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Math Quiz For Er Nurses!
1. 250 2. 15 seconds 3. All of them 4. All of it 5. None. You are already late. 6. It will only be opened once- by the entire varsity soccer team , looking their buddy with the sprained ankle. 7. She won't. she will end up registered as a patient. 8. All of them. And then it will be out of batteries. 9. Yes. With his head. If he falls head first, his head will hit the door if it is closed, which it will be. 10. No, but who cares? 9309
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How to cope with a drug error - destroyed confidence
The fact that you are as concerned as you are is an indication of your commitment to provide good care. You are probably much less likely to make a consequential error now. 9309
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I cringed on the inside
Having a child with weight issues is one thing. Having a child who is morbidly obese from eating family size packages of snacks, drinking half liters of mountain dew, and being sedentary is another thing. Parent is both a noun, and a verb. 9309
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Smoking on Campus
compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction
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Smoking on Campus
Fwiw- I think this brings up an interesting topic. At what point does somebody's personal choices affect their professional performance? Some people would say the two are completely seperate, but I am not sure I agree. Take, for example, a driver's ed teacher. If he had a reputation for reckless driving, or doing stunts on the street, he would be innefective as a driver's ed instructor. While he would tell his students the importance of obeying traffic laws, they would know he was not serious. In fact, he might even be a negative role model. There are countless examples of how somebody's personal choices might affect their professional effectiveness. (A rehab counselor who is a known barfly, etc...) The same could be said for the RN who is a diabetic educator, but is morbidly obese. No matter what he or she says about diet and excercise, the effect will be diminished. While patients will not doubt the veracity of the statements, the message will be watered down. As long as I don't pay for their health care, I don't bedrudge anybody their right to smoke, eat, or drink themselves to death. Curiouse what others think. 9309
- Smoking on Campus
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Hippa Gone Wild
There is some logic to the above, but- I wanted it sent to me. While it's possible that somebody else could open my mail, that's a federal crime, and my signing a release has nothing to do with it. As far as being fired for looking at your own chart- Why? what was the basis? 9309
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Hippa Gone Wild
Ok, just a short rant. I need a copy of my own health records from our occupational health. (Immunizations, etc.) I called, and asked if they could send a copy to me. The secretary was more than happy to help, as long as I fax a release. I did not give her a hard time, or even mention the silliness of that rule. Think about it: Why would I have to sign a document allowing them to release information to me. I am obviously entitled to the information. What is the possible downside to releasing my information to me? Is there a concern that I would sue the office for violating my privacy rights? As in: "You have no right to give me my healthcare information! I now know things about me that I have no right to know." The problem is not the minor inconvenience to me. The problem is that people do not feel empowered to use commmon sense. Maybe I am missing something, and this requirement actually makes sense. Any thoughts? 9309
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Another charting question
Regarding a written note- In some sysems there is a place for "comments" which could be used to cover anything not covered elsewhere. As far as CYA with a written note, it may or may not. If the information is documented elswhere,a note won't help in any way. In other words, if you are charting by exeption, and have checked that respiratory is WNL, writing that pt is breathing easily at a rate of 16, LSCTA, no SOB or DOE doesn't add anything. A narrative note should only cover issues not adressed elsewhere. Just my humble opinion. 9309
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suboxone and sublingual narcan
Suboxone is taken sl. The idea is that the narcan will not be effective if taken sl, alowing the bupenorhine into the system.. If crushed and injected, the narcan will bind with the receptors instead, limiting abuse potential. The naloxone component in SUBOXONE is included to help discourage diversion and misuse. Naloxone has very limited bioavailability when administered sublingually, as intended. However, if SUBOXONE is crushed and injected, the naloxone will precipitate opioid withdrawal. In the absence of an opioid, the antagonist has no effect. http://www.suboxone.com/hcp/suboxone/ So- here is my question: Narcan can be given sublingually. http://groups.msn.com/paramedicemtgathering/medicaltopics.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=6687&LastModified=4675677423197787354 I have heard other references to sublingual administration of narcan, but can find nothing documented anywhere. SO- Is Narcan effective SL? 9309
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Small ER Management
The problem is that The way most of us waste drugs is a bit of a farce. When I come on in the morning, how do I know what is being wasted? all I know is that about 1cc of some clear liquid is going into the garbage. Could be tap water. The only legitmate way to waste drugs is for the witness to actually watch the drug being drawn from a closed container. That being said, I regulary do the same thing. I figure one day it wll bite me in the caboose. 9309
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CCRN discouragement?
Studying for the test is a great learning experience. It will make you a better nurse. FWIW, I found the test hard, and passing it was very rewarding. 9309
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Need advice and insight
Do you feel that you (a nurse) are treated as a professional or do you feel like you are?? I am a professional, and am treated like one. People appreciate competent care. Do you feel that you frequently have to look busy to keep the powers that be happy? No. If things are quiet, they are quiet. when the defecation hits the oscillation, I take care of what need to happen. 9309
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Advice for New RN looking for first job, experienced EMT
If you are heading for ED or ICU- Make sure they have a good training program. There are many that say you should stay out of these areas untill you have at least two years med surg. I disagree. If the unit is set up for new grads, and has a good track record with their program, you can do fine. BTW- if you are thinking nurse/medic flight, etc., you are probably best off in the ICU. 9309
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Need advice and insight
Hey- thought I might chime in. A long time before I went to nsg school, I considered law school. Did well enough on my LSAT's to get in, but changed my mind. It was not an either/or choice for me, I decided on nsg school several years later. I am valued and appreciated by pt's families and co-workers. As far as being respected by DR's and administrators: I do my job well and treat others with respect. I expect, and receive, the same in return. Regarding money- I am a per diem nurse. I get benefits through my wife. I have a two year degree which cost me about $10,000. I usually work 3 12's a week, and have plenty of time to do what I like. I can afford to take time off nursing to do less lucrative work, or to vollunteer. IF I wanted to work 60 hrs a week, I could. I would earn $85-100,000. This is based on my per diem pay of $30 an hour. $30 X 60 hrs X 48 weeks + $86,400 (I included 2 wks vacation, and 2 wks personal) I based the above on doing no overtime, and working at two facilities, no overtime. It's a good job. I help people and they appreciate it. I am well compensated. I have plenty of free time. The job is as challenging as I make it- Unlimited opportunities for learning. I get to wear scrubs every day. Good luck in your decision making. I so frequently hear the respect issue come up, that I had to respond. If you are respected and valued in other areas of your life, and you are a good nurse, you will be respected and valued as a nurse. 9309