Altra BSN, RN

Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU

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All Content by Altra

  1. Altra

    Transcribing Weird Doctor Orders?

    Altra replied to RhetoricalQuestion's topic in General Nursing

    I agree it's not worded well, but its intent is pretty apparent to me. And while I'm not looking for the OP to disclose further details about this patient or med regimen ... it appears clear to me...
  2. Altra

    difficult ETOH pt

    Altra replied to shearernurse's topic in Emergency

    It's hard, I know. Talk with your coworkers - responsibility for care of him should absolutely be rotated, or if your ED is that small - tag team, so that no one person bears the brunt of his drama...
  3. Altra

    Pts doing illegal stuff while in hospital

    Altra replied to Emergent's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    Clearly, you work in my
  4. Altra

    Specialize in Pediatric AND Adult emergency care?

    Altra replied to Juniper248's topic in Emergency

    I have worked (and continue to work) in academic medical centers - Level I trauma - where we see everyone, womb to
  5. Altra

    That certain odor on some patients and their visitors

    Altra replied to Emergent's topic in Emergency

    This is something that I remind ER staff that I orient -- the heyday of the 60s drug culture was now almost 50 years ago, so you will at least occasionally run across folks who continue to dabble in...
  6. Altra

    That certain odor on some patients and their visitors

    Altra replied to Emergent's topic in Emergency

    Currently burning or very recently smoked pot has a sharp-ish smell but it seems to mellow with "age" ... the sweatshirt worn when smoking dope 5 days ago will have a more cloying
  7. Altra

    Ordering DME in the ED

    Altra replied to moffist's topic in Case Management

    ED providers are the last people who should be involved in ordering long-term DME or, for goodness sake, placement, for patients they just met 2 hours ago. Once in a blue moon all the elements can...
  8. Altra

    when patients are prescribed marijuana

    Altra replied to brownbook's topic in Patient Medications

    GrnTea, in this thread there has not been discussion on the merits of prescribing cannabis ... just on the legalities and logistics of possible use by hospital
  9. Altra

    Charge nurses

    Altra replied to turnforthenurse's topic in General Nursing

    There is a small group of us who more or less
  10. Altra

    New to practice nurse out of school for a year & a half & was offered ED position.

    Altra replied to murphyk12's topic in Emergency

    That six-month orientation will serve you well. Remember too -- no one -- NO ONE -- is a "great" ED nurse for a couple of years. Good luck to
  11. Altra

    Ordering DME in the ED

    Altra replied to moffist's topic in Case Management

    No such thing? That would surely be news, as every facility in my multi-hospital system has a medical short-stay or observation unit. However, now that you explain that the patient's pain is...
  12. Altra

    Ordering DME in the ED

    Altra replied to moffist's topic in Case Management

    I know you're just trying to do what's best for the patient, but that does not sound like a good use of ED resources. A patient with new onset limitations to mobility can probably get a 23-hr. obs...
  13. Altra

    Guns and Wepons

    Altra replied to exit96's topic in Emergency

    Security present at all times + metal
  14. Altra

    Burned Bridges

    Altra replied to brown eyed girl's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    I am always saddened to see someone well into adulthood who has not been taught/not learned basic interpersonal skills, including -- I may feel however I like about others, but I may NOT always open...
  15. Altra

    How many people recognize this abbreviation?

    Altra replied to psu_213's topic in General Nursing

    IMO it's a well-known abbreviation in the ER world: bright red blood per rectum. By the time the patient has been admitted the chief complaint of BRBPR has been turned into a diagnosis of LGIB -...
  16. Altra

    Questionable practices at new hospital

    Altra replied to travelingirl's topic in Emergency

    I can only assume that you knew what the rate of pay was, including the lack of differentials, when you accepted the job, and that you found it acceptable because you ... well ... accepted. Laws...
  17. Altra

    student nurse precepting in ED...advice?

    Altra replied to RunnerRN2015's topic in Emergency

    Nope - I mean lunch. Away from the unit.
  18. Altra

    Would you give a formal 2wk notice when quitting a PRN job

    Altra replied to Nola009's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    Yes, give the required notice -- refer to your employee handbook or HR policies/procedures to see how many weeks are required. Failure to do so will likely mean a negative notation in your employee...
  19. Altra

    student nurse precepting in ED...advice?

    Altra replied to RunnerRN2015's topic in Emergency

    I eat lunch 9.5 days out of 10. True story.
  20. Altra

    student nurse precepting in ED...advice?

    Altra replied to RunnerRN2015's topic in Emergency

    * Be a sponge. Every single clinician in every single discipline that you encounter will teach you something. * Observe/listen ... and withhold judgement. Ask your preceptor if you can carve out...
  21. Altra

    ANGRY

    Altra replied to tarheel15nurse's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    Amen
  22. Altra

    Allergy/Anaphylaxis treatment and Shivering

    Altra replied to 1fastRN's topic in Emergency

    It was the
  23. Altra

    Medics in the ER

    Altra replied to dittmant's topic in Emergency

    I believe what the OP is referring to is that her husband's EMS service has been, until now, a subsidiary of/service of/directly owned by the local hospital ... but the hospital is now spinning it off...
  24. Altra

    ER TECH

    Altra replied to brs_2010's topic in Pre-Nursing Students

    You'll need to do a little research and find out the requirements of your local emergency departments. Some only hire certified EMTs. I've worked in two in which there are no "techs", only...
  25. Altra

    Why am I staying so late after shift ends while others leave on time?

    Altra replied to RescueNinja2013's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    You've gotten some good suggestions as a starting point. And it is only natural that speed/efficiency comes with time & practice. I would be a little surprised if you have gotten no feedback on...