meadow85

At the top of my head: monitor vital signs (HR, BP, RR, 02), monitor for dysrhythmias, head to toe assessment to monitor for adequate perfusion and/or congestion (JVP, lung fields, heart sounds), fluid & electrolyte balance (ABGs) ... It depends on what type of cardiomyopathy as well. I've only had experience w/ CHF. I liked this link: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4468

I have met/know of many people who are now going into/went into nursing because they were unable to find jobs with their degree. Some schools in Canada offer a 2 year program for those who already have a previous degree. I heard it is very competitive - 900 applicants for 50 positions?! Some crazy number .. its insane! Its kinda frustrating sometimes how people think they are too good for nursing and somehow its their back-up plan. They think its so easy to become a nurse. I don't know about you, but nursing is HARD. Not everyone can do it. Getting through nursing school was only half the battle. But to each his own ....

Honestly I was in my final year of high school and decided to apply to nursing school after my best friend did. Boring, right? But I tell ya it was one of the best things I ever did :) I know its pretty cheesy, but I truly think it is a calling. I love my job (along with all the craziness it brings) and can't imagine doing anything else! I think you should just be honest. You wont be the only one with a "boring" reason. I wouldn't hold it against you, not everyone has a defining moment that drew them to nursing.

I'm with you. Pain is subjective. If the patient says he/she is pain then you have to assume he/she is in pain. If you felt they were drug-seeking then I would bring it up with the physician.

Well I don't see the harm of patients knowing my full name. But I also don't see the harm of having just my first name on my badge either. You should have a choice.

Educate the patient and maybe have another nurse try or use another catheter. I had a pt that required a special catheter w/ a curved tip and it was harder (Teman Catheter ?sp). Our NP was able to put it in for me. But then again if he/she was refusing and not c/o any distention, pain or urge to void then you could encourage them to void by turning on the tap or reassess later?

I try to prioritize at the beginning of my shift, delegate tasks and accept help where I can get it (i.e. family members, volunteers). I like to get all my work done and then chart at the end of the day which often means I go home late, but charting is SO important. Or if its a particularly slow day I will chart as things come up. Computer charting that is. Now with paper charting you have to find the time to sit and chart as things are happening unless there is an emergency then you can always go back and make a late entry.

You should really check your policy manual. At my workplace we check for residuals q4h. If it is less than 250 cc then you return it. If it is greater than 250 cc you return the 250 cc and discard the rest, turn off the feeds and re-assess in an hour.

I've worked in a community hospital and a teaching hospital in the city and have found a difference. I learned a lot while working in the community ... my mentor has noticed my growth as well. I'm a better nurse for it. You learn to work w/what you have and it really develops your skills. Although it can be frustrating at times when you feel lack of support, resources, morale we are all working towards a common goal. These patients are a lot sicker and need us more. In saying that, I did miss the opportunities that the city offered though so I am thinking of going back.

Meeting so many wonderful people and being a part of their lives even for a brief moment. And then thinking of them every so often and talking to colleagues like ... "remember Mr. so and so". :)

I'm not pregnant, but I was told that I should expect to get sick more often during the first few years I start working in the ICU. It's hard to say really ... I'm sure there have been many people who have had successful pregnancies while working in the ICU, but to be on the safe side I would take a LOA.

Cleaning up loose or melena stool and then having that lingering smell ... ugh!

I did my consolidation at this hospital and was used to signing my name as "Jane Doe, SN" (for student nurse). I remember after I passe my boards I was signing off a chart and at the very end I excitedly wrote the letters RN after my name. It was an awesome moment :)

The salary was one of many reasons why I went into nursing. I love my career, but I would not do it for minimum wage.

Although I love my job. I find it emotionally, physically & mentally draining sometimes. There are too many demands and/or expectations when your just one person. I feel like I am a jack of all trades sometimes. We should be given the resources (enough staff) to do our best for our patients and not become burnt out. And we need to be shown more respect and appreciation for the work we do.