minky84

We are having a large number of nosocomial sepsis in our unit and I have volunteered myself for the research and protocol write. I was hoping you all could tell me what you all use for cleaning your ports prior to tubing changes, IV medication administration etc. What chemicals do you use? How long for the cleanse? In what order? Who is the company that supplies these to your unit? Also if possible is there research behind these products? Thank you so much in advance!! Brennyn :)

Hi guys, I'm a fairly new nurse in the NICU and currently we have had 4-6 infants who are going through neonatal abstinence (that's what we call it on the unit) from maternal drug use. I am in need of tips on how to make the babies' and my time together run a little more smoothly. I have questions as well: 1. How do you rate these infants as far as an acuity level? For example the kiddos who are moved down to feed and grow and are receiving morphine on a regular (q 3hour) basis, do you place these kids in a four baby assignment. We also have scheduled neonatal abstinence scoring to be done. One night I had two abstinence infants with two other feed and growers and it was non-stop all night due to the high irritability. 2. What do you do as far as activity tolerance (as tolerated, low or minimal)? Do you place sound barriers up around the babies to help with noise control? I tried that last night and it seemed to help. Do you use a swing? Do you all have volunteers hold the infants for hours? Is it better to let them rest? 3. What tips do you have for poor feeding? Last night I tried to give the morphine 30 min prior to feeds to help with irritability but it seemed to only work half the time. I think I have covered my main questions and any tips would really help. I ask around the unit however it seems that there are mixed feelings on how to best nurse these little cuties! My heart really aches for these little ones and I would like to make the first days of their lives a little more pleasant if possible. I also welcome any evidence based research. Thanks guys in advance! Bren

I took my exam last Friday and they told me that the results could be up as early as Saturday here in TX because Saturday is considered a business day at pearson vue. Saturday night came and went with no news, however Sunday morning my results were ready. So I guess it's worth looking into!

I can't thank you all enough to giving me good insight into your unit. Our teacher requires that we research and know about all of the above before setting foot in a unit where our preceptorship takes place. I think its a great idea and helps us not be so clueless. Thanks again!! Brennyn

Hi there! My name is Brennyn and I am going to be completing my preceptorship in the NICU and have an assignment that I need to have done before I can start. And I can't wait! I was hoping that you all could help me out with the assignment. I am suppose to ask a NICU nurse the following questions: Top 10 medical diagnosis Top 5 nursing diagnosis Top 5 diagnostic tests Top 10 routine medications Top 5 PRN meds Top 10 clinical skills used in the unit All I need is a list and from there I look up and learn about the different topics. I would really appreciate any help that you all can give me. I know you all are experts in your field! Thank you again! brennyn:D

I found that PNA stands for polynitroxyl-albumin and it did seem to have something to do with the lungs. However, I didn't read too in depth on it. But it might be worth looking into. Bren

I am terrified of deep dark water apparently! I went with my boyfriend down to key west to snorkel and at the second site the water was about 30 feet deep and very very dark. I freaked out and started crying in the middle of the water and had to have him swim with me back to the boat where I stayed for the rest of the trip. :uhoh21: I think it is a fear of the unknown swimming around me and underneath me. Freaks me out. I also am terrified of heights and cockroaches. Those things are so creepy and gross!

I just finished my NICU rotation in med/surg II. We were only allowed to deal with the Level II kiddos because they aren't as critical as the Level III & IV babies. Well, all the nurses that I worked with didn't wear gloves. One wore gloves for diaper changes. We did however scrub with a surgical type scrub before the beginning of the shift and continued to wash with antibacterial soap throughout the day. I was wondering if this was common with the level II babies or for all the babies or for none! How do you all do things at your hospital? I tried to search in my book regarding wearing gloves and found nothing. Thank you in advance to helping to clear this up for me! -bren;)

I was wondering if any NANDA can be used as a risk for. I have a patient that is at risk for ineffective breathing pattern because of all the morphine he's on, but he's not there yet. Any thoughts? Thanks Bren