Jill - Pa

Hi. I graduated with my ADN and instead of heading straight to the trenches, decided to attend school for my BSN. The RN to BSN program I attended was 30 credits; I went full time and completed it in a year. Was it worth it? Yes and no. Financially and time-wise, no it was not worth it. I can honestly say that I did not learn one new thing going for the BSN. Every single thing I learned was just a repeat of what I had learned in the ADN program. I don't even think my writing skills improved with the hundred zillion papers I had to write. The degree for the BSN portion alone cost me $10,000. The shift differential I received with the added BSN degree was $.30/hr. However, I am now in graduate school, and I needed the BSN to get here. Jill (Pa)

A girl I worked with had them. She "demonstrated" their fluid resistancy by pouring a glass of water on her thigh....the water just rolled off. I can say that the material didn't feel very comfortable when I touched it. Made me think of dark blue Dickies work uniforms. Jill (Pa)

Hey. I was never one who developed UTIs until I became a nurse...long hours without enough bathroom breaks, maybe? I've had five UTIs in the past year and now my MD is recommending that I see a urologist. Has anyone out there gone this route? What can I expect? Thanks in advance, Jill

My husband likes "Designer Whey Protein Supplement." It is made by next Proteins. Jill (Pa)

I take melatonin to get me through my nightshifts and my switch back to normal life. I take 6mg (2 3mg tablets) a half hour before bedtime. My sleep is always natural-feeling and I wake up refreshed. Benadryl/Tylenol PM makes me have weird dreams, makes me thirsty, and I wake up feeling groggy. Jill (Pa)

Look into melatonin. You can purchase it over the counter. http://www.sleepfoundation.org/publications/melatoninthefact.cfm I swear by it to sleep when night shifts have thrown my body out of whack. Jill (Pa)

I also occasionally get itchy bumps that occur between my knuckles. I get three or four insanely itchy bumps every few months. My dermatologist diagnosed "Dyshidrotic Eczema" and says it is related to frequent washing of hands with harsh, hospital soaps. Here is a picture of very bad cases: http://www.dermnetnz.org/index.html More info: http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic110.htm Threatment for me is prescription steriod cream at the first sign of itchiness. Jill (Pa)

Why I work 12-hour shifts: I like stretches of days on and then stretches of days off. If I schedule it right, I can have off for 6, 7, or 8 days in a row. With working days in a row, the continuity of care is at optimal levels. I feel like I'm the best nurse I can be when I've cared for a patient for half of their hospital stay. You are right about it being a balancing act. Planning is key. I plan meals ahead of time, delegate tasks around the house, study on days off...basically, one must use days off time wisely. Where I work, 12-hour people work 3 12's per week for three weeks then 4 12's that fourth week (8 hours that fourth is overtime, so the money works out). Lastly, I've had several older nurses say to me: "Do 12 hour shifts when you are young because your body can't take it when you are older." Jill (Pa)

Hi. I graduated from Pitt's RN to BSN program in 2001. I'm now in grad school there. Do you work locallly? Jill

Hi. I currently work at UPMC Shadyside. I know the school has a good reputation and the graduating students have done really well in my unit. I know there is no real "waiting list" and even a generous scholarship if you commit to working there for (I think) two years after graduating. Email me off list if you would like some names and numbers to contact for more information. Jill [email protected]

I wish surgeons would be more truthful about outcomes for surgery (I work in a cardiac ICU). Instead of words like "high risk" and "10-15% mortality." I wish they'd say, "With you being 300+ pounds, a smoker, dialysis dependent, it is unlikely this surgery will be a success. We may have difficulty getting you weaned from the ventilator, we may need to keep you sedated for a few days, you very likely could spend the next month in the hospital, etc." Us surgeons are NOT God...if you still want the surgery, we'll do it. However, medical management may be the best thing for you.

I sent the one I used when I worked on a cardiothoracic post-op floor to your private email. Let me know if you don't get it. Jill (Pa)

I currently work at UPMC Shadyside. From what I understand, Shadyside no longer uses outside agency personnel (for at least a year now). The float pool solely covers staffing holes. Jill

I know people who work per diem at Mercy. I can forward your post to them. I'm currently at UPMC Shadyside. Jill

First try: http://www.icufaqs.org/Pacemakers.doc A lot of it becomes clear when you actually get your hands on one and can play with it while it is connected to an actual person. A mneumonic I developed when trying to determine what wire goes where when in an emergency and need to connect someone's epicardial wires to a pulse generator: BLS as in Basic Life Support. The 'L'onger wire is the 'S'kin wire and goes into the 'B'lack port.