velardern

I would like to know if you work in a facility that has undertaken green efforts and how is it going? Are you recycling your compression sleeves, pulse oximeters, and single use devices in the OR? I need to in-service staff and not sure that I can get across the importance of recycling/cost avoidance and just trying to get an initial assessment from you all as to what's going on in your facilities and how it's going.

Caliotter, do you know what kind of issues the family had? I had the opportunity to see an "independent" video study today of a patient being inducted for anesthesia with both a nellcor and a masimo pulse ox on. Sat's dropped on the nellcor, but remained normal on the Masimo. Now, I can't tell you if this is fact was a true study because I was not there and this was only 1 patient. A true study obviously needs a much larger sample size. Right now we're using Masimo, but switching back to nellcor because our icu's having been having alarm problems with Masimo. I can't tell you specifics simply because I'm new to my position and staff have not been able to give me specifics as to what's going on, they just know they're having problems. I'm happy to support what staff needs/wants to work effectively, but I also have to have patient safety as the top priority. We need a product evaluation forum on this website )

We use Alaris at our facility and the staff love them. I'm new to the facility in a value analysis position, so I'll ask if we've had any issues. Also, do you know what model/models your using?

I'm trying to find out if anyone else is having alarm issues or o2 sats not correlating with arterial sats. All the research I can find on Masimo has to do with pedi/nicu's and I'm hearing that even though a sat may read 97% for example, it's erroneous and sats are actually lower.

Hi, Just recently left an EP lab and we did manual holds for all of our sheath pulls. We never used hemostasis devices due to the amount of heparin we administered (even though we gave protamine at the end of the case) and due to the size of sheaths we were pulling. Our largest was a 14 french and we typically held those approximately 40 minutes. We never had a problem with hematomas, etc.,but everyone was thoroughly trained in pulling.

Thanks so much for all the replies/insights. I'm new to this EP lab in Texas and prior to me arriving, the CVT's were pushing 18mg of Adenosine per physician request as they were the ones scrubbed in and not the R.N.'s. The tech's are upset because their feeling is that they've always been doing it "under the physician's license", so what's the difference now? I know if varies state to state, so thanks for the info )

Hi, I have a situation in that the CVT's are stating they can push adenosine under physician delegation here in Texas. I have tried to find their regulations/scope of practice, but have been unsuccessful. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!

we teach all of our ppm/icd implant patients to always carry their device info card in their wallet. be sure to ask them if they have that. it gives you info as to maker of device, why type of device, and which dr. implanted it. youre right though, worst case, no breathing, no pulse, start cpr. these patients are usually pretty good about getting their devices checked on a regular basis, but there are those devices that misfire or end up with fractured leads...can lead to problems. i would be just be sure to get a thorough hx on them.

Hi fellow nurses, I'm moving back home to/around San Antonio and am curious what the average pay rate is...I've been an RN 10 yrs. When I left, the average pay at Santa Rosa/Baptist was 35/hr and 45/hr for agencies. What am I looking at now? better or worse? Also, I don't expect management to be much better, but one of the docs I used to work for stated that the Santa Rosa system has changed for the better...of course that could be from a doctor's perspective. what are your thoughts? Oh and can anyone tell me if ground has been broken for the methodist hospital in Boerne? Any info would be great as it's been at 5 years since I've been home. My husband is deploying and I'm moving home with my munchkin, so I need to have things in order prior to moving. What about real estate? How are things coming along in Boerne along IH 10? Thanks so much, L

oh, one more question....how many hours are you taking and how many hours are you working? thanks so much!

I'm looking for opinions of the coursework, schedules, etc. Any advice would be great before I commit to them. I would also like to know how you went about arranging your clinicals if you are obtaining a distance education degree from them. Thanks! Laura

holy cow!! I didn't think I would get so many responses!! Thanks a bunch to everyone that wrote something because I was totally stumped. Ya'll have been a great help ) Laura

HI, Spent the last 2 years in the electrophysiology lab and so my objective is something like: to seek a registered nurse position in the electrophysiology lab where I can further enhance my knowledge and skills. I am applying for other positions whether it be a telemetry floor or cath recovery unit and I'm stumped as to how to rewrite my objective statement. Can anyone help? Thanks!

Hi Stephanie, San Antonio is my home, so I can tell you alot about it:O) You can email me at [email protected] and I can give you some insight to some of the hospitals in town. There doesn't seem to be alot of activity on this board from nurses in S.A., but nevertheless I still check it ) Laura

ahh!! my other questions!! what benefits should i be looking for in a travel agency? and what should i negotiate with them? as far as housing goes, i own a san antonio that i planned on living in for the 6 months that i was there. Thanks!!