nurse2033 MSN, RN

ER, ICU

Member

All Content by nurse2033

  1. nurse2033

    New Grad Med Error in ED

    I would say this is a good lesson. As as nurse you want the patient to have what they need. But, your employer did not provide the tools you need (all too common). Next time, don't hang the infusion without a pump. Immediately notify the physician, a...
  2. nurse2033

    Calculating Gov RN Pay Scale

    The VA uses a GS system similar to rank pay in the military. You want to know what GS you would be. I'm not expert but it seems you need a BSN to qualify for the lowest level. Try searching for this... Nurse Series 0610 (opm.gov)
  3. nurse2033

    Suicide screening

    I have, at various times in my career, screened for suicidality, domestic abuse, and alcohol abuse. I have never had a patient who was there for another reason report abuse or suicide. You can't convince me that the screenings are valid. Yes, there h...
  4. nurse2033

    Can we talk about the Travel Nurse Cap?!

    My jaw dropped when I heard this. First, the idea to provide nursing to underserved areas by capping pay is the opposite of how it works. Nurses would leave states that cap pay and go to states that pay more. That's how our economy works. Supply and ...
  5. nurse2033

    Becoming an Air Force Nurse in DETAIL

    Sorry I'm not black so I can't help you with that part. Benefits are good but you pay for that with your time. Now putting in time and effort benefits you personally as well, at least that's how I see it. If all you want is travel and benefits you sh...
  6. nurse2033

    Looking to join the national guard.

    You will need your BSN to apply but not to find a job. I would recommend you contact the unit where you want to work. They can facilitate recruitment. Reserve and Guard are roughly equivalent in their time commitment.
  7. nurse2033

    Medical Missions

    I've done a number of mission trips in Nicaragua and Haiti. On the surface it is a feel-good opportunity but there is discussion about the ethics of these types of swoop and save missions. You spend a lot of time and money helping a relatively small ...
  8. nurse2033

    Current Pay in Colorado area?

    Pay is relatively low in Colorado. I think you could expect mid 20s per hour. Childrens is one of the best employers. I haven't worked there but everyone who does loves it. Otherwise, it's mostly large, faceless health systems.
  9. nurse2033

    Skills Lab, Creative ideas?

    Make a mess. I have heavily utilized Halloween props and supplies. Fake blood is cheap and effective. You can get all kinds of fake wounds, and I've used rubber hearts for open thoracotomies. Good luck.
  10. nurse2033

    Homicide Investigation

    I attended the St. Louis Univ Homicide investigation course (5 days). It was mostly homicide detectives but there were a few forensic nurses. A few of them had carved out unique positions, one I think with the coroner. If you advocate, educate, teach...
  11. nurse2033

    How do you get called in?

    Whatever she does, make sure she puts it in writing via email how best to contact her.
  12. Well let's start with peopel who don't like to fly. Or anyone that can't face the ever present possiblity of unplanned landings. When they issue you fireproof clothing, that should be a clue that bad things can happen. I've been foot printed because ...
  13. nurse2033

    Marching Band Nurse

    Well I've been both in the marching band, and as medical standby for everything from rodeos, to the Bolder Boulder, to polo matches, to Burning Man, and once to a horse rescue. I would bone up on heat emergencies and ETOH abuse. You might get strains...
  14. nurse2033

    Paramedic looking for a career change...

    I am an EMT turned paramedic turned nurse turned commissioned officer. If you like helping people nursing is great. There are so many options. I still work in Emergency care so it is immediate and gratifying. It is different than in the field in both...
  15. nurse2033

    Paramedic looking for a career change...

    Agree, once you are a PA, or a nurse, or a NP, you can commision at almost any reasonable age. The Air Force is 48 for medical practitioners, and they will waiver older (although I believe the AF has the highest age limit).
  16. nurse2033

    Checking consciousness by touching the patient?

    Of course, you would be negligent if you didn't. You can give a brief trial of talking to them, then "Annie are you OK?" shaking, then pulse check. It is your duty to identify and treat any life threatening condition. Unresponsive qualifies.
  17. nurse2033

    Male SANE ?

    I am male and trained as a SANE but couldn't work the schedule. I am aware of a few others around the country. There is evidence that a positive male interaction following a sexual trauma can be theraputic for victims. But not all victims are female,...
  18. I correct my director every time she refers to a nurse in the female. I say, "you mean his or her", and she rolls her eyes every time. This have been going on for years.
  19. Oh for the old days. I work with a nurse who told me this. They would sometimes suture a patient's ear to the bed sheet so they wouldn't get up. True story, (granted this was a long time ago...). Close your jaw, now close your eyes, imagine, and SMIL...
  20. nurse2033

    Flight nursing in reserves

    Yes you can be a FN in the Air Force Reserves or Guard. Your experience would be valued. You would need at least a BSN to commission though. Patient acuity is low but the mission is great. Delployments are 4 months every few years. Good luck.
  21. nurse2033

    CVICU to ER

    As for switching units, you will need to massivelly adjust your workflow. I tell new people, there is no later. You do it now, chart it now, because you will turn around and someone has discharged your patient or transported them upstairs. There is n...
  22. nurse2033

    What to do?

    Continue applications for both. Accept the one you want. If you get two offers, choose the best. Good luck.
  23. nurse2033

    Reserve Bonus

    Flight nursing just offered a retention bonus but don't know if there is a hiring bonus.
  24. nurse2033

    I need help making this decision and its urgent!

    Love these recruiters... I think she is saying the age limit is your age to get you to sign. The Air Force age limit is 48 for medical specialties like nursing. I'm a commissioned officer and I don't know what ASVAB is. Yes I could google it but don'...
  25. nurse2033

    Aspiring Army Nurse. Suggestions?

    I applaud your interest in serving but Pixie is right. You can't commission until you are a citizen. Your recruiter flat out lied I would say. They have no reason to change your MOS nor could they. Once you become a citizen (and assuming your degree ...