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

    Spider bites...

    VivaLasViejas replied to Blackheartednurse's topic in General Nursing

    I got cellulitis from a brown recluse spider bite way back when I was in my late teens. I've also had MRSA cellulitis three times as an adult and to this day I don't know how I got it. However, in...
  2. VivaLasViejas

    If you have rec' d the H1N1 vaccine - please report

    VivaLasViejas replied to CrunchRN's topic in General Nursing

    I didn't even have a sore arm after the H1N1 vaccine.....just felt a little tired the same night I got the shot, went home and went to sleep, and was fine the next day. By contrast, the seasonal flu...
  3. VivaLasViejas

    I Just Have To Say

    VivaLasViejas replied to Vito Andolini's topic in General Nursing

    Links?
  4. VivaLasViejas

    Are we experiencing mass burnout in healthcare?

    VivaLasViejas replied to SheaTab's topic in Activism, Healthcare

    Not necessarily. I worked in a hospital where the nurses' union was all about the pay and bennies---nothing even remotely connected with sane staffing or ergonomically friendly working conditions....
  5. VivaLasViejas

    Do you ever plan on leaving the bedside?

    VivaLasViejas replied to ajaxgirl's topic in General Nursing

    I've been back and forth more times than I care to count. I left management after several years of 24/7 responsibility and 60-hour work weeks---no coffee-klatching there!---and returned to the bedside...
  6. VivaLasViejas

    Bilingual/ Multilingual nurses

    VivaLasViejas replied to ksow's topic in General Nursing

    I've found that the Spanish I grew up with is very helpful, even in the nursing home where I work. We have a resident from Puerto Rico who never learned English, and while we do have some issues with...
  7. VivaLasViejas

    Survey...medication.

    VivaLasViejas replied to LOLRN's topic in General Nursing

    No shame in taking meds for mood/psych issues, any more than in taking them for heart problems or sinus trouble. I've been on Paxil myself for almost a decade now. Last winter, after several attempts...
  8. VivaLasViejas

    Siblings working together ? yes or no

    VivaLasViejas replied to HardTimes's topic in First Year After Licensure

    I am a charge nurse on the same ICF unit where my son, a CNA, often works, so yes, I am his supervisor. It's never been a problem, though, because my expectations for his work are the same as for the...
  9. VivaLasViejas

    Float nurse-Pros & cons?

    VivaLasViejas replied to MiaLyse's topic in General Nursing

    Floating is some of the best experience you can get! However, I don't think it would be suitable for a new grad, and frankly I'm surprised you would even be considered..........not because you're not...
  10. VivaLasViejas

    Things you don't want to hear your Aide say

    VivaLasViejas replied to readytoroll's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    Words that strike me cold with dread: "So-and-so's got blood in his BM" "Mrs. B. is on the floor again" "You might wanna take a look at this" "Marla, I need you in 305 NOW" and the worst:...
  11. VivaLasViejas

    Why am I doing this, anyway?

    VivaLasViejas replied to PedsDrNurseTheo's topic in General Nursing

    Fantastic story..........thanks for reminding me of why I became a
  12. VivaLasViejas

    I am a klutz -

    VivaLasViejas replied to abbaking's topic in General Nursing

    As the saying goes: defecation eventuates. We all break equipment. I can't even begin to count up how many tele units and other medical devices I've accidentally tripped over, dropped, banged against...
  13. VivaLasViejas

    A Wardrobe Malfunction, or Why Not to Wear A Halloween Costume to Work

    VivaLasViejas replied to VivaLasViejas's topic in General Nursing

    ????
  14. VivaLasViejas

    Can I refuse to have a certain CNA work on my shift?

    VivaLasViejas replied to Reigen's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    Sooooo glad I don't work in a union facility........like all LTCs, ours has its share of lazy, incompetent, insubordinate, uncaring, and outright inept employees, and it's hard enough to get rid of...
  15. VivaLasViejas

    A Wardrobe Malfunction, or Why Not to Wear A Halloween Costume to Work

    VivaLasViejas replied to VivaLasViejas's topic in General Nursing

    OMG........the mental pictures are PRICELESS!! I think you've got me beat there,
  16. VivaLasViejas

    A Wardrobe Malfunction, or Why Not to Wear A Halloween Costume to Work

    VivaLasViejas replied to VivaLasViejas's topic in General Nursing

    Talk about bad timing.......or is that
  17. VivaLasViejas

    Dont want my license to cover a certain PCT

    VivaLasViejas replied to singleprego's topic in Dialysis, Renal, Urology

    For the record: PCTs, CNAs etc. do not work under a nurse's license, they practice under their own certifications and are responsible to their state's Board of Nursing, just as we are.:) That said, I...
  18. VivaLasViejas

    Having a hard time w/ the elderly lately

    VivaLasViejas replied to SoundofMusic's topic in General Nursing

    WONDERFUL post.......thank you!!!!!:yeah: It also helps to remember that even the surliest, filthiest, nastiest-dispositioned person on Earth is, or at least was, loved by someone. (I could also add...
  19. VivaLasViejas

    Patient in rigor mortis

    VivaLasViejas replied to tatara's topic in General Nursing

    The thing that bothers me here is, rigor mortis doesn't generally set in until at least two hours postmortem. A few months ago, a resident at my LTC was found in full rigor at 0700. The noc shift...
  20. VivaLasViejas

    Health coverage 'plan' was no insurance at all

    VivaLasViejas replied to HM2VikingRN's topic in Activism, Healthcare

    tnt, I usually agree with you, but I think this "people need to take responsibility for their choices" is a straw man argument. If you read my post on the previous page, you know I'm all about...
  21. VivaLasViejas

    Health coverage 'plan' was no insurance at all

    VivaLasViejas replied to HM2VikingRN's topic in Activism, Healthcare

    Now THAT'S something I didn't know..........I had insurance with two different companies under United Health Care. Unfortunately, I'm not sure where that paperwork is located, or even if I have it...
  22. VivaLasViejas

    Health coverage 'plan' was no insurance at all

    VivaLasViejas replied to HM2VikingRN's topic in Activism, Healthcare

    Yeah, and what I call criminal is paying $440 a month for health insurance through my employer that pays....for......NOTHING!!!:angryfire That's right. I have had this insurance for a year, paid...
  23. VivaLasViejas

    OK, What Else Could I have Done?

    VivaLasViejas replied to AngelfireRN's topic in General Nursing

    I totally agree. Two thumbs WAY
  24. VivaLasViejas

    11 Things Your Nurse Thinks (But Will Never Tell You)

    VivaLasViejas replied to VivaLasViejas's topic in General Nursing

    I know that feeling, Diane. It's one thing when confused/demented patients yell and bang on their bedrails to get attention; it's whole 'nother annoyance when someone who's still got all (or most) of...
  25. VivaLasViejas

    Can your hands handle to constant washing? What to do if they can't?

    VivaLasViejas replied to LaMereMaverique's topic in General Nursing

    I've given in to vanity and gone the expensive route: I keep a small bottle of Bath & Body Works scented hand sanitizer gel in my pocket at work, and in my purse everywhere I go. I'm no longer a...