dm2

I am an RN, on Byetta since approved for use in USA. Good results with blood sugar control. Easy to use. Injecting myself was not an issueto me, but it really does not hurt: tiny little 30-31 g needle SQ. Pen is foolproof to dose At first the refrigeration issue was a hassle, but that no longer is required after pen opened. just avoid temps over 75, I believe....... I did lose 20 lbs at first with it: causes delayed gastric emptying, so I felt full fast. Also terrible nausea and tiredness for first month. That is not an uncommon side effect, transiently. Byetta stimulates your own pancreas to release insulin in response to higher blood sugar of eating. If your pancreas is too far gone, Byetta can't work. There is even some research that indicates it can help stabilize islet cells to function better. I would never give it up now, unless I could get my diabetes under control with just diet and exercise...........which help alot!!!!

hav had a "bad back" that acts up for several years , employer knows,and I still work in ED. Report it: take care of yourself! . By the way, the best thing I ever did for it was to finally see a spine doc for an evaluation. We discussed many options and as mine had several bulges not herniations , PT was recommended. It did wonders to help "realign" the bulging discs. Was tired of how drugs did not really help and left me stoned. PT and the resulting techniques they taught me have helped quieten the monster! Take care of yourself!

You'll be surprised that the vast majority of ER patients are of a much more mundane variety than the patients you see on all the TV shows. And (beleive me when i say this) if you're already caring for unstable patients in ICU, the ER will be much less intimidating than you're imagining it to be... well said!

Don't know alot of details but...... was recently told as of July 1, it was against JCAHO regulations to function in ED without ACLS current, not even for a shift. Our hospital is shuffling to get all current asap! Are you ACLS? If no, perhaps you have an easy out. I love ER and have worked it many years (probably before you blessed this world) I want to be a triage queen when I peak at my career! But I do merit great value in proper training and preceptorship guidance closely as you learn a specialty! We save lifes and that is worth preparing for! Several great classes are out ther for teaching you the tricks of the ED nurse trade. TNCC, ENPC, ACLS, ATLS...... Certainly rarely a dull moment in the ED! I came to ED from a 5 yr background iin adult ICU and ever so brief 6 months in a peds ICU. I think that was a great advantage in the criitical care aspects of ED (But alas I find it a fast paced knowledge base to keep up with these days!) I wish you luck in your position of choice and adventures thru the world of nursing, young one! Welcome! PS I have NEVER done but 2 shifts on a medical/surgical unit! Was inept when they pulled me there! Glad there are nurses for that too!!!! Such a blessedly diverse profession we are in!

108 rectal, also was an adult head bleed that joined the angels the next day.

wish i could quote a specific study, but after being a recent victim of assault in the ED setting, my review of online literature showed a majority of assaults were due to amphetamines and such drugs. Each of you has mentioned scenarios that are also very high risk for escalation to violence in ED setting. Time for us to wise up and learn to deal with it. hoorah for no tolerance and police coverage! Tasers! Cool! I'd carry one but would love to see each ED person trained in de-escalation skills, physical management of aggressive behavior, as well as self defense techniques. The wrong response from staff and every one is in jeopardy! I've seen alot of smooth tongued devils divert the anger and bring normalcy slowly out of choas. Ask your education dept to provide these learning ops. The local occifers of the law would be approachable to teach, am sure. We're just getting officers in uniform on nights & weekends, and it has decreased violence then...... but I work days and know the creepies don't just come out at night!

I know you are seeking info from your peers re this learning experience....... my reply has a different view, but please tolerate the digression...... I am an ER RN who has experience with an ortho who always does regional blocks. They are a godsend for my pt's comfort!!!! Effective and prompt relief and no doped up side effects to deal with. Stick with whatever you have to do to learn and get priveldges for these procedures! I wish more were able to do this at the bedside!!!!

Snellen chart is easy to do yes there are denominators written to one side. (as I age, I must get closer to read that number after the pt gets thru!) Our ED allows missing 1 or 2 and we test each eye individually, then together. To be done on all eye c/o, trauma or medical, to be done pre-topical analgesic gtts if at all possible. If a poor first attempt pre med, we try again after gtts I was advised somewhere in the last 22 yrs to ask person to "Cup" hand over eye without applying pressure and gave a patient a moment to "adjust" before asking them to tell you which line number being attempted and proceeding. (Can't give you a solid reference on that advice though) Did that help, I hope?

call police and press charges. get emotional support for you. it is a big deal!

as soon as you can, try to get into one of the ENA's trauma nursing core classes, and their pedi classes. It helps put alot together quick for assessment and required action. Enjoy your first year and know learning will go one every day!!! Don't be too hard on yourself and utilize your coworkers as resources for their knowledge and experience. E.D. is a great place to work!

a fantastic triage course is offerred by "Triage First " . search online. a company with good hearts, great skills and positive learning! Even as an ERer RN w/22 years and an love for triage, I came away inspired!

we were hesitant about tv's with our rebuild several years ago...... but our fears were not supported. Really aren't a problem and we do run a busy ED. It works good for us. I would like headphones and music actually for pts! am not aware of anyone coming in for tv....... for food and a roof over their heads: yes! Why does everyone who arrives expect an immediate meal and an assisted potty break....... how did they meet those needs before arriving at ED????

maybe I was slow once, but not again! LOL!!!!

enjoy your training and happy adventure!

I've worked ER 22 years and was the recipient of a fist direct to the nose last week by an amphetamine user. Sure, I've had minor slaps and threats over the years, but this one was a direct connection!!!! Ouch!!! Now I understand what "having your bell rung" means. Have had a hard time dealing with it..... rehashing what did I "do wrong" ..... little, if any support or concern from the hospital management or police who we called to subdue her. I was expected to finish my shift even though I was a mass of raw nerves! Now that was a very high risk thing to do! Especially when a visitor started cursing me at triage for not taking her son's burning member ahead of the pale vomiting blood patient. I must admit, I was more aggressive than usual to her outburst in the waiting room! Things need to change in our little community ED. We're needing the police more and more for violent pts! Then I read about that nurse getting shot in the face this week in California. For several days, I've been so very "sad" as a reaction to the assault. ? stress reaction? yeah I know that and am recovering, but the intensity of it, surprised me! just need some time....... I always said I would press charges if assaulted at work, but what is the value in pressing charges against a cranked up speeding homeless person that we only have a name on. The officer advsed me not to press charges at that time as it would dela her real need: psych care. In this area that is very true. We have no good psych intervention available for the uninsured. I am very frustated by the whole event and am having a hard time even walking in the door of the E.D. for now! Which is frustrating cuz I love my job!