squirlkeeperCCRN

squirlkeeperCCRN has 19 years experience and specializes in 11 years oncology, 8 years ICU.

Latest Activity

1. does anyone use swans anymore?

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to squirlkeeperCCRN's topic in MICU, SICU

   thanks everyone! I have passed the test once (and think I am capable...come he** or high water). I too agree that Laura Gasparis is the way to go...good luck to you (and

2. does anyone use swans anymore?

   squirlkeeperCCRN posted a topic in MICU, SICU

   Call me crazy, but I have decided to retest rather than get ceu's to re-up my ccrn certification. I did ceu's the first time I renewed, but feel like studying and retesting will give me the knowledge...

3. Negotiating visiting hours

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to marie7217's topic in MICU, SICU

   Optimus, LOL! It does make it really interesting when the family calling the shots has no idea what they are talking about...very frustrating to take care of these

4. Rapid Response Team and Families

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to Grumpy's Girl's topic in MICU, SICU

   I stopped doing resource when our facility implemented the RRT that families could summon. I think it is poor use of resources. I laugh when these patients are then transferred to the unit because...

5. part time in ICU?

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to Annony RN's topic in MICU, SICU

   I was hired for part time and have worked part time for about 8 years now. I think previous experience might make the difference though (sounds like you have that) so think it's worth a try. We...

6. Pressors and Sepsis

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to CraigB-RN's topic in MICU, SICU

   Our unit has developed a protocol for patients with sepsis. If they meet certain criteria the protocol is instituted. We rarely use Swans anymore, but use the sepsis protocol often. It is based on...

7. Being on the Code team freaks me out

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to Bella RN's topic in MICU, SICU

   Chica, Going from Oncology focus being on comfort most of the time, to ICU life saving no matter what mentality is very anxiety producing. I know because I took the same route that you did (Oncology...

8. Negotiating visiting hours

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to marie7217's topic in MICU, SICU

   I just found this site a few days ago, and was thinking of posting this very topic after caring for a patient with the family from he**. We have open visiting in our unit and when we put a 12 bed...

9. Consent for albumin?

   squirlkeeperCCRN replied to bill4745's topic in MICU, SICU

   RUNurse, good point, reguarding Hespan. Our sugeons like Hespan, our Pulmonologists like albumin with lasix chaser. No consent needed for

10. trying to decide between Neuro ICU and general med/surg ICU

    squirlkeeperCCRN replied to AUB-RN's topic in Neuro Intensive Care, ICU

    I get the best of both worlds and we have a 30 bed mixed unit...little bit of everything. Have no fear neuro patients will give you

11. Likes and dislikes...

    squirlkeeperCCRN replied to cheripa's topic in Neuro Intensive Care, ICU

    I work in a general ICU (not neuro specific) but get plenty of heads and do enjoy taking care of them. I think the inconsistency in neuro patients is stimulating. Just when you think you know what...

12. Med/Surg to ICU

    squirlkeeperCCRN replied to KayceeLeeRN's topic in MICU, SICU

    I agree that going from one's comfort zone to a new, overwhelming, very busy ICU can be very un-nerving. I think new critical care nurses need to allow themselves a year before they get critical of...

13. Took care of pt who tested positve for c-diff

    squirlkeeperCCRN replied to anfe's topic in General Nursing

    for many years when I started nursing we didn't wear gloves if it wasn't obviously bloody...that was universal precautions. In this day and age we wear gloves to just give back rubs, pull a pt. up in...

14. Is there form on how to give shift report in ICU ?

    squirlkeeperCCRN replied to gigi13RN's topic in MICU, SICU

    you are so right!!!! then the real report begins after you have answered whether or not you will be back in the morning. I like the head to toe method as well (due to the fact that we no longer...

15. What nursing "invention" would make you famous?

    squirlkeeperCCRN replied to juscallmegrace's topic in General Nursing

    funny this is I don't think it's that far out...just around the corner! I think "heely's" for nurses with built in room deoderizers and mini-spray stations would come in handy after the day crew...