cyndiangel13

One of my family members recently had a colonoscopy and subsequently wrote this seriously funny letter to the Dr. who performed the procedure. I thought it should be shared...enjoy I asked if the Colonoscopy hurt. I was told that it didn’t, but was a little uncomfortable, yeah right! What really happens is: they laugh at your nervous chatter or lame jokes; and listen to what you have to say or don’t have to say, depending on whether you are talkative or not. They give you a shot or two or three in your IV that is supposed to knock you out temporarily and BEGIN their attack like evil scientist! When they think you are out of it, the good Doctor begins his mission, entering an exit door! At first, he seems gentle and they are looking for abnormalities, but when he sees nothing, he digs in deeper, but runs into speed bumps, sharp turns, and even decides he needs a new turn lane. He drives his BULLDOZER like a little kid with a new toy! DUDE! That hurts and my limbs won’t move! Boy, do I want to swing at you! Wow, it feels like I have this demonic demon alien inside of me about to burst out from the side of my abdomen! I wondered if he had a license to drive that bulldozer? I tense up, he is trying to get me to relax when I am being tortured, my mouth can’t tell him that it hurts like a mug, my limbs are limp, so I can’t swing at him, so how am I going to relax???? Then, when I am going to a recovery area, the driver of the bed is obviously having problems getting my gurney in the door, I thought about reaching out to guide it myself so we didn’t run into any more objects since I was feeling rather violated. When I finally am left alone for a few, this stupid machine alarm keeps going off to keep me awake, and someone in the background is telling me to breath. Did I snore or something? I start feeling a little relieved from the torture, I sit up and start looking for my clothes because I want to make a beeline for the nearest door to get away from the mad bulldozer driver! HAHAHA I SURVIVED TO TELL MY STORY! VERSED does not work!!!

I'm curious to know how Katrina nurses/HCW's improvised during the hurricane and the subsequent brouhaha. Maybe we could learn something from them. I would report to work definitely. I agree with the above poster which stated they didn't get into the profession and not help. Don't we have an ethical obligation? I have a family and I would do whatever it takes to protect them. However, if I have the skill/knowledge to (safely) assist during a pandemic, I would do so; my family has adequate support and would be fine.

First I have to say thanks for starting this thread. It is encouraging to me, as a brand-new 'baby' nurse c ADD (i've been off 8 week orientation for 3 weeks now). I can identify c just about every post in this thread to some degree or another. I, too, am trying to find my routine. I have caught myself staying as much as 2.5 hours over to finish charting. I was dx at 14 (33 now) and have been on a whole slew of meds (currently on vyvanse 50mg q. day). Meds have def. helped. I have also found that writing small/abbreviated notes down in a little pocket-sized notebook during assessment/rounds. I write my shift report on an 8.5x11 sheet set up c rows and columns for each individual pt down in red (or purple, or blue, or green...etc.) and any changes that occur during the shift I write in black which helps memory when charting and reporting to next shift. I work on a busy trauma/surgery floor c 5-6 pts a night. I pray that I start the night off c 6 pts because that usually means I don't have to deal c admits (which throw me off in a most awful way). It has been tough at times since I don't have experience which causes flexibility issues for me. One thing I have learned is that I NEED to take a break when I get a chance just to slow down and regroup. I will look at my pocket notes and reprioritize or figure out what really needs to be done next. As far as disclosing my learning 'difference' to my manager, I have not...yet. However, I have told the nurses that I work with that I have ADD and I take meds. I feel like it helps them to understand how I get backed up at times...especially since they are who I turn to when I need help. Thankfully, most all of the RNs I work with are very helpful. AnyWHO...I hope my little bit of input helps and furthermore I hope to read more feedback from you guys!!! Wishing the best for everyone out there dealing with ADD and nursing. P.S. - My psychologist informed me that ADD/ADHD is considered a MEDICAL (not necessarily a psych) condition. That has to count for something in regards to the ADA. Might be something worth looking into if necessary. Just sayin'.

Maybe you can find an old Nursing magazine (AJN) or nursing textbook? Maybe something on E-bay or Amazon you can buy cheap and have mailed quickly?

"We just learned about how silence can be a therapeutic communication technique, kindly try and follow it. I seriously cannot handle another 2 years of hearing you yap on and on about diseases in your family. Also, I can't stand to hear anymore of your motivational stories during lecture. Write a book. You could call it, "Chicken Soup for the D+ Nursing Student" I do not want to get to know you, stop trying to invite me into your inner circle. First, you gossip about everybody and I’ve heard you talk about me on occasion. If backbiting is going to be a hobby for you, it might be time to learn just how far the human ear can hear with acuity. Learn to develop a professional relationship with your classmates. I’m friendly, even eager to help, but I’m not sharing my personal life with you, you’re creepy and have a big mouth. Stop asking me, “What diet are you on?”, and then just blowing me off when I say, “A balanced diet with about 1 hour of cardio a day.” You expect me to reveal some kind of inner dietary secret that will enable you to eat whatever you want and lose weight. I’d tell you that I eat 2 cups of spoiled cottage cheese everyday and rub my ass against the bark of a fresh pine tree if that would shut you up, but I’m afraid you’d come in the next day with diarrhea and splinters in your butt." :chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle these 'vents' are therapeutic!!!! I'm going to find some cRottage cheese

Wow...I wish this story could be posted in a place where family members could read and understand BEFORE they may be faced with a situation like this. As a student, I have had a few lectures about DNRs, family involvment/intervening. It is an ethical dilemma in which I hope if/when I am faced with it, I have the grace and understanding to accept and continue on with my nursing duties to the best of my ability. It is sad that as nurses we are obligated to care for and respect our patients but are forced to work against our better judgment or against the stated will of our patients based on the fear of legal repercussion. God bless and keep you!!!

Has anyone ever heard of mucomyst LOWERING (serum? or renal excretion of?) Creatinine levels AFTER dx tests using contrast agents have been performed? I understand it is used before testing with contrast dye is performed (along with preload of fluids) but I had a patient that had a heart cath/angiography and her Cr levels went up afterwards (she had hx of CRF) and it was explained to me by her primary nurse (I am a student :) ) that the mucomyst was given to lower the Cr levels. Just wondering. Any insight will be most appreciated!!!

just wanted to let you know I passed my final and i'm going to 4th level!!!!!! Last level for me:) yayyyy!!!! thanks again!!!

thank you thank you thank you Daytonite!!! That brought it ALL home for me!!! Just in time for the final tomorrow!!! heehee...it also helped to enhance my critical thinking!!! again, thank you soooooo much!!! Answered my question completely!!! Did i say thank you? Thank you!!!

Hi. I am attempting to figure out the differences in neurogenic shock compared to autonomic dysreflexia. What I know: neuro shock coincides c spinal shock. Signs/symptoms are hypotension, peripheral vasodilation, venous pooling, no perspiration below level of injury, fever and decreased cardiac output. It is caused by loss of ANS innervation below level of injury. AD s/s include HTN, bradycardia, diaphoresis, pounding HA (d/t HTN) it is caused by stimulation from urinary retention, bowel impaction/constipation and/or skin irritation (sitting in one spot too long, sunburn, ingrown toenail, etc) It can happen long after the spinal cord injury after spinal shock has resolved. My question is...aside from knowing the s/s of each, why does AD happen...what is the main difference? everbody? anybody? please help...thanks so much!!!

I am soooooo happy to have found this post...I was just thinking I need to vent/de-stress...so here I go... 1.) To those I considered my best friends: If you can't or refuse to work it out, why can't you get over it? I am sorry you put up a wall and I don't know how to tear it down. 2.) Belittling someone else for their shortcomings DOES NOT make you a better person. It just means you need a big mirror with some alone time. 3.) Have you ever thought personal responsibility is also yours? 4.) NS is already tough. Do we have to make it harder than it should be by compounding the stress c drama? 5.) When you get to psych, get your money's worth and find out why it is that passive aggression is a defense mechanism r/t anxiety...you might be surprised to learn that it isn't about being wronged, rather it may be about covering up hurt. (see also Displacement, rationalization [and it's relation to self-esteem]...) 6.) Just because I am getting good grades or have a high GPA doesn't mean that I don't struggle either. Don't count me out because YOU think I can't relate. Just because you are struggling doesn't mean I look down my nose at you when I care enough to tell you what I honestly think; especially when you ask. 7.) Altruism - satisfying internal needs by helping others. This can be a healthy quality to posess, especially as a nurse. Don't discount it as arrogance. 8.) Misery loves company. Can you understand why I don't have time to fit you into my schedule? NOW...with all that out...I believe the positive vent is an even better idea... 1.) We made it this far. This leads me to believe that we have what it takes to see it to the end. Don't lose sight of your goal; NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!! 2.) I am SO thankful for my NS friends. No matter where you go, I am there. I hope we can stay connected. "True friendship isn't being inseparable, it's being separated and nothing changes." 3.) I will always remember the funny, wonderful, exciting and exhilarating moments we shared!!! You helped me grow as a human...what an amazing gift!!! I hope I can pay it forward. I'll be back...i'm sure...

There is the option of enrolling and taking online pre-reqs until you are ready to apply for clinicals. You can work at your own pace (since you are Active Duty). Granted there are probably some courses you may need to take on campus since they are not offered online. Some colleges of nursing may or may not accept transfer credits (CCAF, other university credits, etc). Make sure you check into that to avoid retaking classes. I am in the ASN clinical (2nd level) program at NSU so I can attest to the fact that acceptance to clinicals for this program is competitive in that there are many students applying for limited clinical spots. If you keep a high GPA (above 3.5) you have a great chance at being accepted with your first application after you have taken all the prerequisites. It is my understanding the 4-year program (BSN) is a little less competitive (due to a more balanced student/clinical spot ratio). There are other factors involved in qualifying for clinical there. Contact student services (318.677.3000) and ask for the curriculum and any other info you may want to be mailed to you. This will give you an idea of what you will need for the program. NSU has a great nursing (2-year and 4-year) program with wonderful instructors. It is a smaller campus so it is easier to get to know your instructors/have more interaction with them, the students usually stay together through the program (good way to find study partners), and I don't think there is a wait-list. Hope this helps/isn't too confusing. Good luck with your academic nursing career!!!!

Thank you soooooo much for this thread. This is a wonderful way to learn on my own time the things I may not think about on the fly/on the floor. I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading the advice/comments/no no's everyone has posted!!! I'm sure it will help me to be a better student (nurse). This is not a huge 'DO NOT EVER DO..." but something I learned recently (currently a 2nd level nursing student c only 8.5 months to go ) about putting TED hose on c a little more ease... Use the plastic pkg the hose come in and slip it on the foot. Then put the hose on over the plastic pkg. Pull the hose over the feet and up to the knee. Pull the plastic out thru the toe hole and repeat for the other leg. This helps slide the hose over the feet, which seems to me to be the hardest, a little quicker/easier. This is especially helpful for pts c COPD or SOB who have to tug and pull them on themselves when they get home. I had the opportunity to show this trick to a pulm fibrosis pt and he was especially grateful for this little bit of knowledge. This also helps c pt compliance. Most of my pts c TED (as well as my own grandfather) complain of the physical exertion and breathlessness they experience r/t applying these hose. I'm so fascinated I am going now to find another thread r/t more tips and tricks!!!! :typing

Bwahahahahahaha!!! LOVE it!! It seems like the hardest thing about nursing school is balancing the family time with study time...