ninasnr

Re: I had a patient who had a GTT, and it was high indicating Diabetes. About 10 years earlier, was diagnosed with hypoglemia. The patient refused to take the actos that was ordered (after DX of Diabetes) because it made the patient feel 'bad'. Dizziness, tired, hungry, etc. So patient was unmedicated. Pt came in with hypoglycemia through ED, was given D50 x2, was given breakfast, and BG was still unstable 50-60's. Pt admitted with D10 continuous IV, was in for 3 days. Various tests were done checking for tumor on pancreas etc, nothing was ever found. Was taught diet for hypoglemia. I later heard pt was again diagnosed with DM. What do you make of this? Any ideas? It sure confuses me! Could this be weight related? The patient had weight fluctuations. This patient did have elevated fasting BG a couple of times, reportedly but less than 150.

I had a patient who had a GTT, and it was high indicating Diabetes. About 10 years earlier, was diagnosed with hypoglemia. The patient refused to take the actos that was ordered (after DX of Diabetes) because it made the patient feel 'bad'. Dizziness, tired, hungry, etc. So patient was unmedicated. Pt came in with hypoglycemia through ED, was given D50 x2, was given breakfast, and BG was still unstable 50-60's. Pt admitted with D10 continuous IV, was in for 3 days. Various tests were done checking for tumor on pancreas etc, nothing was ever found. Was taught diet for hypoglemia. I later heard pt was again diagnosed with DM. What do you make of this? Any ideas? It sure confuses me! Could this be weight related? The patient had weight fluctuations.

I am writing this thread in response to the nursing jokes/humor. This isn't a joke or story and is not meant to be insulting or a put down in any way. I know patients with mental illness are frequently PIA's. However, when patients come in due to a failed suicide attempt, I believe the 'Florence Nightingale' crowd could show some compassion towards mentally ill patients, instead of wishing they had done the job right. A healthy individual could take the time to think about how much pain, loss, or illness it would take to make you want to take your own life. These people have a great deal of emotional pain and are mentally ill. They need help, and are crying out for relief of that pain/illness. We do not know what the future holds for us. I sincerely hope that none of us experience the devastation that would cause this kind of pain and desperation, but I do pray that if that were to occur, there are some compassionate healthcare workers to take care of us. And for the record, I have not ever been in that situation, but have a very soft spot in my heart for mentally ill patients. Does anyone know what the stats are of homeless people who have mental illness? Just curious, but I know there are a great deal.

I also have found that getting a BSN over an ADN doesn't ensure any 'perks'. Very few places offer a differential for having a BSN, and a lot of places don't offer differentials for having a certification either. If you go for your BSN &/or certifications in any area, I suggest you do it for yourself for your own personal growth.

Thank you fonenurse. I believe your advice will be very helpful.

Triage in Phoenix for physicians.

I do telephone triage in AZ, and make 32.50/hour.

Where would I find information (pearls/tips of the trade) on doing telephone triage?

I'm very curious about healthcare in England and in Canada. Is it similar? If anyone could provide links to articles or a website about healthcare and how it works in England, I would very much appreciate it. I am american and I believe our healthcare system needs a major overhaul. From what little I know of Canadian and English heathcare, they sound similar. There are some health insurances that pay well in america, BUT, if you're middle class, (as I am) you have to be employed by a facility that is contracted with one of those 'good' insurance companies. Otherwise, the plans that have good coverage are not affordable. As it is, most of the insurance plans that are affordable, don't pay much at all unless there is if a catastrophic event. The doctors in america require payment up front--before they will see you. So those that fall through the cracks, are the middle class. And, those who have chronic health problems are as fortunate as the elderly. (meaning)- 1)We use our limited knowledge to try and treat ourselves as much as possible, and if we aren't successful, then we save our money, and do without something, so we can go to a Dr. 2)We buy our meds in either Mexico, or order them online - usually from a pharmacy that doesn't require an RX. And then, we cut the doses in half to make the pills last longer. So, I am ALL for an improved plan for healthcare. :))