VivaLasViejas ASN, RN

LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych

Once a nurse, always a nurse!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide

All Content by VivaLasViejas

  1. VivaLasViejas

    Are nurses "above" menial pt tasks?

    VivaLasViejas replied to trauma_lama's topic in General Nursing

    Even as a senior manager.......the day I think I'm too good to wipe butts is the day I need to hang up my stethoscope for good. It's NOBODY'S idea of a good time---least of all the patient's!!--but...
  2. VivaLasViejas

    So done.

    VivaLasViejas replied to rainbowsandsunshine's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    I've said this before, but it bears repeating here: RUN, do not walk, from any employer whose policies put your health, your livelihood, or your license at risk. Not all nursing facilities are like...
  3. VivaLasViejas

    New AN Guide: wtbcrna

    VivaLasViejas replied to NRSKarenRN's topic in News, Announcements

    Congratulations, and
  4. VivaLasViejas

    "How Can You Stand It?"

    VivaLasViejas posted a topic in General Nursing

    It is a question I am often asked whenever I meet new people. After the how-do-you-dos are said and the subject inevitably turns to "what do you do?", I almost always get sympathetic looks and...
  5. VivaLasViejas

    Whee! The People

    VivaLasViejas posted a topic in Geriatric, LTC

    "Marla, Ruby just took off again," was the greeting from the med aide as I arrived at work @0745 Thursday morning. "Karen's with her, walking up the hill, but she's refusing to come back." I ran to...
  6. VivaLasViejas

    Falls versus Culture Change

    VivaLasViejas replied to ejpip1's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    Whatever you do: CARE PLAN IT!!! I can't overemphasize that.....we have to respect our residents' rights above all, and if that means allowing them to fall, that's a risk many people are willing to...
  7. VivaLasViejas

    Give up patient care - how long did you last?

    VivaLasViejas replied to MsBruiser's topic in General Nursing

    Let's see........on and off for about 8 years. Been management the rest of the time, and plan to stay with it as I'm 52 and not in the best of
  8. VivaLasViejas

    Good deaths versus bad

    VivaLasViejas replied to missingmydad's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    I am so sorry. Your pain literally cries out from the webpage and I wish there were some way I could reassure you that your Dad is safe and happy and whole again. Having witnessed a fair number of...
  9. VivaLasViejas

    Old people humor

    VivaLasViejas replied to Nascar nurse's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    I've seen this somewhere before, but it never fails to make me laugh......I just wish I didn't relate to some of
  10. VivaLasViejas

    What do you think constitutes insubordination?

    VivaLasViejas replied to Been there,done that's topic in General Nursing

    I'm going to play devil's advocate here for a moment. It may be old-fashioned, but my grandmother (a nurse during WW I) had a strict philosophy that has served me well over the course of my own...
  11. VivaLasViejas

    Social media and birthing babies

    VivaLasViejas replied to tntrn's topic in Ob/Gyn

    Twenty-odd years ago, I gave birth to our fourth child in full makeup, but it wasn't intentional.......I was merely fortunate enough to have had the time to bathe, shave, and put my face on before I...
  12. VivaLasViejas

    Staff and artificial nails

    VivaLasViejas replied to txdon's topic in LTC: Directors, Assistant

    I've always been pretty militant about the artificial nails---as we all know, they are a breeding-ground for bacteria, and most look atrocious to boot. (Would WE want a suppository given by a nurse or...
  13. VivaLasViejas

    Calling residents affectionate names?

    VivaLasViejas replied to LPNweezy's topic in General Nursing

    Exactly!! Good post, Ogopogo. At my time of life, I'm old enough to feel a bit put out when a younger person I don't know well calls me "sweetie" or "hon". I'm perfectly fine with it from my...
  14. VivaLasViejas

    When are ted hose removed/ted hose care?

    VivaLasViejas replied to stellaRN1983's topic in General Nursing

    They're a lot easier to put on before the patient gets up than after they've been to the bathroom and walked around or sat in the wheelchair for a while. When I worked nocs, I put 'em on at 0500 or...
  15. VivaLasViejas

    What is your definition of a good manager?

    VivaLasViejas replied to canesdukegirl's topic in General Nursing

    It's taken 35 years, but I have finally had the incredible fortune to work for a manager who brings out the very best in me. He's not a nurse, but he was a paramedic for 20 years before beginning his...
  16. VivaLasViejas

    Stupid Rules...

    VivaLasViejas replied to CoffeemateCNA's topic in Medical Assistant, CNA/MA

    To all CNAs working in places that treat you like you're deaf, dumb, blind, and stupid, I say: Keep fighting! Aside from families (and sometimes in spite of families), YOU are the best advocates for...
  17. VivaLasViejas

    When are ted hose removed/ted hose care?

    VivaLasViejas replied to stellaRN1983's topic in General Nursing

    They need to be put on before the patient gets out of bed in the morning, otherwise they're not as effective at reducing edema. Off at bedtime, wash them in mild soap and warm water, rinse, and hang...
  18. VivaLasViejas

    so.... what would YOU say?

    VivaLasViejas replied to jollydogg_RN's topic in General Nursing

    Respect is an ALL-way street. :) I would like to remind members to please take a moment before hitting the 'Post Reply' button and ask themselves these three questions: "Is it true?" then, "Is it...
  19. VivaLasViejas

    DON Needs Suggestions

    VivaLasViejas replied to PammyRN,CEN's topic in LTC: Directors, Assistant

    As long as you and your staff can provide documentation that proves a) facility management is aware of the incident, b) you have done some detective work to try to find out WHY the resident fell, c)...
  20. VivaLasViejas

    Doing real CPR as a student.

    VivaLasViejas replied to ~Mi Vida Loca~RN's topic in General Students

    Wow........brings back memories of my first code, way back in nursing school. I was working with the respiratory therapist that evening when a code 99 was called over the PA system. Naturally, I ran...
  21. VivaLasViejas

    Favorite bumper stickers

    VivaLasViejas replied to beachmom's topic in Nursing Humor

    "Be Kind to Nurses. We Stop Doctors From Accidentally Killing
  22. VivaLasViejas

    Terminated over the phone.

    VivaLasViejas replied to hellokitty9's topic in General Nursing

    I was thinking the same thing..........Sharon's post was spot on, not to mention well-articulated. And she and I don't agree on anything
  23. VivaLasViejas

    April fools day is coming

    VivaLasViejas replied to mehitabela's topic in Nursing Humor

    The nastiest trick ever pulled on me as a new nurse was this: Two CNAs at the LTC where I was working as a new grad brought me an obviously used Depends one night and asked me to take a look at Mrs....
  24. VivaLasViejas

    Discontinued Narcotics

    VivaLasViejas replied to makes needs known's topic in New York Nursing

    Are the floor nurses at your facility not allowed to destroy narcs with another nurse, or does a supervisor have to be involved? I think most places prefer a manager to be one of the witnesses, so if...
  25. VivaLasViejas

    Am so upset.

    VivaLasViejas replied to carolmaccas66's topic in International Nursing

    As a fellow writer, I can feel your anguish!! So sorry this happened to you....it sounds like you lost years and years of work, and that's heartbreaking. Wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but...