rokidog

It does help, thank you for the info. I am trying to read different articles in case I decide to try another shift. It really is rewarding in a way... And the people, patients and families seem so much more at peace that they have already made the hard decisions. I just would like to be as educated as I can be for the next time. ( it just goes to show how different specialities can be!!) Tammy

I work agency usually in PCU/med-surg ( previous ICU experience as well) Last night I was asked to care for an at home hospice patient and I agreed, although I have never done it before. I have always like the ideals of hospice nursing , allowing people to die at home in comfort and dignity. The patient was just starting "continuous nursing"- so at rare moments he was somewhat cognizant and orientedx2, . He wasn't quite close to dying ( at least not on my shift) but my discomfort comes from --- did I do enough to keep him comfortable? I hope so , but coming from a hospital perspective where I want to keep people pain free, but not entirely "snowed" (unless they are ventilated, of course, different idea) I am not so sure. I did give ativan and morphine as ordered, and he would alternate between sleeping/snoring for awhile then become slightly wakeful with moaning and shifting around a bit. I felt kind of bad because the oncoming nurse had a lot of experience and immediately said he looked very uncomfortable. He was in the wakeful stage, moaning a bit and shifting a little. She showed me a "comfort box" which had suppositories of haldol/ ativan / ? and I helped her insert one before I left. How do I know the patient is comfortable enough without me assisting in his death by over medicating so he stops breathing? Any resources I can find for guidelines? Lawsuits from being overmedicated? Does it vary from family to family or does nearly every family want to see their loved one absolutely still, unresponsive and "peaceful" looking ? :redbeatheThanks for any help and my future patients/families thank you as well... Tammy

A few years ago I was working with someone who was doing it-- she loved it and was doing very well. Unfortunately, I lost touch with her and at the time, I didn't quite get it. I wasn't understanding what exactly she was telling me. She was kind of vague, I think, because Admin didn't really want her to talk about it much. A local CPA I have contacted has told me one of his clients does this and is very successful. I am hoping she will contact me and "talk." There are groups and books which people can join or buy -- but I am trying to go it without having to buy it . We'll see, I may cave... My biggest problem right now is trying to figure out possible "contract issues" and I haven't had much feedback on the other area. ( yes, an organization or book would help with these issues!! :)) Good luck, if I hear anything from the CPA client I'll let you know... Tammy

Look in the entrepreneur section of "specialty", if you haven't done so already. There is tons of info over there about IC. I am also thinking of doing it. Tammy

I also would never work in place of striking nurses. I think we should all stick together- nurses who stay united would improve all of our profession. Tammy

Thanks for the idea. What a cool link- they have a bunch of info to look at ... but I am not sure of they will have the things I am looking for. The studies which I am thinking of seems to be more of a nurse researching issue. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics will keep me busy for a while!! They have lots of links as well! Thanks Tammy http://www.desprings.com

I am looking for studies, facts and figures regarding the perceived nursing shortage. Specifically, I would like to see: How many RNs are registered/active ? How many are working age? retired/not retired? How many new nurses quit bedside nursing within a couple of years of graduating? (and why) How many nurses would return to hospitals and bedside nursing if the hospitals addressed/fixed many of the issues which come up on nurse dissatisfaction polls? How many RN have returned to nursing after a hiatus, but have returned to facilities which are unionized or magnet facilities (where nurses may have more autonomy and self governance?) Overall, I am looking for studies which have examined if there are nurses "out there" who are not working bedside and why they are not working bedside. Is there anyone who is doing such studies or better, have conducted such studies? Either state or national figures would be helpful... -- Thats not asking for too much is it???? Thanks! Tammy http://www.desprings.com

I had thought about the Blackberry or I-phone, but aren't they are limited to areas which have wireless internet access? Or can they access the internet anywhere they have celphone coverage? The biggest problem with them, aside from price, is that they are limited to particular cell phone service. I wish they would people buy phones they like and use with any service!!! I like that I can use a PDA independently, with loaded software.(sigh) I guess that is my answer. Thanks for the response!!

Ok, all you nurse tech geeks... I have an old PDA Palm500, which I love to death for using as a drug guide. I keep it in my pocket and whip it out for doctors and patients. They are quite impressed ( not!!) But my trusty ol'partner is getting a little sluggish. I have had to delete everything else just to have enough memory for the drug guide. Plus, the battery is becoming grumpy. Sometimes it charges, sometimes not. I figure it's needing to become a DNR soon. I have looked at other PDAs, but it seems they are "old tech"-(Are PDAs old tech,??? I like PalmOS )- what is the next level above "old tech"?. I cannot afford the latest, greatest tech-i-est thing available, but I would like something which will last at least 4 years ( arbitrary #) and something which is widely available. Any ideas?

I figured out my available dates and their a bit more limited than I thought... July 20- Aug 16. My children are involved in other local camps until then. Still, it's 2-3 weeks maybe I can find something. Personality- wise, I am very flexible and fairly easy going, take direct well or in the absence of leadership can direct. Thanks for your thoughts! Tammy

I am really excited by idea of being a camp nurse. I love outdoors, children and new places. It's a different type of nursing for me, but I adjust quickly and am willing to learn. It feels right, I just wish I had thought of it sooner... I am wondering if I should put it off until next year because I have never done this before... I am getting the impression that some prep work is done prior to getting to the camp. Correct? Getting campers med records, making schedules for med taking, etc. I am researching as fast as I can but I don't want to walk into a medical situation unprepared. I would be fine if another camp-experienced RN is already there, but am a little worried about "going it alone". Any ideas?? Here is what I have done/will do : *After reading several websites I am making a list of questions to ask prospective camps... *I plan on joining the ACN and buying the book. *I am getting ready to start calling or emailing some camps to see if they have a RN opening. * more research!! Thank You Tammy

Thanks for the responses! I don't know why I didn't think of licensing first... it's something else I'll have to research. It may be kind of late in the season to hope for this year, but I'll take a look anyway. Ideally, I would like to find something on the east coast for 2-3-4 weeks, to try it out. Living in Florida, I am not sure I would want to spend time in a summer camp for any length of time.:wink2:.. perhaps if it were an ocean camp with snorkeling... but it gets really hot and humid in the summers. Thank you Tammy

I have thought about trying camp nursing for a long time... Right now I am seriously thinking about it. My children are getting older and this may be the time to go for it. I have read several posts on how to get started- join different camp nurse associations, contact for jobs, what may be expected, etc. I was just about to respond to an ad when I realized.... Licensing!... I guess I should be licensed in the state where the camp is located -- correct? Aprox. how long is the turn around to get license? I am currently licensed in Florida and have adult critical care exp. , should I look for any First Aid certifications? What about PALs? I will be looking for a noncompetitive coed camp in almost any state Thanks! Tammy