as t...

Can anyone provide information re patients c/o nausea (slight/minimal) after dialysis - about one hour...ofcourse, it could be from too much fluid removal, however, when several patients c/o same s/s could there be other reasons i.e. water problems? ...

What is standard bfr for return of blood? We had a patient who became extremely nauseated and diaphoretic (slightly) about five minutes after return of blood. never happened to him before..

Thanks. The patient was only nauseated for about 5 or so minutes,then disappeared. Any suggestions. not sure how to look up policies.

Is the FMC policy the same in all units? The one I work at part time we do 200? But no one can tell me the cause of a patient having terrible nausea and sweating about five minutes after blood returned? any ideas? Never happened before in five years...

What specifically is criteria in determining bfr when returning blood? What causes the patient to be extremely nauseated, sweaty about five minutes after return of blood. Have not seen this before. thx

Carmping, according to our neph can be due to electrolytes and acid/base changes during dialysis .. also, to send a patient out about dry weight, esp one w/ cardiac problems, can be trouble... also, some doctors like to 'challenge' patients. but t...

Confused.. if the doctor is ordering something pre dialysis to prevent cramping then doesn't that defeat the purpose, so to speak. When pt cramps that is indicative of something ie too much fluid removed?, therefore, if patient does not cramp, one co...

I would be concerned about my license esp with only 8 months experience. Doesn't the regulation stated one year to be in charge, esp if you are the ONLY RN? This can cause the unit to be cited by the state should there be a complaint either by someon...

First, I would suggest that you put yourself in the patient's shoes. It is not easy for patients, no matter how long they are on dialysis. Even a few minutes outside their normal routine of getting to unit and being put on can have psychological effe...

what are standing orders for other FMC units.. is range of patient's K+ level and what bath should be used?

Both units I am in part time have been talking about patient-provider conflict and something about the ESRD Networks? any input? What does your unit do when they have patients c/o issues about staff, care they are receiving or staff not being trained...

Delana, thanks,. FMC has a policy re conflict resolution.. Patients that are educated do have questions when they note a staff not conducting effective infection control practices, or doing somthing on their machine that is not correct, etc. I was mo...

what about those patients who have true concerns about some staff not being adequately trained especially in dealing with potential emergent situations, etc.. who is responsible, per policy of unit, to address such.. care plan, etc contract etc.. al...

This is scarey reading all about training RNs. Do these companies not care about patients. If someone (RN) is interested enough to work in this area then the companies should provide adequate training. I wonder how many patients die due to those who...

You all need to keep in mind that there is good and bad in all hospitals. If you want to know how their care rates you can go to the Dept of Health Services and ask if there have been any complaints, look through the file and get an idea. Although JC...

We all know that the administration of Epo is in the media's attention now. Much has been written, including Medicare revising what they are doing with Epo.. Also, several months ago the House Ways and Means Committee convened and questioned many abo...

Palomar-Pomerado is a district hospital, to recall, with funds from taxpayer dollars - more specifically then Sharp Grossmont. I have heard that Palomar is now a union hospital, not sure about Sharp. Traffic is terrible if you live in the area of P/P...

Hello All: I am wondering and asking for all your comments on this for presentation to unit. Our unit has always had a policy of 15min/hour for visitors, however never enforced as it has always been important for patients to be able to have someone w...

well looks like one of the units is going to stop allowing visitors, however, we have one patient, maybe two at times, who have orders for caregiver. i am a bit disgusted as there is really no reason to not allow visitors esp if the patient feels bet...

Agree with above. The one neph at one unit stated drinking water w/ quinine in it for cramps. But staff alsso need to be aware when patients complain and re evaluate dry weight. I find that some are better than others.

mo=mo: using that prescription is a patient had K 5 and bath was K3 then that would result in 8 which would be 2 above 6............what are ranges for Davita and other FMC units, I am wondering. I have checked several pts labs and the ones, or sev...

AHHH>. privacy. In all due respect, the conversations that I hear with staff talking w/ patients about other patients is totally inappropriate but seems to be acceptable in both units I am in - part time. Certainly not appropriate but reality with...