TXJDRN replied to anilechim's topic in NP Students
I disagree with your professor's comments. I am a nurse and health law attorney who represents a national healthcare system. Many, many of our hospitals staff with hospitalist nurse practitioners. In my own experience, my PCP is a nurse practitioner...
An OR tech friend of mine experienced someone finishing her half can of soda everyday after lunch in the OR break room. She finally squirted methylene blue into the can and caught the cola bandit resident blue mouthed!
Echoing what others have said here - the medication error must be reported. That you have second thoughts because you don't want anyone to get into trouble is troubling to me. In the first place, if this is the nurse's first mistake then she will be...
I agree with the other posters that starting an IV by "feel" is the best method. When I was a new nurse I was very nervous about starting IVs. Within a few months though, I got better and my confidence went up. One "trick" is to use a bedside lam...
TXJDRN replied to EmergencyChocolate's topic in HIPAA
I agree with the postings above. And when your friend needs help eating or walking to the commode, then she is no longer unresponsive and can give you permission to share her information with others (or hopefully talk to them herself).
I'd like to share a few thoughts as an attorney and a registered nurse who has practiced medical malpractice defense law. First, please understand that attorneys are extremely busy and our "gatekeepers" are doing their jobs in keeping us on schedule...
If you believe your calling is to be a lawyer, go for it. Work hard in law school to learn all you can, make good grades and find the job that is right for you. Nurses bring a unique perspective to law, especially health law and medical malpractice...
TXJDRN replied to CynicallyVexed's topic in Safety
You are doing the rights things. If the corporation is not responding appropriately, call your state's licensing agency for LTCs and your state's nursing board and pharmacy board and make reports to them asap. The DON should also be reported to the...
The answer to your questions are "no you may not access her record and yes this is breaching confidentiality." If you access your mom's (or any patient's) medical record for a reason other than treatment, payment, or hospital operations, you have vi...
My advice, based on my perspectives as an RN and former interim HR director, is to (1) keep working at the hospital; (2) do the best job possible to make a great impression; (3) let HR and nursing leadership know you are interested in a nursing posit...
TXJDRN replied to katemarie's topic in Pre-Nursing
K, Nursing is a career that can be both challenging and rewarding. Like most things in life, it is what you choose to make of it. Some days are rough and crazy, and some days you leave your shift on top of the world. If you have the heart to care ...
Ask questions and do self-study on your patient's conditions and the medications you are passing. For RNs and LVNs, the first few months is like drinking from the firehose. Hang in there, be observant and form good habits early in your career. Bes...
TXJDRN replied to sandiegojames's topic in Operating Room
As a former OR nurse and current med-malpractice defense attorney, I offer the following observations and opinions: jewelry and other valuables should be left at home. Reasons: 1. Safety. PtWRing does not realize that finger swelling can occur aft...
TXJDRN replied to dirtyhippiegirl's topic in General Nursing
I think we all went through the same thing as new nurses. I found that taking my time to select a good site is one of keys to success. Try to relax (easier said than done) and feel the sponginess of the vein. If you can see it, all the better. As...
I agree with the other respondents that if your ultimate goal is to be a scrub nurse, the most efficient route is to find a community college that offers a surgical technician course. Then, if you decide that you want to seek more education in the f...
I agree with the advice to stop replying to this physician. As an attorney, I strongly advise against sending any correspondence that he or his nurse friend can use to undermine your authority or support any legal action the nurse may be contemplati...
I agree.The ranking and reputation of the law school you attend is key. There is a saying that the ranking of your law school gets you your first job-after that it is up to you. I think this is true. Many law schools combine your LSAT score with yo...
I agree with Lindarn. If you have the ability to read a chart (or series of charts) and figure out where there may be breaches of the standard of care, then you could probably do without formal LNC training. I myself never had formal LNC training b...
I think it is great that you want to go to law school. Yes, it is challenging, but anything worth doing is challenging. As for expenses, I recommend checking out public law schools first. Compare by their bar passage rates for one factor, cost, lo...
I think $100-150 is reasonable if, as sirI says, you apply yourself, work hard, understand the medical malpractice law in your jurisdiction, and can produce a quality work product. If you can learn the elements of negligence (especially the concept ...
TXJDRN replied to redhotchilepepper's topic in Legal
For what it is worth, I think you made the right decision by leaving. I worked as a "non-trained" LNC while I was working full-time as a nurse before going to law school in 1998. As I recall, I made around $40/hr for case chronologies. I don't use...