glascow

Specificlly, this is the question above that I am referring to. My psych NP claims that my MI does not impact my ability to practice nursing safely because I am medicated and stable. Everytime I have been unstable I have stopped working.

I see a pychiatric nurse practitioner and she prescribes my meds. When I told her I needed something for stateboard due to my bipolar, she recommended non-disclosure. When I first applied for my license in 1992 I did not have that diagnosis so there was no reason to worry about that question. In 1999 when I was diagnosed and it came time to renew my license I freaked out. I took her advise and have not self-disclosed my illness. I have enough hassles in life without having state board breathing down my neck. I don't want to have to enter a recovery program. Whether MI or substance abuse, it's the same program. Do they even have a right to ask that question? I am a nurse practitioner and none of my collegues are aware that I have bipolar.

Loyola University in New Orleans has a ADN-MSN program.

I remember reading her posts, too. I even called and spoke to her soon after she was rescued. I have no idea how her situation turned out and don't know if there is still a link to her posts or not. Sorry.

(right before the needle goes in) "Big stick" "If you don't pee, I'm going to have to put in a catheter." (to male patients who continue to pull/tug at their foleys) "If you pull out that catheter, your member is going to fall off" "Any numbness or tingling to *insert extremity*" "I'm sorry it took so long for me to respond, threre was an emergency with another patient" "Do you have your call bell?" "This pain medicine is strong, it will work" *Said in your most convincing voice* "I need to keep track of everything you drink" "Call if you need anything"

Nitroglycerine

I have read this book. Frankl was an amazing man! There is a midlevel nurse theorist, Joyce Travelbee, who developed her theory around Frankl's beliefs and logotherapy. At first, the concept of finding meaning to your suffering didn't really make sense to me, but after reading the book and studying Travelbee's theory, I understand it a bit more.

The above poster is definitely correct in my opinion. But there is much more to it than that. Some states do not require criminal background checks, as Louisiana does, so they feel we may be getting some less than desirable nurses into our state through the compact. If you want to know more about the politics and pros and cons of the compact send me a pm and I will forward you a paper I did on this subject for a healthcare mgmt course.

I personally think the nurse licensure compact is a good idea. I also live in Louisiana. I don't think we will be joining it anytime soon. The LSNA, as well as the BON is very much against it. Senator Schindler proposed a bill during the last legislative session and it died on the floor after a "closed door" meeting with members from LSNA and the BON. I also think had we been a member of the compact during the hurricanes last year we would not have taken so much time to get nurses from other states here to help us out. Once the Governor declared our state an emergency disaster area she signed a bill allowing nurses from other states to come in without all of the required paper work from the BON. It was a mess!

Sure, your card certifies that you successfully completed the national cognitive and skills evaluations in accordance with the curriculum of the AHA for the BLS for Healthcare Providers Program." This is not the same as saying you are certified in CPR, as another poster pointed out. The card only certifies that you completed the course and passed the written and skills exam. Unfortunately, we all know people who can pass test but in reality don't really "get it." They are just good at mimicking what they have seen, and will soon forget the info. To be certified in an area of expertise, the wording would be different: i.e. AACN hereby grants certification status for the successful completion of all requirements for Certification in Adult Critical Care Nursing. I know it sounds like symantics only, but this is a topic that has been hashed out many times about wether or not a person is "certified in CPR." It is not the same thing as saying, "I am certified in Critical Care." No "certification status" is granted in CPR. The card is only certifying that you successfully completed a course in accordance with nationally recognized guidelines. Actually, the correct terminology is that one who has successfully completed a CPR course for healthcare provider (HCP)is now a Basic Life Support (BLS)provider. I know, I know, it's just words and am not usually anal about stuff like this, but I have heard this debate so many times, and now being an instructor, I want to clarify that although it is typically acceptable for someone, or an agency, to say they will certify you in CPR, or require you to be CPR certified, is incorrect.The card that you are given after you successfully complete a course only certifies you took a certain class, whether it be BLS, Heartsaver, ACLS, etc... If listing credentials on your resume, I would not put: 1992-present CPR certified The proper way to document this would be: 1992-present: BLS HCP If you have taken a CPR course, you know that AHA has changed MANY of its guidelines as well as teaching methods. AHA has very strict guidelines for instructors to follow, and I am disappointed to hear that so many feel they did not get adequate training. But the way the rules are written, instructors do have a certain amt of "wiggle room." I.E. Having the book for the course. The AHA says that all instructors must have a student handbook available for the students. It seems as though many of you have had instructors who interpret this to mean they give you a book as you walk in the door! This keeps the price down for the instructor or student but is hardly useful. I always make sure that each student has their book atleast 1-2 wks before the course and emphasize that they must come prepared, having already watched the new student CD that comes along with the book. Also, AHA does not want the instructors to "teach" the CPR course, they want the video to teach the skills, and the instructor is there to provide feedback. AHA strongly discourages the instructors from "reteaching" the material learned from the film. AHA also gives the instructor the ability to "tailor their classes to the students needs." It may take me 8 hrs to do a first time HCP course for nursing students, because all of the material is overwhelming! It may only take me 2 hrs to complete a class for a group of ICU nurses that I have worked with for yrs and participated in many codes with. AHA also has strict guidelines about instructor to student ratio to manikins. If an instructor closely follows the guidelines for conducting a BLS course, you should walk out of their class feeling somewhat confident that you atleast know what needs to be done and in what order. i.e. Call first, call fast. ABCD. OK, sorry for rambling about this, but just wanted to put my 2 cents in on the matter. If you feel you have taken a "mickey mouse" course I would find out which community training center the instructor is affiliated with and report them.

I teach CPR, and all my students walk out passing, AND knowing how to perform CPR. Sudents who don't perform the skills properly will be remediated. I just make them redo the skills through practice and check them off. If they did not PASS the written test, I will talk to each student individually and have them read the question to me or I read it to them and then I get them to verbally answer. Some people are just poor test takers and need the material presented in different ways. This is how AHA sets up thier program. Therefore, nobody walks out without learning the proper way to perform CPR. Rather than looking at CPR as a pass/fail test, it should be viewed as a learning experience. Also, no one is "ceritified" in CPR. They get a card saying they have successfully completed a CPR course according to AHA guidelines.

I have a new found appreciation for pts with chronic backpain and take offense when other nurses call them "drug seekers." I hurt my back at work and had to have back surgery and have not had a pain free day since 1996. You learn to live with it, but the flare ups can be hell!

You might find this site usefu http://www.ncsbn.org/nlc/index.asp It is about the Nurse Licensure Compact. Unfortunately, not all states have joined. I believe only 23 states have joined. You can work in any of the states that are in the compact under one license, which cuts down on the price of having to apply for a license in each of these states.

I agree with lindsey. I love my crocs! They are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn to work. I bet half of the staff where I work wears them. They're contagious! I have a pair in 4 different colors. There kind of ugly, but once you get used to of the look thier kind of cute ?

I've been working nights for 15 yrs. I can relate to every story. Funny how after so long you just accept these things as normal!

I would strongly recommend taking the job. I had that opportunity and took it. I learned so much and was more advanced in my nursing skills/charting/organization than the other new grads who did not work.

I have worked night shift for 13 yrs and am still trying to figure out what's the best way to do it! It is hard with a family, I miss out on lots of things. If I do try staying awake on my first night off, I am usually so tired and exhausted that I am like a zombie! But if I do sleep, then I am up all night. It really messes with your circadian rhythm. There is a new drug out there indicted for shiftwork sleep disorder called Provigil. I went to a conference on it and it sounded wonderful, so I got my doc to prescribe it. It gave me an awful headache (which is one of its most common side effects). I only took it a couple of times.

I definitely think they are worth it. I use mine all the time, at work (ICU) and for school (NP student). I have a Tungsten E2.

She truely is an amazing nurse! I think it is wonderful that she has shared her diary with all of us to read. I admire every one of the doctors and nurses that ended up stranded at the hospitals.

We are educating ourselves on the West Nile Virus. With the amount of water that is standing, the number of mosquito-borne illnesses could skyrocket. Also, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio damsela are the organisms commonly seen in skin infections caused by exposure/infection from contaminated sea water infections, but, don't forget about Vibrio cholerae and the AGE (acute gastroenteritis) it causes. Already seeing a few cases of Vibrio in the ICU. Very ugly!

Unfortunately, yes I have heard the truth of these stories, first hand. I was in a city where many of the refugees who had been waiting on roofs, then 1-10 for days was evacuated to. They all had a story. I am also friends with many of the nurses who worked at those hospitals, and have heard their stories. I am familiar with the disaster policies in our louisiana hospitals, not even the BEST disaster plan could have prepared anyone for this. I read that a storm of this magnitute only occurs about every 200 years. How can you prepare for the unimaginable? The damage this storm caused was worse than they had even predicted had it hit land as a category 5. To read some of the most accurate reporting visit http://www.wwltv.com it is one of the local New Orleans tv stations. Read Katrina's blog for latest news.

September 13, 2005 Update Delgado Community College Charity School of Nursing Status of CSN Programs: The faculty is currently attempting to re-establish the NAC II course. It is anticipated that the course will resume sometime in October, pending clinical affiliations and classroom availability. The anticipated date of completion may be January or February. Upon completion, you will be able to make application to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to sit for the licensure exam. Administration will meet to discuss the progress of current students and the admission of future classes. It is anticipated that the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level ADN classes will resume in Spring semester, 2006. The status of the Practical Nursing program will also be discussed and PN classes are also expected to resume in Spring semester, 2006. Student Concerns Financial Aid: The College along with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and federal authorities are working to resolve financial aid issues. If attending a new college please contact the financial aid office at that institution. They will be able to assist you in the transfer of financial aid. Self Paid Tuition: For those students who have paid tuition for the Fall semester, 2005 and are unable to attend classes, it is anticipated that those funds will be made available for the Spring semester, 2006. Transcript Requests: According to the college registrar's office the transcript information is not available at this time. We will continue to keep students updated on the status of this information. Students Enrolled in Other Nursing Programs: The provost is currently collaborating with the deans from other schools of Nursing to evaluate courses for substitution credit. Ms. Egers must also discuss this issue with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Please do not assume that the course will automatically transfer. Each Nursing course will be evaluated based on the credit hours and course descriptions. Every consideration will be made to accept these courses, but there is no automatic transfer. Students with concerns regarding transfer of credits should have the deans e-mail Ms. Joan Hodge at [email protected] with their contact information. Ms. Hodge will route this information to Ms. Egers and she will contact the deans of the Nursing schools. copied from http://204.196.142.7/913%20Charity%20Update.htm

Hi all, Just a quick update. We have located all but 2 of our classmates. Several of us have checked into different universities but it seems that all of the programs are so different, and we really can't find one that matches the semester we would have had this fall. I have decided to not even worry about it. I am so tired, emotionally and physically, I don't think I could really concentrate that much on school anyway. Every day I feel different, but for today I am thinking I don't think I even want to go back. I am feeling like I don't even want to be a nurse anymore. I want a new proffesion. I don't know what I want to do. But I don't want to have to take care of anybody anymore.

ATTN: If you are interested or know any who may be interested in providing the following help to Louisiana, please send a pm. You may have seen this information, but I have provided a new contact in case you are having trouble getting through to numbers you may have tried. I am trying to organize a group to see how many people are interested. You do not have to reside in Lousiana to volunteer. Anyone who has the following experience and can fullfill the listed requirements, please pm contact info to me. Please write Volunteer! Include the state you reside in, and contact information, including name, phone numbers, and any professional organization you may be affiliated with. You do not have to be affiliated with any organization, but if you are, please include. The following information was obtained from: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2005pres/20050903a.html Looking for people with these qualifications: Nursing Assistants/Nursing Support Technicians Chaplain/Social Worker Nursing Staff Directors Patient Transporters/Volunteers Psychologists Nurse Practitioners RNs LPNs Social Workers Mental Health Workers Please be advised that individuals must be healthy enough to function under field conditions. This may include all or some of the following: 12-hour shifts Austere conditions (possibly no showers, housing in tents) No air conditioning Long periods of standing Sleep accommodations on bedroll Military ready to eat meals These workers will be non-paid temporary Federal employees, and will therefore be eligible for coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act for liability coverage and Workman's Compensation when functioning as HHS employees. Although there will not be any salary, travel and per diem will be paid. Individuals with no healthcare background can find information on volunteering USAFreedomCorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

MedPulse® Special Edition: Katrina Aftermath http://www.medscape.com/pages/editorial/public/alertcenters/katrina This MedPulse Special Edition provides healthcare professionals with information on emerging infectious diseases, relief efforts, and possible ways of assisting these efforts through donations or volunteer activities. Credit: AP/Wide World Photos Volunteer Opportunities Check our Alert Center with regular updates on how to help. The Office of The Surgeon General and the Office of Public Health Emergency has provided a site for healthcare professionals who wish to volunteer for relief efforts. For information and an application, go to https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov/. The Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) is helping to coordinate emergency nursing efforts. Nurses with ER, ICU, or other hospital experience should contact LSNA at 1-800-457-6378, 225-201-0993 (keep trying if telephone lines are busy), or email at [email protected]. In Our Own Words: Medscape Nurses Blog Hurricane Katrina: Nurses and NPs Help Health professionals describe the difficult job of caring for evacuees with numerous health problems: "Victims are broken hearted, stressed, and fearful... We had no system for this. We had to find and orchestrate care with what resources we had. Communication was unreliable and conflicting at times." American Nurses Association Bioterrorism and Disaster Response: Hurricane Katrina Send us your dispatches and photos from the field Include your full name, email address, hometown (city and state), a caption for the photo, and your permission for photos to be published online. We are also interested in volunteering opportunities and on-the-scene reports from the perspective of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, or health professional students. Contact our editors Discussion Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts Hurricane Katrina could have serious health consequences. Discuss volunteer opportunities and how health professionals can aid in relief efforts. Articles Katrina Scatters New Orleans Med Students Communication has been difficult for students and faculty of the Tulane University medical school since floods forced them to evacuate, but they are regrouping slowly. Hurricane Katrina: Surviving the Aftermath Recommendations from the CDC and FEMA on safe drinking water, returning to a flooded home, and more. Medical Teams Head to Gulf for Katrina Aftermath Information for the General Population Articles on Katrina from WebMD Health What You Can Do to Help Katrina's Survivors Hurricane Katrina and the floods and destruction that followed have sparked concern far and wide. Learn how you can help. Updates on Katrina Information From Relief and Government Organizations From the CDC General Information from the CDC on Hurricanes From the American Red Cross Katrina Relief and Recovery Efforts From The American Red Cross From the Louisiana State Medical Society Hurricane Katrina Medical Relief Efforts