Meriwhen ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

Psych ICU, addictions

Member

All Content by Meriwhen

  1. Meriwhen

    Trouble giving IM injections :(

    Meriwhen replied to aureliey's topic in First Year After Licensure

    OP: I almost never use either gluteal muscle site. For small amounts I'll use the deltoid; if I have a larger amount or need a bigger muscle to go into, I have had a lot of success with the vastus...
  2. Meriwhen

    For all the night shift Psych Nurses...

    Meriwhen replied to JStollRN's topic in Psychiatric

    If you're expecting quiet nights that you can breeze through...you're not going to get them in psych :) A lot of nights are on the peaceful side, and a lot of nights are as busy as the daytime....
  3. Meriwhen

    Psych Nurses

    Meriwhen replied to sameyjaney's topic in Psychiatric

    Thanks for the kind words :) I don't think I could work oncology--I think it would be too draining emotionally--so thank you for what you do as
  4. Meriwhen

    Help - needlestick advice needed

    Meriwhen replied to nurse2bjw's topic in General Nursing

    It does depend on your state law. In my state, if I get a needlestick I can force the patient to have a HIV test (and I think also Hepatitis testing, I'm not sure). Likewise, if the patient gets an...
  5. Meriwhen

    Am I an idiot for choosing the BSN route rather than the ADN...?

    Meriwhen replied to lee_sHAY's topic in General Nursing

    Sure, a lot of hospitals will pay for the RN-BSN...if you can get hired in the first place :) It's hard for new grads of all types to get work. A lot of job markets favor BSNs and since you're...
  6. Meriwhen

    OK Truth Time!! Who Else Had To Get Readers(Glasses) Yet???

    Meriwhen replied to tex42cares's topic in General Students

    I realized it was time to spring for a pair when I found myself holding things further away from my eyes in order to be able to read them. They're low strength (+1.25) and don't have to use them...
  7. Meriwhen

    Whats the worst case scenario if I don't get a job?

    Meriwhen replied to tg982's topic in California Nursing

    I agree with the others: if possible, postpone starting a family for a while, at least until you have that first year under your belt. It's true that legally they can't discriminate against you...
  8. Meriwhen

    Dealing with VIP patients

    Meriwhen replied to pageturnstyle's topic in First Year After Licensure

    I agree. I would explain how he is treating you to your charge/NM and ask for another patient. Or you can stand up to him: politely state that what you're sorry that he doesn't like the care you...
  9. Meriwhen

    Med Surg experience a must?

    Meriwhen replied to SaraStrong's topic in General Nursing

    IMO, med-surg experience will be helpful, but is it a must in order to be successful? No. But as others have said, it depends on how much work and effort--both at work and on your own time--that you...
  10. Meriwhen

    Anyone ever have a famous person as a patient?

    Meriwhen replied to JRP1120, RN's topic in General Nursing

    Actors, singers, authors, comedians, etc...? Can't even tell you that without violating HIPAA :) If so, how did he/she treat you as their nurse? They were actually rather nice and down to earth: very...
  11. Meriwhen

    nursing school notes

    Meriwhen replied to sbostonRN's topic in First Year After Licensure

    I burned copies of my notes and lectures to a DVD-ROM, the tossed the hard copies and cleared the files off of the computer. Kept the textbooks and I'm glad I did, since I found myself using them an...
  12. Meriwhen

    Calling Nurse Managers for jobs

    Meriwhen replied to NICUPICURN's topic in General Nursing

    I think being a bit more assertive when job hunting can be beneficial. However, be aware that the line between assertive/pushy and aggressive/harassing is a thin one, and while you may think you're...
  13. Meriwhen

    Tylenol overdose and the public's ignorance.

    Meriwhen replied to GardenDove's topic in General Nursing

    Yes it is...and has been for some time now. It's even printed on my cheap $2 generic bottle of
  14. Meriwhen

    Is this appropiate? Please...need input. Thx

    Meriwhen replied to SKYSTHELIMIT's topic in General Nursing

    Wear business attire unless you are specifically told otherwise by the person interviewing you. To be honest, the only time you might wear scrubs to an interview is if you are going to be on the...
  15. Meriwhen

    If a MD says "Don't Call Back"- do you write that as an order?

    Meriwhen replied to proudnurseRN's topic in General Nursing

    That's what I would do when reading back the telephone order: "Tylenol 650mg Q4H PRN. Do not call MD again. Are those orders correct?" :) Fortunately, most of my doctors would rather I call about...
  16. Meriwhen

    What is the difference between LPNs and RNs?

    Meriwhen replied to Chameleonchick's topic in LPN to RN

    I have never heard that a LPN is not allowed do patient teaching. That makes no sense to
  17. Meriwhen

    Can I still apply to new grad positions?

    Meriwhen replied to Art_Vandelay's topic in General Nursing

    At least I brought a smile to your face then :) Seriously, I know it's tough--things have not really improved since I was a new grad. IMO be realistic about your chances but apply for whatever you...
  18. Meriwhen

    Pregnant and can't lift?

    Meriwhen replied to RNsRWe's topic in General Nursing

    OP: generally, employers have to treat pregnant women the same way they treat any other short-term disability and make the necessary accomodations. However, pregnancy (or short-term disability)...
  19. Meriwhen

    Anything you would do differently if you were starting nursing school again?

    Meriwhen replied to linzjane88's topic in General Students

    What I would have done differently is ignored my instructors and started applying for jobs before I graduated. I also would have somehow found a way to work, even part-time, as a CNA or tech...just...
  20. Meriwhen

    Microbiology... prof has horrible rating on RMP

    Meriwhen replied to breezy7's topic in Pre-Nursing Students

    Keep in mind that on RMP, people are more likely to moan and groan about an instructor than they are to sing their praises. People love to vent online but don't often post positive
  21. Meriwhen

    My friend was fired - Was she wrong?

    Meriwhen replied to ravenshroud's topic in General Nursing

    She was practicing out of the scope of her practice. The nurse should not have asked her to do it, but it was also your friend's responsibility to say No. I agree, the penalty was harsh but again,...
  22. Meriwhen

    How to Handle Student Incivility

    Meriwhen replied to VickyRN's topic in Nursing Educators, Faculty

    As a psychiatric nurse, please let your students know that when they attend groups, they should be participating in them. If they choose not to participate, they should at least be sitting there...
  23. Meriwhen

    How to Handle Student Incivility

    Meriwhen replied to VickyRN's topic in Nursing Educators, Faculty

    As far as student nurses visiting my unit, I tell them up front that I never hesitate to go to their instructor and/or remove them from the unit at the first sign of unacceptable behavior. Like the...
  24. Meriwhen

    My ex-employer is ruining my life! How can I get past this?

    Meriwhen replied to Nurse_Breonna21's topic in Nursing Career

    My understanding is that a previous employer's HR is only supposed to verify your dates of employment and indicate whether they would rehire you. If you're listed as a "Do Not Rehire" that may be...
  25. Meriwhen

    Help Me!! Considering MCI

    Meriwhen replied to jab2839's topic in Nursing Career

    The other thing about MCI is that it is VERY expensive--most private schools are. I don't know what the job market will be 2-3 years from now but right now it sucks for new grads regardless of where...