disComBobUlated86

We took pedi last semester and this semester my instructor is making us do a worksheet on pedi math at the beginning and she put a question in there no on in the entire class can figure out because we never got it and I don't have my pedi book. On pediatric blood transfusions for sickle cell, how are infusions titrated, for like a 300mL of packed RBC's and how do you calculate the final maintenance rate? If anyone could help me with this it would be very much appreciated.

Lisat: Yeah, I was diagnosed at age 5. Then I retested at 17 or 18 I think. You should be able to find a test if you wanted, but it'd probably be through a psychologist/psychiatrist. My meds are all handled by a psychatrist. But if your MD is working for you, that's great :-) They can just perscribe off label. My brother gets his through the pediatrician. And I'm glad you went to talk to an MD about it, a lot of people are afraid to or think it'd be silly and people would think they were being ridiculous.

Faith, I actually had an instructor/prof point the same thing out to me.(I just completed my 3rd year of my 4 year BSN program) Like you, my teacher knew of my ADD. Even though I know it can catch you off guard to get an eval of "disorganization" (I'm nearly straight A's other than that), it's actually a good thing. You're in school still, in your first clinical even, you are NOT expected to be perfect, ADD or not. And as far as your instructor being aware of your ADD, I usually inform professors/instructors. Although they may flag that in their mind, this can be good. The extra attention may mean they might pick up on your needs quicker, meaning they can give you instruction and alert you to areas that need improvement. Although "spacey" isn't really the best way I've heard it described, at least this evaluation led here, realizing you needed some tips. Since my "disorganized" evaluation I have been able to search for some methods etc. Although I'm still looking for new ways all the time what advice I can give you so far that has helped is this: a) post-its and colored pens and hilighters (i am a HUGE color coder) and the post it's on your sheet can stick out at you...make check boxes for what needs to be done. and hilight new things. b) before you go to do a procedure, review the steps in your head or outloud with your instructor. it'll put them fresh in your mind and reviewing them, you're more likely to remember "name band". especially focus on those silly little things. c) sometimes the instructor sitting there makes me feel clumsy or like i need to go faster. try not to get flustered, they're doing the same to every student. take your time, do it YOUR way as long as the important things are followed (ie sterile if needed, id band check, gloves, handwashing) it doesn't matter if you're as speedy as a seasoned nurse d) keep index cards with normal labs, math equations, and conversions in your pockets at clinical. a lot of hospitals have these references but it's good to have your own. and you'll be the most popular person in clinical group. e) use your instructors, ask them for suggestions if they point something out to you f) if you need to repeat instructions back to make sure you got them right, do it. don't be afraid to be annoying by saying "NS @ 75 right?" it's better to repeat and verify then to have to go back and ask later or to do it wrong. That's all I have for now. It's a continuous process of finding multiple little tools and tricks until you have the right combination. Oh and last thing I can say is let your instructors know you've taken steps to rectify the situation. Talk to a lab RN if you have one, or let them know, hey I just wanted to run something I want to try by me. Or oh, I just wanted to let you know that I thought about the eval and I'm going to try____. They'll respect you, because you're probably working harder at it than anyone. Good luck in school. Email/Message me if you ever have anymore questions :-)

Hi, I've got one year left in nursing school and clinicals are starting to give more responsability, which is great but means more to organize. I'm also doing an internship this summer in which I get to see all that a nurse really does have to keep track of. What I am worried about, and have spoken to my professor about, is mainly disorganization. I have had ADD since I was little and I am on adderall for it. I have two things I'm worried about. The biggest thing: organizing...keeping track of labs that need to be in, charting, and meds, and the biggest one TIME as well as getting assessments done in such a way that i don't forget to make a mental or written note of something, like iv placement. Does anyone have any helpful hints for organizing the day and keeping on task and on time? also with report and getting verbal instructions...i'm the one who always says "what". sometimes i'm too involved in something else at the moment and need a minute (if it's not urgent of course) and sometimes i just need to repeat or clarify so i'll repeat back and ask what i worry may seem repatative questions that may make me seem spacey. does anyone else do this? and if so is it a problem or do people generally just get over it as long as you're effecient and a good nurse otherwise? Thanks in advance :-) I'm getting so close to graduation and I'm just so nervous about getting a method set quick enough that I won't seem slow or like a bad nurse in orientating and starting the job. Everyone else seems to just remember and have things organized, and I feel so behind sometimes. The nurses I'm working with now say I'm doing great as an intern but there's so much more once you're out! have a good day/night/whenever you're reading this :-)

I was just wondering if you or anyone has pursued this type of responsibility. I think it might be something I am interested in. I am in my second semester of my junior year of my BSN and I love orthopedics and I really want something to do with orthopedics and this sounds interesting. How would I go about pursuing this out of school? Does anyone have any advice?

I am a junior in nursing school and I'm more than halfway done. I love nursing, and i still do, however after 3 years of physical therapy and 2 ACL surgeries, I have just discovered that I have a huge interest in orthopedics. Physical Therapy interests me, orthopedic surgieries interest me, fractures and muscle and ligament injuries fascinate me as well. Is there any type of advanced practice degree, most nursing practioner but even clinical specialist, that would allow me to work in a sort of sports medicine field or assessing/diagnosing/treating orthopedic injuries? Before I finish out this degree I want to have an idea of where I'm going with this, and I'm realizing that my interest in orthopedics is something I can't ignore.

I'm a junior in my undergrad nursing class right now on my way to a BSN. I don't have anything now, not RN, CNA, nothing. However, I was wondering when I can/should apply to grad school for a Master's. I feel like if I get too far out of school I might not go back and I'd like to stick with my university, which is out of my home state. Also, if I go to grad school soon, I would be able to work part time, and have someone pay for most of or all of my schooling. Do people go straight to grad school after passing their boards and work part time and study? Also if I got my MSN in management or something would I be able to work as a regular RN as well? I know it's early to be thinking about it but I like to have a plan. Anyone got any experience/advice/thoughts? Thanks :-)