nurse deb

I attended a patient's funeral years ago when I was in nursing school. He had been one of my favorite patients. He was dying from AIDS and many healthcare workers were afraid to even touch him on the shoulder. He had been disowned by his Father and had only occasional visits from his Mother. It was a sad case watching him waste away. He finally died after much suffering. I attended his funeral and it was the saddest, eeriest thing ever! I was in the funeral parlor completely alone with the open casket. He was dressed in casual clothes and had a stuffed animal in his arms. There were only one or two visitor's signatures in the entire book. I am glad that I went. I haven't been to one since, but I don't see anything wrong with showing your respect for a patient and his family.

That's what I told my Mom. All she needed was a new, sterile cath and a pair of sterile gloves. I've seen it happen before too, that's why I'm worried. My Mom had no idea because she's never had any medical training. They're paying good money to have professionals come out and take care of him.

Also, I could be wrong. My Mother's going to ask her about it tomorrow and she feels this nurse will be 100% honest about whether or not she obtained a sterile catheter. I'm not so sure? We'll see..... Deb

Hi, I decided to go ahead and ask this question since everyone gives such good advice here. My Dad resides in New Orleans and has numerous medical problems. His neuro status has been declining rapidly over the years. He had a MI and a couple TIA's years back. He also has Crohn's and enlarged prostate. Due to the urinary frequency and such, he was given an indwelling urinary catheter. It took him some getting used to. I think the home health RN had orders to change the catheter q month. He seems to be doing well so far. The reason I'm writing this is because a new home health nurse (an LPN like myself) came out today to change his catheter. My Mother related to me that the nurse had some difficulty getting past his prostate at first. Then the nurse realized that she wasn't IN the urinary meatus, but pushing under the foreskin!! He's in his late 60's and was never circumcised, but how can you miss the urinary meatus on a male? I asked my Mother if she obtained a sterile catheter after pushing under the foreskin and she didn't know. God, I hope so! Anyway, if the nurse admits to using a contaminated catheter, what is the usual course of action or protocol. Would they put in a new cath and give him po antibiotics or what? I'm worried about him. I'm 12hrs away and I'm upset about her possibly giving my Dad a serious infection. These are supposed specialists in this field and yet she admits to having very little experience doing male pts, especially uncircumcised! What do you think? I'm upset that an she was allowed to do this. Why wasn't she ever oriented or followed by her RN supervisor on her team to make sure she knows proper technique? This is exactly the kind of thing that gives LPN's a bad name.....ugh. Deb

Kim, If you're going to take her anywhere, do like cheerfuldoer says and take her to a good dermatologist. That's their specialty area and they'll be able to take care of her. They may give her a mild corticosteroid cream to use a couple times a day, I don't know. I do know that the skin on the face is thinner and they only use mild creams sparingly. Things like Aclovate cream or ointment. Let us know how she does.... Does she lick the area alot? If she does, have her stop that too. Good Luck! Deb

Hi, I guess I'll throw my two cents in as well. I am an LPN and have been licensed for over ten years. I've talked to and worked with RN's that weren't as knowledgable as I am. I spent three years in college in California taking prerequisites and completing the year and a half long vocational nursing program. I was paid by the college to tutor fellow classmates in Anatomy and Physiology. I maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the entire nursing program and made the Dean's list. I recieved a scholarship and have studied microbiology, physiology, anatomy, pharmacology and medical terminology. I can figure out a drip rate and do all the math that RN's do. I am IV certified and behave in a professional manner. I was disappointed in the board exams. I thought they'd be more difficult than they were. I always pushed myself to learn as much as I could. I just feel it's an individual thing. I hear the CNA's mumbling that they know more than the nurses (and maybe they do in some instances). I don't believe that the title behind our names mean everything. It's what an individual puts into his or her educational experience. I read science text books for fun because I enjoy it and have a love for science. I'm appalled that certified med techs are able to pass meds here in Missouri after taking a 6wk course in pharmacology! I do respect your opinions and everyone has been very polite on the issue. I know we all have strong feelings on the matter. I have a year left to get my RN with Associate in Science. I'm doing so because it will open doors for me and lift many restrictions. It will also increase my salary and make me more marketable. I do feel that LPN's should be allowed advanced certifications as long as they make the grade!! Oh, and Hi Youda! I saw you're in Joplin, MO. I'm kinda close to ya. I'm in St. Louis, MO for the moment (smile). Thanks for the input. Deb