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In that past, I have posted something in the Illinois forum about the ARDS Foundation annual walk at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, this year on August 13, 2005 beginning at 7:30 AM. I wanted to post the info to other states where it would be feasible that, if someone wanted to attend, they would see the post. Since we are so close to many areas in Michigan, driving distance, I wanted to extend that invitation to any nurses from the area who might like to attend as our guests. This year we have also added a mini-conference that will be held also on August 13, 2005, from 4-8 PM at the Deerfield Hyatt. Speaker information is available on our website. The Press Release is copied below. ARDS Foundation http://www.ardsusa.org "March for Miracles" 2005 The ARDS Foundation is hosting a benefit to raise funds for education, research and public awareness of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at the Chicago Botanic Gardens on August 13, 2005. Also on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is offering their first ARDS mini-conference at the Deerfield Hyatt beginning at 4 p.m. Speakers will address medical issues of importance to those in the ARDS Community. (PRWEB) July 7, 2005 -- On Sat., August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation will host its 3rd annual "March for Miracles" benefit at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL. Events will include a walk/run, along with entertainment and breakfast. Proceeds from the event will be used to promote public awareness, for education and for medical research into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Over the past three years, this event has raised more than $40,000. Registration for this year's march will begin at 7:30 a.m. http://ardsusa.org/marchformiracles2005.htm Cost for the event is $15.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a family. Also, beginning at 4 p.m. on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is hosting their first ARDS Mini-Conference. Speakers include G. R. Scott Budinger, M.D., Michael Moore, M.D., and H. Steven Sadowsky, PT, RRT, MS, CCS, all from Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Also speaking will be ARDS Survivor, Pastor Jack Yonts, who will address issues of prayer, grief and spirituality in relation to ARDS. http://ardsusa.org/mini-conference.htm ARDS is a life-threatening condition that leads to a dangerous loss in the functioning of the lungs. Although there are more than 60 distressed conditions that can bring on ARDS, the most common are pneumonia, sepsis (an overwhelming infection in the body), aspiration of fumes, food or stomach contents into the lung, and trauma. These conditions cause the body to manufacture substances that may cause inflammation in the lungs. Once inflamed, the alveoli (air sacs) are then unable to perform the normal oxygenation of the blood. There are approximately 150,000 reported cases of ARDS per year. Yet because ARDS is often linked with other distressed conditions, it is believed that the actual number of cases per year is significantly higher. ARDS is particularly complicated because no patient enters the hospital with ARDS as their admitting diagnosis. However, almost anyone who is admitted to a hospital is at risk to develop ARDS. More than 75,000 Americans will die this year from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Ten years ago, ARDS suddenly changed the life of then 33-year-old attorney, Eileen Rubin Zacharias. "After I spent four weeks in a coma and eight weeks on a ventilator, I committed myself to increasing awareness about this devastating syndrome," said Zacharias, ARDS Foundation President. "Over the past five years, we have been working passionately to find ways to raise money that will lead to increased medical knowledge that can be used to fight ARDS. But it is essential to educate the ARDS Community as well, and with this mini-conference, we will be able to bring experts to educate." Paula Blonski, who lost her sister, Marybeth, a nurse, at the age of thirty-six, said, "ARDS seriously lacks public awareness, and as a result, ARDS research is severely under funded," said Blonski, Vice President of the ARDS Foundation. "While the ARDS Foundation has been able to offer their first grant in partnership with the American Thoracic Society, we are dedicated to doing more. " Paula emphasizes, "We can only begin to make a difference by expanding education, awareness and governance initiatives that will empower individuals to promote early diagnoses and successful treatment of ARDS." To learn more about ARDS and the ARDS Foundation, please visit http://www.ardsusa.org or call 1.312.749.7047.

In that past, I have posted something in the Illinois forum about the ARDS Foundation annual walk at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, this year on August 13, 2005 beginning at 7:30 AM. I wanted to post the info to other states where it would be feasible that, if someone wanted to attend, they would see the post. Since we are so close to many areas in Indiana, driving distance, I wanted to extend that invitation to any nurses from the area who might like to attend as our guests. This year we have also added a mini-conference that will be held also on August 13, 2005, from 4-8 PM at the Deerfield Hyatt. Speaker information is available on our website. The Press Release is copied below. ARDS Foundation http://www.ardsusa.org "March for Miracles" 2005 The ARDS Foundation is hosting a benefit to raise funds for education, research and public awareness of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at the Chicago Botanic Gardens on August 13, 2005. Also on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is offering their first ARDS mini-conference at the Deerfield Hyatt beginning at 4 p.m. Speakers will address medical issues of importance to those in the ARDS Community. (PRWEB) July 7, 2005 -- On Sat., August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation will host its 3rd annual "March for Miracles" benefit at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL. Events will include a walk/run, along with entertainment and breakfast. Proceeds from the event will be used to promote public awareness, for education and for medical research into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Over the past three years, this event has raised more than $40,000. Registration for this year's march will begin at 7:30 a.m. http://ardsusa.org/marchformiracles2005.htm Cost for the event is $15.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a family. Also, beginning at 4 p.m. on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is hosting their first ARDS Mini-Conference. Speakers include G. R. Scott Budinger, M.D., Michael Moore, M.D., and H. Steven Sadowsky, PT, RRT, MS, CCS, all from Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Also speaking will be ARDS Survivor, Pastor Jack Yonts, who will address issues of prayer, grief and spirituality in relation to ARDS. http://ardsusa.org/mini-conference.htm ARDS is a life-threatening condition that leads to a dangerous loss in the functioning of the lungs. Although there are more than 60 distressed conditions that can bring on ARDS, the most common are pneumonia, sepsis (an overwhelming infection in the body), aspiration of fumes, food or stomach contents into the lung, and trauma. These conditions cause the body to manufacture substances that may cause inflammation in the lungs. Once inflamed, the alveoli (air sacs) are then unable to perform the normal oxygenation of the blood. There are approximately 150,000 reported cases of ARDS per year. Yet because ARDS is often linked with other distressed conditions, it is believed that the actual number of cases per year is significantly higher. ARDS is particularly complicated because no patient enters the hospital with ARDS as their admitting diagnosis. However, almost anyone who is admitted to a hospital is at risk to develop ARDS. More than 75,000 Americans will die this year from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Ten years ago, ARDS suddenly changed the life of then 33-year-old attorney, Eileen Rubin Zacharias. "After I spent four weeks in a coma and eight weeks on a ventilator, I committed myself to increasing awareness about this devastating syndrome," said Zacharias, ARDS Foundation President. "Over the past five years, we have been working passionately to find ways to raise money that will lead to increased medical knowledge that can be used to fight ARDS. But it is essential to educate the ARDS Community as well, and with this mini-conference, we will be able to bring experts to educate." Paula Blonski, who lost her sister, Marybeth, a nurse, at the age of thirty-six, said, "ARDS seriously lacks public awareness, and as a result, ARDS research is severely under funded," said Blonski, Vice President of the ARDS Foundation. "While the ARDS Foundation has been able to offer their first grant in partnership with the American Thoracic Society, we are dedicated to doing more. " Paula emphasizes, "We can only begin to make a difference by expanding education, awareness and governance initiatives that will empower individuals to promote early diagnoses and successful treatment of ARDS." To learn more about ARDS and the ARDS Foundation, please visit http://www.ardsusa.org or call 1.312.749.7047.

In that past, I have posted something in the Illinois forum about the ARDS Foundation annual walk at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, this year on August 13, 2005 beginning at 7:30 AM. I wanted to post the info to other states where it would be feasible that, if someone wanted to attend, they would see the post. Since the Botanic Gardens is so close to many areas in Wisconsin, I wanted to extend that invitation to any nurses from the area who might like to attend as our guests. This year we have also added a mini-conference that will be held also on August 13, 2005, from 4-8 PM at the Deerfield Hyatt. Speaker information is available on our website. The Press Release is copied below. ARDS Foundation http://www.ardsusa.org "March for Miracles" 2005 The ARDS Foundation is hosting a benefit to raise funds for education, research and public awareness of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at the Chicago Botanic Gardens on August 13, 2005. Also on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is offering their first ARDS mini-conference at the Deerfield Hyatt beginning at 4 p.m. Speakers will address medical issues of importance to those in the ARDS Community. (PRWEB) July 7, 2005 -- On Sat., August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation will host its 3rd annual "March for Miracles" benefit at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL. Events will include a walk/run, along with entertainment and breakfast. Proceeds from the event will be used to promote public awareness, for education and for medical research into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Over the past three years, this event has raised more than $40,000. Registration for this year's march will begin at 7:30 a.m. http://ardsusa.org/marchformiracles2005.htm Cost for the event is $15.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a family. Also, beginning at 4 p.m. on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is hosting their first ARDS Mini-Conference. Speakers include G. R. Scott Budinger, M.D., Michael Moore, M.D., and H. Steven Sadowsky, PT, RRT, MS, CCS, all from Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Also speaking will be ARDS Survivor, Pastor Jack Yonts, who will address issues of prayer, grief and spirituality in relation to ARDS. http://ardsusa.org/mini-conference.htm ARDS is a life-threatening condition that leads to a dangerous loss in the functioning of the lungs. Although there are more than 60 distressed conditions that can bring on ARDS, the most common are pneumonia, sepsis (an overwhelming infection in the body), aspiration of fumes, food or stomach contents into the lung, and trauma. These conditions cause the body to manufacture substances that may cause inflammation in the lungs. Once inflamed, the alveoli (air sacs) are then unable to perform the normal oxygenation of the blood. There are approximately 150,000 reported cases of ARDS per year. Yet because ARDS is often linked with other distressed conditions, it is believed that the actual number of cases per year is significantly higher. ARDS is particularly complicated because no patient enters the hospital with ARDS as their admitting diagnosis. However, almost anyone who is admitted to a hospital is at risk to develop ARDS. More than 75,000 Americans will die this year from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Ten years ago, ARDS suddenly changed the life of then 33-year-old attorney, Eileen Rubin Zacharias. "After I spent four weeks in a coma and eight weeks on a ventilator, I committed myself to increasing awareness about this devastating syndrome," said Zacharias, ARDS Foundation President. "Over the past five years, we have been working passionately to find ways to raise money that will lead to increased medical knowledge that can be used to fight ARDS. But it is essential to educate the ARDS Community as well, and with this mini-conference, we will be able to bring experts to educate." Paula Blonski, who lost her sister, Marybeth, a nurse, at the age of thirty-six, said, "ARDS seriously lacks public awareness, and as a result, ARDS research is severely under funded," said Blonski, Vice President of the ARDS Foundation. "While the ARDS Foundation has been able to offer their first grant in partnership with the American Thoracic Society, we are dedicated to doing more. " Paula emphasizes, "We can only begin to make a difference by expanding education, awareness and governance initiatives that will empower individuals to promote early diagnoses and successful treatment of ARDS." To learn more about ARDS and the ARDS Foundation, please visit http://www.ardsusa.org or call 1.312.749.7047.

Each year, I post something about the ARDS Foundation annual walk at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, August 13, 2005 beginning at 7:30 AM. I wanted to post the info again, invite any nurses who might like to attend as our guests. This year we have also added a mini-conference that will be held also on August 13, 2005, from 4-8 PM at the Deerfield Hyatt. Speaker information is available on our website. The Press Release is copied below. ARDS Foundation http://www.ardsusa.org "March for Miracles" 2005 The ARDS Foundation is hosting a benefit to raise funds for education, research and public awareness of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at the Chicago Botanic Gardens on August 13, 2005. Also on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is offering their first ARDS mini-conference at the Deerfield Hyatt beginning at 4 p.m. Speakers will address medical issues of importance to those in the ARDS Community. (PRWEB) July 7, 2005 -- On Sat., August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation will host its 3rd annual "March for Miracles" benefit at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL. Events will include a walk/run, along with entertainment and breakfast. Proceeds from the event will be used to promote public awareness, for education and for medical research into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Over the past three years, this event has raised more than $40,000. Registration for this year's march will begin at 7:30 a.m. http://ardsusa.org/marchformiracles2005.htm Cost for the event is $15.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a family. Also, beginning at 4 p.m. on August 13, 2005, the ARDS Foundation is hosting their first ARDS Mini-Conference. Speakers include G. R. Scott Budinger, M.D., Michael Moore, M.D., and H. Steven Sadowsky, PT, RRT, MS, CCS, all from Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Also speaking will be ARDS Survivor, Pastor Jack Yonts, who will address issues of prayer, grief and spirituality in relation to ARDS. http://ardsusa.org/mini-conference.htm ARDS is a life-threatening condition that leads to a dangerous loss in the functioning of the lungs. Although there are more than 60 distressed conditions that can bring on ARDS, the most common are pneumonia, sepsis (an overwhelming infection in the body), aspiration of fumes, food or stomach contents into the lung, and trauma. These conditions cause the body to manufacture substances that may cause inflammation in the lungs. Once inflamed, the alveoli (air sacs) are then unable to perform the normal oxygenation of the blood. There are approximately 150,000 reported cases of ARDS per year. Yet because ARDS is often linked with other distressed conditions, it is believed that the actual number of cases per year is significantly higher. ARDS is particularly complicated because no patient enters the hospital with ARDS as their admitting diagnosis. However, almost anyone who is admitted to a hospital is at risk to develop ARDS. More than 75,000 Americans will die this year from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Ten years ago, ARDS suddenly changed the life of then 33-year-old attorney, Eileen Rubin Zacharias. "After I spent four weeks in a coma and eight weeks on a ventilator, I committed myself to increasing awareness about this devastating syndrome," said Zacharias, ARDS Foundation President. "Over the past five years, we have been working passionately to find ways to raise money that will lead to increased medical knowledge that can be used to fight ARDS. But it is essential to educate the ARDS Community as well, and with this mini-conference, we will be able to bring experts to educate." Paula Blonski, who lost her sister, Marybeth, a nurse, at the age of thirty-six, said, "ARDS seriously lacks public awareness, and as a result, ARDS research is severely under funded," said Blonski, Vice President of the ARDS Foundation. "While the ARDS Foundation has been able to offer their first grant in partnership with the American Thoracic Society, we are dedicated to doing more. " Paula emphasizes, "We can only begin to make a difference by expanding education, awareness and governance initiatives that will empower individuals to promote early diagnoses and successful treatment of ARDS." To learn more about ARDS and the ARDS Foundation, please visit http://www.ardsusa.org or call 1.312.749.7047.

Thank you for the good wishes! My hemoglobin is holding steady at 11.6. The differential is normal. I will get there. I should have stated that the note was quite explicit. It mentioned Neutropenic, mask, gloves, and also stated that anyone who had cold, flu, flu shot (in the last month, I believe) I think a couple other things, could not enter. I only looked at the sign to see if it was so innocuous so as to be easily ignored. A few of my friends who work at this hospital were not thrilled to hear this.

I understand different schools of thought. That was not my beef. My concern was that obviously my docs felt that these precautions were necessary, and in so doing, they posted a huge sign on my door. The fact that for whatever reason they thought this was necessary, having this sign on my door did not matter (it was not read by at least two staff), nor did bringing this to the attention of at least one nurse seem to matter. There was no ambiguity in the sign posted and the directions on it. I have nothing but adoration for nurses, who were instrumental in saving my life ten years ago. But in this day and age where there is more research about these issues and my own doctors felt this was the way to proceed for me, this is what I have an issue with.

Curious what you think... Last week I was hospitalized because my HGB was 5.5 (I felt like crap for the last six months, and pretty close to crap for a year) After repeat bood work, they said the neutrophils were 6. (in fact, almost everything was either high or low) They brought in masks for everyone visiting and put a sign on door telling everyone that gloves and masks were required and the reason why. They said that they might not be able to do the colonoscopy and endoscopy that was to be the next day if these levels persisted. The GI docs did not want to risk it. About an hour later, a nurse comes in to draw blood; no mask though, so my father said something. She said, "no, I only have to wear a mask if I have a cold and I don't." She continued the blood draw. (she wore gloves) My parents went to the station to say something, and the resident and another nurse also said that it was only if there person was ill. When they protested, the resident than said, "Oh, she must have..." No less than twenty minutes later, a woman storms in and says, "Another patient is coming..." and begins to fix the other bed. So I said, "Is that patient going to wear a mask...I have a restriction." Oh, and then she looked at the sign that apparently no one bothers to read. It turns out the the one test was apparently a lab error, but the thing is that it troubles me is that no one bothers to read the sign or if they do, they don't care. When I was hospitalized last week, it was exactly ten years since my ARDS hospitalization. And in general, my immune system is pretty shot since ARDS (I have a low IgG and IgA) and in the last many years, I read many, many articles about hospital acquired infections. I myself had pseudonomas back then in my trach. I should say that while these two did not read or ignored the signs, everyone else who was in the room during this time followed the rules. And the hosptal room had two signs posted to families stressing the importance of hand washing to decrease the possibility of infection to patients. Just curious what those of you in the profession think. Thanks for your thoughts, Eileen

Paula Blonski's sister, Marybeth Monaghen, was a dedicated nurse, who did not work in an ICU and knew little about ARDS. In 1988, when she had to have an ovary removed, she looked at it as though it was minor surgery. But her wound would not heal... Three weeks later, she was back in the hospital, and Marybeth's eight week battle, that included a diagnosis of Leukemia that was never detected in presurgical tests. Paula said that Marybeth's oncologist said, "I can beat the cancer but I don't know if we can beat the ARDS..." They could not, and in August, 1988, three months after Marybeth originally went to the hospital to have her ovary removed, and eight weeks of fighting ARDS, she died at the age of thirty-six. Here is the entire story with photo: http://ardsusa.org/ARDSSurvivorStories.htm#marybeth Paula, a younger sister of Marybeth's, had thought long and hard about what to do to make a difference... Paula and I found one another because we both felt this need to help others and effect change, which is what we have done since creating our national not for profit organization in late 2000. Paula and I are both grateful to nurses, as well as PTs, OTs, RTs for their hard work and dedication. We have heard from many who feel they too would like to fight this battle against ARDS. And that is why, as any time we have an event, we try to find you to extend an invite to you and your family, as our guests... Here is the info and if you would like to join us, there will be food, drinks, face painting for the kids, all of that sort of thing, but most importantly, there will be those from the ARDS community to share their triumph and, unfortunately, some despair, but to make a difference in our fight. The ARDS Foundation is hosting it's second "March for Miracles" Benefit at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. We feel that it is of the utmost importance to include anyone and everyone who is affected by ARDS at such events, patients and families as well as the medical professionals who have been profoundly touched as well. For more information, please click on this link: http://ardsusa.org/marchformiracles2004.htm We hope to see you there. Below is a copy of our Press Release related to this event. Eileen And Paula FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Eileen Rubin Zacharias 312.749.7047 or [email protected] ARDS Foundation http://www.ardsusa.org “March for Miracles” NORTHBROOK, IL/ July 12, 2004 — On Saturday, August 14, 2004, the ARDS Foundation will host its second annual “March for Miracles” benefit at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL. Events will include a walk/run, along with entertainment and food in the garden’s picnic area. Proceeds from the event will be used to promote public awareness and raise funds for medical research for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Foundation events over the past three years have raised more than $30,000. Registration for this year’s march will begin at 7:30 a.m. ARDS is a life threatening condition that leads to a dangerous loss in the functioning of the lungs. Although there are over 60 distressed conditions that can bring on ARDS, the most common are pneumonia, sepsis (an overwhelming infection in the body), aspiration of fumes, food or stomach contents into the lung, and trauma. These conditions cause the body to manufacture substances that may cause inflammation in the lungs. Once inflamed, the alveoli (air sacs) are then unable to perform the normal oxygenation of the blood. There are approximately 150,000 reported cases of ARDS per year. Yet because ARDS is often linked with other distressed conditions, it is believed that the actual number of cases per year is significantly higher. ARDS is particularly complicated because no patient enters the hospital with ARDS as their admitting diagnosis. However, almost anyone who is admitted to a hospital is at risk to develop ARDS. Over 75,000 Americans will die this year from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Over nine years ago, ARDS suddenly changed the life of 33-year old attorney, Eileen Rubin Zacharias. “After I spent four weeks in a coma and eight weeks on a ventilator, I committed myself to increasing awareness about this devastating syndrome,” said Eileen Zacharias, ARDS Foundation President. “Over the past five years, we have been working passionately to find ways to raise money that will lead to increased medical knowledge that can be used to fight ARDS.” Paula Blonski, who lost her sister, Marybeth, a nurse, at the age of thirty-six, said, “ARDS seriously lacks public awareness, and as a result, ARDS research is severely underfunded,” said Blonski, Vice President of the ARDS Foundation. “We can only begin to make a difference by expanding education, awareness and governance initiatives that will empower individuals to promote early diagnoses and successful treatment of ARDS.” To learn more about ARDS and the ARDS Foundation, please visit http://www.ardsusa.org or call 1.312.749.7047.

illinois nurses invited (and northern wisc. nurses, too) and in fact, anyone who might be in the area who would want to attend... the ards foundation is hosting it's second "march for miracles" benefit at the chicago botanic gardens. we would like to invite anyone from your department who has a keen interest in fighting ards and supporting the ards community (nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and their families) as our guests, to this event. we feel that it is of the utmost importance to include anyone and everyone who is affected by ards at such events, patients and families as well as the medical professionals who have been profoundly touched as well. for more information, please click on this link: http://ardsusa.org/marchformiracles2004.htm we hope to see you there. below is a copy of our press release related to this event. eileen and paula for immediate release contact: eileen rubin zacharias 312.749.7047 or [email protected] ards foundation http://www.ardsusa.org “march for miracles” northbrook, il/ july 12, 2004 — on saturday, august 14, 2004, the ards foundation will host its second annual “march for miracles” benefit at the chicago botanic garden, 1000 lake cook road, glencoe, il. events will include a walk/run, along with entertainment and food in the garden’s picnic area. proceeds from the event will be used to promote public awareness and raise funds for medical research for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ards). foundation events over the past three years have raised more than $30,000. registration for this year’s march will begin at 7:30 a.m. ards is a life threatening condition that leads to a dangerous loss in the functioning of the lungs. although there are over 60 distressed conditions that can bring on ards, the most common are pneumonia, sepsis (an overwhelming infection in the body), aspiration of fumes, food or stomach contents into the lung, and trauma. these conditions cause the body to manufacture substances that may cause inflammation in the lungs. once inflamed, the alveoli (air sacs) are then unable to perform the normal oxygenation of the blood. there are approximately 150,000 reported cases of ards per year. yet because ards is often linked with other distressed conditions, it is believed that the actual number of cases per year is significantly higher. ards is particularly complicated because no patient enters the hospital with ards as their admitting diagnosis. however, almost anyone who is admitted to a hospital is at risk to develop ards. over 75,000 americans will die this year from acute respiratory distress syndrome. over nine years ago, ards suddenly changed the life of 33-year old attorney, eileen rubin zacharias. “after i spent four weeks in a coma and eight weeks on a ventilator, i committed myself to increasing awareness about this devastating syndrome,” said eileen zacharias, ards foundation president. “over the past five years, we have been working passionately to find ways to raise money that will lead to increased medical knowledge that can be used to fight ards.” paula blonski, who lost her sister, marybeth, a nurse, at the age of thirty-six, said, “ards seriously lacks public awareness, and as a result, ards research is severely underfunded,” said blonski, vice president of the ards foundation. “we can only begin to make a difference by expanding education, awareness and governance initiatives that will empower individuals to promote early diagnoses and successful treatment of ards.” to learn more about ards and the ards foundation, please visit http://www.ardsusa.org or call 1.312.749.7047.

I don't know what state you live in but like what was previously said, you can look it up online... for instance, in IL, if you look up the IDPR, and then look up RN, you find options to look from: http://www.ildpr.com/WHO/nurs.asp Then the relevant sections to give you the info, when you search will tell you: Sec. 5‑23. Criminal background check. After the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 91st General Assembly, the Department shall require an applicant for initial licensure under this Act to submit to a criminal background check by the Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the qualification for licensure. If an applicant's criminal background check indicates criminal conviction, the applicant must further submit to a fingerprint‑based criminal background check. The applicant's name, sex, race, date of birth, and social security number shall be forwarded to the Illinois State Police to be searched against the Illinois criminal history records database in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. The Illinois State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the search, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the cost of the inquiry. If a search of the Illinois criminal history records database indicates that the applicant has a conviction record, a fingerprint based criminal history records check shall be required. Each applicant requiring a fingerprint based search shall submit his or her fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints shall be checked against the fingerprint records now and hereafter filed in the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history records databases. The Illinois State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the criminal history records check, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the records check. The Illinois State Police shall furnish, pursuant to positive identification, records of Illinois convictions to the Department. The Department shall adopt rules to implement this Section. (Source: P.A. 92‑744, eff. 7‑25‑02; 93‑418, eff. 1‑1‑04.) and then you have to seach again to find out what they will allow: © The Department may refuse to issue to an applicant a temporary permit authorized under this Section if, within 14 working days following its receipt of an application for a temporary permit, the Department determines that: (1) the applicant has been convicted within the last 5 years of any crime under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor directly related to the practice of the profession; (2) within the last 5 years the applicant had a license or permit related to the practice of nursing revoked, suspended, or placed on probation by another jurisdiction if at least one of the grounds for revoking, suspending, or placing on probation is the same or substantially equivalent to grounds in Illinois; or (3) it is determined by the Department that it intends to deny restoration of the license. For purposes of this Section, an "unencumbered license" means any license against which no disciplinary action has been taken or is pending and for which all fees and charges are paid and current. (d) The Department may revoke a temporary permit issued under this Section if: (1) it determines that the applicant has been convicted within the last 5 years of any crime under the law of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor directly related to the practice of the profession; (2) within the last 5 years the applicant had a license or permit related to the practice of nursing revoked, suspended, or placed on probation by another jurisdiction, if at least one of the grounds for revoking, suspending, or placing on probation is the same or substantially equivalent to grounds in Illinois; or (3) it is determined by the Department that it intends to deny restoration of the license. A temporary permit or renewed temporary permit shall expire (i) upon issuance of an Illinois license or (ii) upon notification that the Department intends to deny restoration of licensure. A temporary permit shall expire 6 months from the date of issuance. Further renewal may be granted by the Department, in hardship cases, that shall automatically expire upon issuance of the Illinois license or upon notification that the Department intends to deny licensure, whichever occurs first. No extensions shall be granted beyond the 6 months period unless approved by the Director. Notification by the Department under this Section shall be by certified or registered mail. (Source: P.A. 90‑61, eff. 12‑30‑97; 90‑742, eff. 8‑13‑98.) If it is something minor, and you have graduated, get an attorney who specializes in dealing with your state's department of professional regulations, and perhaps they will make an exception or offer you some sort of probation license, but I would not give up immediately after putting in all of that work.

I am not a nurse, but I am a big time migraine sufferer. Have had them for over twenty years and have tried every preventative known to neurologists... I stopped for a while, but have been on Topomax 100 mg, for a while, and am not sure if it really works, but I knew the minute I took it, I could feel it in my body. I have worked twelve hour shifts before, too, three days on, three days off, switching from a month of night to a month of days, and that made them worse. That was about twelve years ago. Still, my sleep is horendous, I never sleep through the night, so this makes the headaches worse. Now I take the Imitrex nasal sprays, and and now Zomig makes one that comes in a nasal spray, so I just added that. I have the Imitrex pills, my last resort, and even though I have the injections, but never use them; they are probaby too old anyway. Some people find the taste of the sprays distasteful, but I feel it is a minor issue compared to the convenience to be able to quickly spay the medication and get on with my day.

Maybe you could just print out that article... and leave it there for them to see, instead of getting into it with them. (unless it has already become an issue) It was written for doctors, and this doctor/lawyer... :stone can obviously comprehend the liability; maybe you have another friend in town and instead of recommending doctor names, you can recommend the lawyer name! :rotfl: (just a warped attorney joke!) Too bad, in every profession, there are good and bad, ethical and unethical, just like there are kind patients and really horrific ones. Sometimes once we take on someone, we can get stuck. When I have a bad client, I have to ask a judge for permission to withdrawal for the case, even if I have not been paid a dime. It is up to the judge's discretion whether of not to let me out. It's not like you get a choice... Best of luck to you.

I am an attorney, but this is not my area of law; that being said, this did not sound proper or ethical to me as presented. I do know that a doctor can refuse to take on a patient, if for instant they might believe the patient was manipulative or drug seeking. If this patient is a current patient, there are certain guidelines, and I found a link which sets forth the many circumstances and reasons, some regarding ability to pay, some regarding how difficult the patient is, etc... http://www.physiciansnews.com/law/202.html The article goes into a lot of detail but I believe that the last two paragraphs summarize it best and I would not want to be the attorney for that practice, if they are going about it in this manner: "In summary, the physician/patient relationship, which is similar to any contractual relationship, creates certain obligations. Assuming that a physician/patient relationship exists, a physician has a duty to treat and may not just say "no" to care of a patient without exposure to liability for abandonment of the patient and possible malpractice. A physician’s withdrawal from the relationship should not be attempted or accomplished during a time when the patient is in need of medical attention. In every other instance, prior to withdrawal from or termination of the relationship, the physician should explain to the patient the reason why the physician is unable to attend to the patient’s needs and assist in the patient’s transfer to a competent substitute. Written documentation of the physician’s notification to the patient and of the referral sources or providers recommended to the patient will demonstrate that the physician has satisfied the conditions for proper withdrawal. Just as the physician must exercise reasonable care and skill in treating the patient, the physician must exercise reasonable care and skill in discontinuing the physician/patient relationship."

Thanks for all of the info... I guess I secretly wanted to know if you guys, nurses, would go... knowing what you know about this virus, given that you were planning a trip out of town! I just did not know enough about it. Someone to made my decision for me! :uhoh21: I will be so mad if she has the night and then does not show up for the second night at my other sister-in-law's cuz the kids are too ill! :angryfire Thanks again, Eileen

I don't know that they will have the evening if they are outwardly sick, but I don't know how long this can be passed... it will be four days from now. Her kids are two, four (the one who got out of the hospital last evening) and seven. My kids are five and seven. I would have thought her older ones would have been immune. When the four year old was in the hospital, they said it is often passed via object, toys, that sort of thing. But I do not know how long that would last. There will also be my other brother's kids: seven, and then older, fifteen and sixteen. And I believe some friends of theirs who have kids, probably younger, in the age range of three or four to seven. It is the first night of Passover. I keep telling my mom to take back the evening... (I do not think she would come to my house under the same circumstances... but you know families and these sorts of tensions... )

Wondering you opinion if you were in this situation... I am going out of town with my daughters on Thursday My niece was hospitalized for a day and a half for dehydration related to rotavirus. Her brother also is getting over it. And the baby (well, she is already over two) had it as well. The kids seem old to have it now, but maybe they got it from the youngest) My question... I am supposed to go to my brother and sister-in-law's house on Monday night... Would you? (I would not care if I were not leaving town and did not have to contend with potentially sick kids out of state... also, family members will be mad if I choose not to go! ) Thought I would get a professional opinion! Thanks, Eileen

We have so many women on our site who have gotten ARDS in such similar circumstances; I receive so many phone calls or posts on our message board from husbands, parents and most of the stories that are posted on our site are the ones with favorable outcomes, but I know when I never hear from the husbands/parents after supporting them, that their wife/daughter did not survive. I know that the nurses/physicians involved in such cases, it is incredible difficult and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I always tell families that it is almost as difficult on the medical professionals in these situations as it is for the families... I have often wondered why so many pregnant woman are getting ARDS, but there are so many other ARDS studies that need to be done that this would certainly not be high on anyone's list. Thank you for caring so much. Eileen

Thanks; Dee, who did much of the work on the quilt, is an ARDS survivor herself. She is a college professor for a small college in Saginaw, Michigan (think of the Simon and Garfunkle tune) and after she had ARDS, she went home on oxygen for about a year. Then she had tracheal stenosis and had a tracheal resectioning. All of this after only a couple of weeks on the vent, and only about three weeks in the hospital. I say only, because that is in contrast to my eight weeks on the vent and nine weeks in the hospital which just makes me realize how lucky I am to have so few post ARDS issues. Here is an article that was published about Dee: http://ardsusa.com/livinghealth.htm Anyway, I would be interested to see what others think of the project, having the x-rays there for people to be able to visualize how quickly this all happens. Thanks, Eileen

I hope that this was a good place to post this; I know that nurses who are in the MICU, CCU, and SICU would be familiar with this but from what I hear from some nurses, who are ARDS survivors, they say that they had never heard of ARDS before, or if they did, they really did not have a comprehensive understanding of the syndrome. I thought that this might be something some of you would be interested in. We have just finished our poster for this May's ATS conference and our webmaster has poster it on the website. On it, we have displayed three X-rays, "Radiographic Findings in ARDS" which demonstrate the rapidity of ARDS. I am hoping that it will be helpful to lay people, to those who do not encounter ARDS on a regular basis, to families who have difficulties in understanding how quickly their loved ones go from having whatever their precipitating cause may be, to being critically ill, as well as the media who cannot comprehend ARDS at all. http://ardsusa.org/images/ARDSPoster04.pdf This is a pdf file and depending upon your computer, it may take a couple of minutes to load. Once you open it, you can enlarge it to see the x-rays clearly by increasing the percentage in the bottom left. We also just finished this year's ARDS Quilt, with a tribute to nurses! :) (top row, to the left, red heart, it says, "Nurses are Angels") If you care to look, this is a jpg file. http://ardsusa.org/images/quilt04lg.jpg Eileen

sorry, obviously, it is March 9, 2004! :imbar Two kids who want dinner and I am trying to do too much at once... been there before???

undefined Hey, all you Chicago area nurses! I am not a nurse, but an ARDS survivor who lives in Chicago, was at Lutheran General for nine weeks, and now am President of the ARDS Foundation. We are having a fundraiser on March 9th, 2003, and we know that it is often because of the dedication of nurses like all of you that we survive ARDS... if you are someone who is in an ICU setting, on a respiratory floor, have some sort of connection to ARDS patients and would like to attend our benefit as our guests, please contact us to find out more. More information can be found here: http://www.ardsusa.org/unitedinhope2004.htm And I won't even hold it against all you who have not found your way to the White Sox... Eileen

http://ardsusa.com/rehab_hospital_links.htm Here is a comphehensive, albeit incomplete, list. This link has the hospitals and many have web addresses. If any know of others, feel free to let me know.

I just saw a segment on one of the AM shows; they profiled a doctor, married to a doctor, who had an elective C-section. They said that it was convenient for their lifestyle. Others complained about the issue of incontinence as their reason for getting a planned C-section. I have had two kids; my first was 36 plus hours of labor which almost resulted in a C-section but did not. My second, I was induced! Wow, I think that was the way to go. If someone has a choice, go with that! I have been cut up lots of times, for lots of things, and I would opt to not have that planned C-section. That is what all those drugs are for anyway. :chuckle

Thanks; if you know of any useful links, I can always use info on sepsis, prone positioning, weaning, hospital psychosis, the usual ARDS topics, and anything in plain english, links or anyone who has written and published something and can get permission to release the article elsewhere, we love information, both on the website and the online newsletter. After I finish this, I will have to tackle something else with a vengence! Must be why I beat the ARDS :chuckle Eileen

Thank you! We have created, with all of the help we received here, help we gained from others off of our site who actually had family sent to LTAC facilities, a list... If anyone is interested, we have our first temporary list at this link: http://www.ardsil.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=000049 And we will update and create a second list, and make it permanent on the website, some with web addresses, and also a list of resources at the bottom, articles and other links as well, so if you have patients or families who need to decide among a number of LTAC facilities, perhaps this will be of help to them as well. Thanks, Eileen :)