kae rn

I did think about it when I was in nursing school, but quickly had a family and had to change my thought. Now 17 years later, no and never would I want to be a doctor. They deal with way too much! I would prefer to be their eyes and ears.

I think the rescue workers and health care workers did an awesome job. From what I saw on TV, everything looked so well controlled in getting everyone help. I found it very admirable of the Britts, hats off to them, as well as prayers for the wounded and deceased.

I think there should be a limit. But only what is fair to those who are poor test takers--maybe 4-5 times with interventions available. I feel badly for those who have troubles passing, but in nursing we need people who know their stuff. In my state kids in high school have 5 opportunities to pass a test in order to get their diploma--what is the difference between that and nursing exams? (aside from the responsibility of the job-that is a given)

Hope your mother does well. As for the diabetes, and high blood pressure--both are pretty common and should be handled fairly well. My biggest concern is regarding blood clots. Take leg measurements fairly post-op, on both legs. Make lines with permanent markers on thighs, and calves. Compare measurements to previous ones. Any major increase on either side could be related to a clot. Also make sure she is on some kind of prophalyxis--heparin, coumadin, lovenox. Rehab is a great idea!! Just make sure there have been dopplers done to the legs (an ultrasound) prior to transfer to the rehab facility. Where I work, we won't get a patient out of bed until we know they are clot free. That can be bad news if your mother transfers there on a Friday late afternoon, and vasc lab (where dopplers are done) is only open Monday through Friday.

It was so nice that you were there for him. I think that is what nursing is all about. Everyone is special and deserves a little compassion. As for the mom, I will share something once told me. I worked with severely handicapped children in a LTC facility, and often wondered why more parents didn't interact or even visit their children. It made me very sad. But, I was helped to understand that parents care in their own way. A lot of it has to do with their abilities to cope. When we see a parent visit, we don't see what happens when they go home--fall into a depressed state and stay in their room for months, resume drinking.... Thank God for nurses to step in and care. I know after having kids that the worse pain in the world is when your kids hurt. I have cried many tears for my "normal" kids, I can't even imagine some of these parents' pain. You deserve a big hug for being an assume nurse!

I work at a rehab facility. We use SCD's at night and TEDS during the day while they are at therapy. Shoes are mandatory, or slipper socks to prevent falls. The TEDS are stocked on the unit and easy to comply with. The SCD's come from central supply. The hospital at times have been out of SCD's so we have to wait. Then the physician orders dopplers to scan for DVTs prior to using the SCDs when they finally arrive. At times there have been a couple of days with no SCDs due to lack of availabilty.

I think it is great that you respond, snow doesn't get these responses. People just don't answer their phones if you call,.....Maybe there should be a better snow policy, like you should call in during a Level 2 emergency or ......

I agree with you all. Plan ahead!! I live very close to where I work and I am always there. I would welcome fellow nurses to stay at my house, but of course no one plans on it (It is easier to call off). They just plan on me being there and taking a double load. Of course I always pack extra food, and clothes for while I am there, because mandation is always a possibility. Never mind my kids are home unattended and some mature adult can't plan ahead, yes that makes me a little angry.

We use a product called simply thick. Pts seem to tolerate it well, doesn't change the flavor, and comes in convenient little packages. The website is http://www.simplythick.com if you have any particular questions. k

As for the position of your baby, don't worry too much. It may be a little painful for delivery, but my "sunny side up" child (of my four deliveries) is still a pleasant "sunny side up" kid. Wouldn't trade him for anything. All the rest of them tell me often how much they think life stinks--he nevers does!!! So a few hours of pain, means years of gratefullness... At least that is the story at my house. Goodluck to you, your child, and your family.

I admire all of those who do this, knowing it istn't "right". 3/4ths of my pregnancies weren't planned, but they are all good kids. Couldn't imagine dealing with this on a daily basis.

Haven't been assaulted recently. But work in rehab, and have learned to keep myself in between the door and the (TBI)patient. Have thrived on being athletic, and it sure pays off. By the way, I am not very young--37--just experienced.

Depends if she is competent or not. If she is competent, she has the right to refuse. Go ahead and chart it as such. If she isn't, then hide them. If it becomes a really big problem--such as blood pressure meds, heart meds,.... then whoever is designated power of those decisions, will need to decide on alternative measures to get her the meds--peg tube, ng...

I deal with this kind of patient frequently in rehab, not drug/alchol rehab, physical rehab. Medicate as soon as it is safe. Always be between the patient and the door. Yell really loud if needed. Usually I can talk a patient down, lots of psych nursing which I hated in school. I know alot of my patients have the potential to be frequent flyers, but until the funding for drug/alcohol rehab is increased, then this is what we will have to deal with. I know that I go to work everyday and want to do my best. I refuse to lose!

Thunderwolf, I happen to work at the OSU Med Center, and sent you a message. Good luck with your decision.