antidote

I have seen patients bagged with sats falling just into the lower 80's when on a ventilator. Even when the pt was ventilated with the BVM, the sats did not seem to improve in this particular case. Although I agree with the others - I would have suctioned and used the ambu, then more than likely had RT come have a gander.

I personally believe that AA's need to be phased into the picture more, especially in large hospitals. The salary is less than an MD/CRNA which would save the hospital money and they can be a knowledgeable and effective part of the healthcare team. The arguments I'm seeing here are simply dead-ended. For example, on the website you posted they said something along the lines of "anyone can enter an AA program with no healthcare experience and become an AA in 2 years". Hmm, what other profession does this remind me of? Nursing, Surgical Technicians, X-Ray Technicians, Paramedics, PTA's, OTA's... Additionally, they say that there is a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety. Well, this is probably because there is a lack of AA's all around!

I am an ex-sufferer of this embarrassing nonsense as well. Check out this link: Blushing explained | Better Health Channel Personally, I had great success with 0.5mg of Xanax in the morning. Eventually after going through psychotherapy and discovering the root of my problem (which actually was a very interesting and almost dormant case of social anxiety), I was put on 20mg of Lexapro. I take it once a day, and am still "blush free" (unless it's a truthfully embarrassing moment).

http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0781761387 I was actually just looking through this book yesterday since it caught my eye. It appears to be rather detailed. In the procedures section, it provides the rationale for each step which will be helpful for you and your students.

Thanks for the replies. This isn't what's going on the workplace. I enjoy working, it's just those few select people lately that have really been putting me on edge. I'm sure as more males go into the field and those who have a misconception about us see how we have an equal effect on the care they receive, it won't be such a big issue.

If this post is more suitable for the Male Nursing forum, please move it there. Lately here, I have just been some overwhelmed with all of the negative comments I have been receiving as a male nurse. Not from patients, but from "friends" and even some controversy with family. I don't understand what people think is so horrible and disgusting about being in a career with a drive to help people and improve their lives. When people look at me and ask me what I do, I respond and either get a shocked reaction or they'll simply say "Oh... why would you want to do that?" or something along the lines - and my most recent favorite "you're a what?!". It's very hard when I get comments like these to keep my mindset that I enjoy helping patients and that the distress is worth it. Especially when coming from other males that work in construction or a related field, they think it's wretched. Ok, when your saw slips and chops your mits off and I end up seeing you in the ER, I wonder if you'll still think the same way. I mean come on!! What is wrong with some people?! Treating health care workers just so disrespectfully, only to receive the respect we deserve when they need help (and in some cases, not even then). I'm not saying that we are above the general public or DESERVE more respect, but just common courtesy and just if people would look at what we do in such a way that if it was not for us, they would not be on this earth, family members would not be alive, and some things they take for granted would not be the way it is. It takes every bit of energy I have some days to just walk away and smile, opposed to snapping and stomping on things (not literally just... ugh!). Just a bit of a vent I guess. I'd love to hear about others and what they have to say. I guess it comes with the job. I must say though, I do love what I do... the majority of the time.

Wow, I can only imagine what type of work and dedication this would take. Kudos to you for willing to hop in the boat! What I would do, personally is search around for a decent lawyer that you are comfortable with enough to have through the entire process. Normally one of these fellows will find out what it is you need and assist with you with getting it done. It wouldn't hurt to see if you can find some sponsors, maybe even a friend in the field as well to represent your idea with you.

I have several family members and friend who are interested in joining part of the health care field, however are not 18 yet. For the most part, I've explained that many certifications are available when you become 18 simply due to liability and insurance issues (and of course, this varies by state). My question here: other than a lifeguard and in some cases and EMT-B in some states, what other certification's are available for 16/17 year olds? :yeah:

I would contact the manager and tell them the case, and explain to them that you are not licensed to teach first aid but are a registered nurse, and would be more than happy to simply teach the knowledge of the procedure to the waitstaff - although, they would not be certified. I think that all teachers, wait staff, and anyone working in fast food joint should know basic first aid. However, I doubt it will ever become mandatory.

My outlook on medical assistants is this: I have no problem with them practicing the things that are in their scope of practice. AS LONG as they have received QUALITY education and training before practicing. I strongly disagree with doctors hiring them and giving them "on the job training" or teaching them only the things they will need to know to work at that practice. Like it was said above, you cannot teach common sense. Additionally, if a MA is not performing duties correctly, I blame their instructor as they obviously were not clear on the procedure to perform certain tasks, and if they were clear on how to do something, they were not clear on the punishment that results in doing your job incorrectly, as it could potentially harm a patient or him/herself. For example, one of my friends recently visited her doctor who is a very professional doctor - she works in a large medical complex with other doctors and nurses. The MA that called her into the room had no idea (she seemed to not). Apparently, she placed the BP cuff on upside down and was completely dumbfounded as to why the cage was backwards, my friend then said "maybe it's upside down?" and the MA responded "Oh no... it's on right." and after staring it down for a few seconds, she finally decided it was on incorrectly and readjusted it. Then when it came time for the exam, the MA was laying equipment up on the window sill which clearly isn't clean (I'm not saying this building was dirty, but it was a window sill vs. sterile cart and I'd choose the cart). The MA was reprimanded by the doctor for that though. I think that example is a good combination of lack of common sense and lack of instructed knowledge. If we can somehow step up the education MA's are receiving, I think they would play a very essential roll in patient care.

I think most of what I'd suggest is covered already. - BP cuff (even if you're not sharing, you never know when something may malfunction or you need to take something right away and don't have time to run and get some of the facilities equipment. - Stethoscope - Thermometer (preferably one of the temporal ones for easy usage and cleaning) - Paper/Pen - Pen Light - Scissors If you are allowed, perhaps you can find a nice lab coat with nice of pockets to carry the BP cuff and what not. Otherwise, I'm sure you can carry a little bag or something to attach onto your waist. Good luck!

When you get a doctor in the room and all of those nurses start jabbering, I don't know how anyone could hear themselves think sometimes! I can relate, and I'm sure loads of other people can. In nursing school, you should learn the BASIC fundamentals of nursing and human body. Here are some resources that I hope help you out. And if you have any questions I can answer directly, please feel free to ask them! http://www.rtstudents.com/lpnstudents/lpn-anatomy.htm (HIGHLY recommend) http://lpncentral.com/reference.html http://www.anatomy-resources.com/ As for assessment goes, there are a LOAD of threads about that on the forums. Do a little peeking around.

I'm a bit confused about something: when you discovered the pictures, was this part of company policy to research the applicant over the internet or was this something you did yourself? I am 50/50 here. For now, I'd leave it be. The relationship was going on before she was hired. BUT! let it run its course. I can see that drugs will come up that were not counted for, and that things will get a bit... iffy with what she's dipping in while she's in the pharmacy (since you said he has a history of abuse).

Oh goodness! Good luck dealing with this gal. I'd talk to my manager and get the heck off of her case. I wouldn't want anything to do with her crazy actions. Why is she being admitted? If there is no good reason for her to be there in the hospital why doesn't she get discharged?

Well, in about four years I have never once had to perform the heimlich maneuver on anyone for any reason. Tonight, during eating dinner with my grandparents my grandmother had an obstruction. She was coughing at first, then she completely got quiet. I encouraged her to cough for about 10 seconds before I realized that, that just wasn't going to happen and decided that it was time to intervene. Now I know this is really, REALLY simple first aid and that it's not even that big of a deal at all but WHY can I not get doing this out of my head!? Did I do something wrong? Did I wait to long? Really, I know it's not a big deal but I keep thinking about the moment and just can't get it out of my head (she's perfectly fine, we went back to eating dinner) but for goodness sake I'm a guy and was almost to tears! I just don't know what it was. Perhaps it was the fact that it was my grandmother? Ugh, who knows. I don't even know what I expect to get out of this post. But thanks for reading!

Eh... I really am not sure LOL! I work in an ICU and don't have much experience with things like this. It may be a yeast infection or the start of an infection of some sort are the only options I can think of. Sorry I can't be much help. I'd just suggest you have your doctor have a look. Good luck!

We're not able to provide direct medical advice on the forums. I apologize. Please make an appointment with your doctor. This is now interfering with your life, which gives you even more of a reason to see it and get it treated in a timely fashion. Good luck though! I'm sure you'll recover just fine.

Wonderful, wonderful job! Events like this help you improve the care you provide and give you reasons why you have become a nurse (in times when you doubt your career). Great job... keep up the good work.

I agree with you for the most part. Would I become a nurse again? No. But for the same reasons you've said. But you know, I look at it this way: we all knew (somewhat) what we were getting ourselves into. And for us to back out for reason like that, we don't deserve to be nurses. I think that I'd head for another route out of nursing. Something like PA, Physical Therapist or maybe (if I was feeling risky) head right towards becoming a DO. Over my few short years of learning about medicine and the health care field, I think that I've seen many people in action, and have had many situations where I could question alternatives for myself.

You've answered your question about writing this on the forum. I'm sure it's been a rough day/week for many people. Heck, my week has been sluggish. It seems like it's never a good "week" but a good "day" since a good "week" is nearly impossible I'm finding. Just take one day at a time and improve yourself and care as you go along. And that dream... sounds like something I'd have. Complete randomness that has nothing to do with anything (switching from the hospital to a football field). Nuts.

I really love the above suggestions. I may be repeating a bit, but here are some of my VERY simple tips: - Make up some sheets at home with information like "miko" said. Print a few out each day, and carry them around in a folder or clip board. This will not only help you, but if an aid or doctor needs information, it's right next to you and you do not have to run around looking for information. Use this as a second "chart" for yourself. - As said, do several things while in the room. Asses anything and everything while you're in there (not medically, but things such as comfort level, water, temperature, etc.). Be sure to ask the patient if there is anything you can do for them. EX: Enter the room. "Hi Mr./Mrs XXX. I'm just here to check your heart and blood pressure and help you with anything you may need right now". After doing this, check the water, confirm that the patient is comfortable, make sure the temperature is okay (I find it works best if you ask the pt if specific things are okay, since they may not be thinking of something at the time you're in the room). After you're all done, chart what you need to, ask once again if they need anything. Thank them and get on out. - When you're doing your medications, be sure to ask the patient again if they need anything. Don't just "Okay, I'll be back at 6 for your next medications" - they may want to say something but know that you're busy. Answer any questions or fix anything while you're in there. This saves time so you don't have to run back into the same room when you're half way down the other end of the hall.

I appreciate everyones comments and feedback the thread has gotten thus far. I like how everyone has different views on the topics, and people aren't just saying "thank you". I think one thing however I need to clarify, is that I'm not saying us as nurses need to be this involved all of the time. As some people have said, it's only appropriate to go the extra "bit more" when nessecary. Sometimes, there isn't anything more you can do other than the standards. However, my point to this entire thread is don't feel ashamed to go the extra mile. Don't just do what your job description says, or what the work books say. Do something that will make an impact. Maybe it's with another co-worker and not a patient. Do something that you will be proud of, and someone that people will remember you by name, and not just "the nurse that took care of me".

This is what I'm talking about. I'm not saying that by saying I'm Sorry you're doing something wrong, but my point of this post is you don't only want to make an impact on your patients (and in some cases maybe this is all they need). I'm saying that in SOME cases you may want to go the extra way... and not be hesitant to do so.I'm saying that in nursing, and after 10 years of helping patients - of course you may have impacted others lives... but what have you done for YOU? Maybe trying a little harder for that one patient will satisfy you as a nurse, and it gives you something to say "You know what, I took that extra time and I'm proud of myself". I'm not going to turn this post into a medical argument as it's supposed to be inspiring to future nurses and current nurses, however I do agree I should have worded that a bit differently. These were only examples or some type of situation I just thought up to get someone to look at it from some point of view.

I am just so, so shocked and disappointed by some of the nurses that I have heard over the past month say something along the lines of "Welp, it ain't in the job description" when they are confronted by either a family member or staff member when it came to a matter of patient care. As you all know, everyone cannot be a nurse. It takes a certain personality, mindset and individual to deal with the demand and stress that a nurse is required to handle. However, I don't understand why nurses, the quality health care professionals you all are, don't try to rise above "the rest" or "the job description". I'm not saying all of you guys are awful nurses, but listen to this. Let's say we have a patient whose mother just died... she is now "alone" in her life. She has no father, no relatives or not even a close friend to speak with. As you deliver the news, the woman bursts into tears and begins to express her feelings for herself and how she feels so alone. And you walk out of the room after simply saying "I'm sorry". Or suppose a young man whose parents have not yet arrived, is brought in on the ambulance after being a victim of a hit and run with multiple injuries (fractures and the like). He is scared to death, tears in his eyes and the only thing you're concerned about is getting those pain medications delivered... or performing an intubation so he will calm down and stop crying. My point of saying this is my little "out-reach" to this community to say that as nurses, we NEED to make an impact. We have worked so hard to be where we are today -- and to retire knowing that we did nothing more than just provide standard patient care... how rewarding does that sound to you? Doesn't making someone's day or possibly even their entire LIFE turn around based on 10 minutes you took to talk to that person, or maybe talking to that young man, holding his hand and comfort him and reassure him that he is not alone and that you care about his health (not just: it appears as though you have several injuries that we need to address. We're now going to jam this 7" tube into your trachea to get you to shut the heck up.". Doesn't it sound more rewarding to exceed, and go beyond the expectations of your job description, and not only give the hospital a good name, but most importantly, show others and YOURSELF that YOU can make a difference in someones life. So please, when you accept a job (this is for new nurses or aids, ANYONE in the medical field) -- don't just do it for the money. You will be much more enjoyable if you like your job, and really hope to change someones life. If you're only working for money and the "job description" - you are not going to get anywhere. Sure, you may gain experience... but what are YOU, as a person going to get after 30 years of work. Go beyond expectations, and the job description. Be extraordinary. :loveya:

With all do respect, and although I am not an LPN, I took this post a bit offensive to LPN's in the community. I am confident that ANYONE, no matter what their title may be is capable of holding any position they have been assigned. Despite their certification and three letters or two, those letters mean NOTHING. It takes a certain person to handle an administrative job, and whether its an LPN, RN, MD or a MA... they are ALL capable of doing a job of such (if lawful of course). In the chain of command (clinically) and LPN is below an RN. However again, if someone has the personal skills and abilities to do a job like this, administratively this is perfect acceptable.