SusanKathleen, RN

SusanKathleen, RN specializes in Trauma/Burn ICU, Neuro ICU.

SusanKathleen, RN's Latest Activity

1. The retro nurse's outfit has returned

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to cicatrixx15's topic in General Nursing

   I worked for a time at the Detroit Medical Center. We wore scrubs, of course, but the RNs all had a big ole hard plastic badge with RN on it, that hung below our ID badge, and the RN was very visible from a good distance.

2. Starting a new job

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to Anya11's topic in General Nursing

   VivaRN has a good point. Some units are more helpful and less political than others. I'm new and in an ICU, and I decided to keep my head down, do a lot of listening, and only contribute with light-hearted, neutral comments. The biggest problem for m...

3. Telling management about interview for new job...

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to PICU_RN_WannaB's topic in General Nursing

   I was in this exact situation 2 weeks ago. I'm a new nurse, and working for the past 6 months in an ICU - love it. I had an interview at my 'dream' hospital upcoming, and after some thought, decided that it was unfair of me to 'blind-side' my nurse m...

4. Instructor reamed me even though nurse said I did right thing..what do you think?

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to Angels_wearScrubs's topic in General Nursing

   to oncrnpa: i loved your post for just this reason. i am a new nurse in an icu, and did not have preceptors who were able to communicate as you do - that's why i come to this message board. please remember that hundreds or more nurses are reading th...

5. What do you consider to be "obtunded"?

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to solneeshka's topic in General Nursing

   This is why I like the Modified Ramsay Sedation Scale. Specific enough to describe the behaviors well. Obtunded to me means 'comatose', but I discovered that vague terms, like 'comatose' or 'obtunded' don't relay accurate information.

6. Neuro ICU - Do you talk to brain-dead patients?

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to talaxandra's topic in Neuro

   I was participating in a code a few weeks ago (my first one - I'm a new nurse, but an old lady:lol2:) and the dear woman I was doing compressions on had been in MODS for most of the day. As I was compressing her, I looked at her face, and she was alr...

7. Handwashing and Dry Skin

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to abbaking's topic in General Nursing

   Try 99% aloe. It's fairly inexpensive. Lots of different companies make it. It helps to really slather it on after I get home, and on my days off. I also avoid (as much as possible) the alcohol-based stuff in the pumps in every pt's room, and just wa...

8. The Family from Hell

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to SuesquatchRN's topic in Geriatric

   Holy Crap! I don't think there's a way out of this, other than restricting daughter's time in room, and designating one person only to discuss all matters with. Good luck.

9. What would you change about Nursing to make it better?

   SusanKathleen, RN replied to RNman09's topic in General Nursing

   I think you completely missed Ruby's point.

10. What would you change about Nursing to make it better?

    SusanKathleen, RN replied to RNman09's topic in General Nursing

    wow - great idea! i had a few clinical instructors who did this, and they were, of course, my best instructors. i'm thinking that in order to agree on anything, all parties need to understand the reality of the conditions in the first place.

11. No nursing station with COWS?

    SusanKathleen, RN replied to cargalrn's topic in General Nursing

    Do not take away my nursing station - phone calls to docs - to other units - to ED - etc - grouped tele monitors- greeting/communicating with people entering the unit, including RT, OT, PT, etc. It's an important place for communication. Just a quic...

12. Thanyou Daytonite!! Show your appreciation!

    SusanKathleen, RN replied to Michelle123's topic in General Nursing

    Count me in, too! I started here as a pre-nursing student, and am now an ICU nurse (just what I wanted), and you helped me repeatedly over the past few years. Love you, man!

13. Bitter endings, sweet beginnings, and blessings in disguise.

    SusanKathleen, RN replied to NeoPediRN's topic in General Nursing

    Hi, I read your entire post, and am staggered by the idiocy of your managers and HR. I am so glad that it worked out well for you. I also disagree with a few posters who implied that your tone was inappropriate. Since when does sweet, kind and carin...

14. Who loves their job?

    SusanKathleen, RN replied to solneeshka's topic in General Nursing

    I too, love my job. I wanted ICU, and got it......BUT it's a trauma/burn unit. I NEVER previously thought I could handle something like this, but took a chance. Love, love, love it! I love the dressings, I like the one-on-one, and the total care of t...

15. Taking the nclex-rn exam for the 3rd time on oct.2

    SusanKathleen, RN replied to jc999's topic in NCLEX

    This is a little late.....but congratulations! I am very happy for you. Enjoy your career.