mikeynizm

you are absolutely right, lesson learned. It is just bothering me not knowing or remembering what really happened.

Thanks for the input, jadelpn! You are absolutely right about the need for reassessment. Orders were changed to low intermittent suction by the surgeon. Forgot to mention that they also were upset that suction was placed on low continuous suction in the beginning. I hate to say it, but I was just following orders but probably should have questioned them. I just pointed it out to one of the residents and they agreed to change the order. I appreciate the X-ray techs effort, but I am not entirely sure if he did disconnect the patient from suction or not. The x-ray was performed at around 0200 in the morning. Thanks again!

Hello, everyone Just wanted to get everyones input about a situation that happened at work today. A patient of mine had orders to have an NGT placed after vomiting 550 mL of gastric content during my shift. After preparing all the equipment that I needed to insert the NGT, I made sure to mentally go over the procedure in my head. I went ahead and proceeded to insert the NGT and the patient was able to tolerate the procedure. Read the MD orders and noted to set NGT to low continuous suction. Suction was started and I was initially able to suction out greater than 600 mL of gastric content with a couple chunks of what appeared to be bile. As the night went on, the patient looked more comfortable and suction was still functioning without any problems. Fast forward to 0700, everyone was getting ready for shift change and report when we see one of the surgeons storming out of the patient's room demanding to talk to the nurse who had inserted the NGT. Apparently the surgeon and his surgical team found that the suction was connected to the blue pigtail rather than the clear tube. The surgeon went on about how this was wrong and that pictures were taken for proof. I went ahead and proceeded to the patients to see if the patient was okay, which fortunately he was. After the surgical team left the room, I asked the patient if anyone came in to fix his NGT overnight. The patient denied and stated that he could not recall anyone else coming in to look at the NGT. By then I started doubting myself and thinking whether I could have really connected the suction to the wrong tube. So up until now, I have been thinking what could have gone wrong? I am almost certain that I connected the suction to the proper tube and not the blue pigtail. If suction was connected to the blue pigtail from the beginning when the NGT was first placed, would it still have been possible to have an initial output of 600 mL of gastric content immediately following insertion? I would assume that from looking at the gastric content that was suctioned during the insertion that it would have clogged the blue pigtail tube right away, right? Although the patient denied anyone else handling the tube overnight, could it possible that the portable x-ray technician that took the CXR and KUB to confirm placement of the tube might of mistakenly connected suction to the wrong tube after obtaining films? My mind is racing and cannot stop thinking what could have possibly gone wrong. Need your guys' input, please!

I am new graduate RN really committed to landing a ER position and was just wondering what it takes for me to be considered into a program. Aside from having experience, BLS, ACLS, and PALS, what can I do to make myself standout to nursing recruiters? I recently started at a skilled nursing facility/acute rehabilitation so that I would be able utilize and develop some skills while I wait and pray to get accepted into acute care hospital. I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me at the SNF, but would really want to gain experience in acute care, specifically ER. I've had experience as a student nurse extern on a medical-surgical floor, but thats about it. New grads, seasoned ER nurses, whomever who can provide advice on applications, resumes, etc are welcomed. Thanks in advance!

Hello Allnurses community! This thread is in reference to California State University Fullerton's MSN Leadership program (RN to MSN). A little of my nursing and educational background: I recently graduated from an ADN program and obtained licensure around July of this year. Since officially becoming an RN, I have been diligently searching for employment in hospitals, SNFs, clinics, etc. With all the applications that I have sent out, I have only interviewed for one new graduate position (in which I was not hired). A couple months later, I accepted a part time seasonal RN position for an Immunization Clinic in which I am currently working at. In addition to being a new graduate RN, I also graduated from San Diego State University in 2009 with a bachelor of arts degree in Gerontology. I have been in school for some time now and have not have had much of a break (except summer and winter break) since starting my undergraduate studies at San Diego State University. Now that I am looking for full-time employment, I am getting a nice little break and enjoying the extra time I have to relax. Initially, my plans were to find a job and work for a year before going back to school. But now that I have thought about it, I feel that I should really consider getting back into school sooner while I continue my job search. While weighing my options, I saw that CSUF's MSN leadership program a perfect fit for me in attaining my goals. I am aware that there are BSN programs out that I can apply for (still considering this option), but by having a B.A. already, I feel that I am ready for graduate study. I have looked at the information provided on the CSUF Nursing website and know little about the program and its application process but would like to find out more from you guys. For those who are currently in the program, graduated from the program, applied to the program, or in any way part of the program, what are your thoughts about the program? I am looking for any help, suggestions, insight, or whatever information you guys can provide me before I visit the campus and see an advisor. Thank you in advance!

I applied late May 2009 and and heard from them a few months later (around september or october) for Summer 2011 admission.

congrats! if you dont mind me asking, who did you use as your personal recommendation? I have my other two recommendations, just not sure who I should pick my third. Also, how did you write your letter to the dean? what did you focus on? Thanks so much. -Mike

i just received a letter from city college informing me about the TEAS test and the dates the college offers it. Although I already knew about these changes to the requirements, I was wondering why they are just sending this to me now and not earlier? Anyone else recently receive these letters? let me know! thanks

I heard that there are TEAS pretest manuals available on their website. Were you able to get a hold of one? I really don't know what to expect on the TEAS test.

You're definitely right about the admissions staff. This was one of the few reasons why I chose not apply to their program. Other than that, from what I have heard, their instructors are pretty good at what they do.

Craziechiq, You and I are on the same boat. I had my name added on the waiting list around April or May of 2007 and just recently received my continued interest letter about a few weeks ago. Currently, I am #233 which i think is way better than where I was about a year ago in the 500s. From what I heard, we will receive another letter next year around the month of March. Hopefully by then, we can be a bit closer to getting into the program. If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing to keep yourself occupied while you wait to get in? Anyway, best of luck to you!

I took them about 2 years ago at a cc. Good luck with SDSU!

Thanks so much! I was worried that they would make me take the prereqs again. Did you get into your program with a bachelors too? Thanks again!

So currently I am attending san diego state university majoring in gerontology and looking to graduate hopefully by spring 2009. After graduation, I plan on attending San Diego City college's RN program. My question is, even though I would already have a BA in gerontology(hopefully), with all the nursing pre-reqs completed also, would I still be qualified to be in the program? or would I have to retake the all the pre-reqs again? btw, I received my conditional acceptance letter during may 2007. help please!

puresass, I'm sorry that you guys already lost some people. Why is that these people aren't in the program anymore? is it due to conflicting schedules, lack of preparedness or just because nursing is tough in general? hearing about people being dropped from the program scares me a lot.