Dialysister

I've never made more than $30/hr as a specialty RN. Recently I had to hire a house cleaner...they get $35/hr and don't have to worry about killing somebody!

ESRD=End Stage Renal Disease PD=Peritoneal Dialysis HD=Hemodialysis

This quiz may have changed from what I took in 2006. It was more of a simple calculation test---not so much terminology, if I recall correctly. I would suggest that you touch base with one of the nursing faculty to confirm the nature of the quiz. You might want to review mcg to mg to g conversions, as well as other conversions (kg to lbs, etc). READ EACH QUESTION VERY CAREFULLY! In calculation-type questions I find it helpful to work the problem "backwords" after coming up with my answer, as a way to confirm that it is correct. I can't remember if it was multiple choice or fill in the blank. Good luck, breathe, and stop "freaking" out!

In your position, I would refer this situation to the Social Worker on the case.

Kelly, I took NCLEX-RN last year. My test also stopped at 75 with NO calculation questions and I passed. Just do what I did and make yourself a strong Margarita! Good luck!

I find that if I have a blood flow rate of at least 400, a 50cc NSS bolus every 30 minutes is sufficient to prevent clotting. If the blood flow is slower, I give a 100 cc bolus every 30 minutes. These are just guidelines, though. I keep an eye on my venous pressure and if it's creeping up I may give a little flush. I do add in the added saline to my target loss. Had a patient today with hemoptysis and the 50cc/30 minutes worked great without running any heparin at all.

I don't know about stretchy Cherokee scrubs, but I love the Iguana scrubs. They're stretchy and have a soft finish. The price is very reasonable, too.

Ann Arbor (my home town) is WONDERFUL!!! Lots of great music, great people, GREAT food, and educational and cultural action. Winter bleak???? I don't think so. We used to have sledding parties under full moons, ice skating, etc. My best friend is an OR nurse at St Joseph's and loves it. I am sooo jealous! I dream of being back in Ann Arbor.

Brittany, I'm so glad to see your enthusiasm for your patient care work. The fact that you have concerns for "doing no harm" is only to your credit. I'm an RN and hope I never lose that fear. It makes me double-check medications, orders, patient history, and patient status. My advice to you is to NEVER be afraid to ask for help from those around you who have more experience. If you are asked to perform a skill that you don't have a lot of confidence with, ask someone to stand by you while you do it. Healthcare is ever changing and we all learn from each other. Go to your instructor, preceptor, or co-worker and calmly look them in the eye and say "I don't feel comfortable doing this alone. Would you observe my technique?" Don't feel bad if they roll their eyes; the priority is--and should always be---the patient's well-being. Good luck with your career!

You can actually talk to a real person when you call the Board of Nursing!

This should not even be an issue. I am so disgusted by the gender bias in nursing. No-one questions a male ob/gyn physician, why should they question a skilled trained nurse?

Oh, this must be one of the new alternative, pick all that apply questions. I pick "C".

Beer may be good, but margaritas are better IMHO. That's what got me through the "48 hours from Heck." I can't answer your question, though. I had 75 and passed. Was SURE I had failed. Had nausea and diarrhea until I found out results----of course it COULDN'T have been from those margaritas, LOL! BREATHE! I'll be looking to see your "EUREKA" in a few days.