sparkyRN

Latest Activity

1. Has anyone attended the University of Wyoming?

   sparkyRN replied to DutchgirlRN's topic in General Nursing

   I am finishing my second semester in the UWYO MSN nurse educator option. I can't speak to the undergrad experience since I got by BSN the traditional way from the Univ. of TN many, many moons ago. But...

2. Any ideas for MSN/Education online programs?

   sparkyRN replied to dansmom6's topic in Post Graduate Students

   I just finished my first class online with UWyo. I'm in the MSN Nurse Educator option which is all online. It is definitely grad level classes which means a lot of reading and analysis on your own...

3. What are your nurse:pt ratios?

   sparkyRN replied to NICU_Nurse's topic in NICU, Neonatal

   There's ideal and then there's reality. Ours is a level 3 referral, 80 bed unit-usually 20 ICU, 40-50 level 2/special care babies. We often carry 3:1 and even occas. 4:1 in ICU, and 5-7:1 in level 2....

4. HELP - need vent advice

   sparkyRN replied to 33-weeker's topic in NICU, Neonatal

   The March of Dimes has some great resource material that may be what you need.

5. A Celebration for Gompers

   sparkyRN replied to Jolie's topic in NICU, Neonatal

   Best of luck to you and your

6. Pregnant and terrified NICU nurse here...

   sparkyRN replied to Gompers's topic in NICU, Neonatal

   So late in sending you my congratulations...my apologies. Glad to hear the 2nd trimester is looking up! I hope you'll be able to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Well, I don't think any of us really...

7. Palm PDA or Pocket PC

   sparkyRN replied to rncarolyn's topic in NICU, Neonatal

   I'd suggest you save your money right now. It's just one more thing to keep up with. Nearly all the info you will need will be on your unit. It may take a little more time to look drugs and lab...

8. Question...

   sparkyRN replied to trishka's topic in NICU, Neonatal

   You might want to consider the pediatric route. Most children's hospitals, in addition to having a NICU also have a Special Care Unit that is designed for babies past the NICU stage...usually under 1...

9. NICU Vanderbilt...

   sparkyRN replied to Diana Lynn's topic in NICU, Neonatal

   Have you toured Carrell Children's Hospital at Vandy? I drove up for a one day nursing seminar and the best part of the day was touring the NICU. It was totally state-of-the-art and much different...

10. What type of patient

    sparkyRN replied to Tiny1Nisolet's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    I like most anything ICUish. My favorite is the term PPHN with all the gizmos--NO, oscillator, drips, multiple lines. (Can do without the chest tubes, though.) They are such a great challenge and...

11. Staying alive in the NICU

    sparkyRN replied to kitty29's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Our situation is a lot like Gompers. I don't mind doing my time in step-down--sometimes the change of pace is nice, and you have to give the newbies some ICU experience so they can work on their...

12. jewelry in the NICU

    sparkyRN replied to minniemiteRN's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We are allowed bands, but no watches. I try not to wear the band either because I find all the handwashing to be so irritating and it becomes increasingly so with jewelry on....probably due to the...

13. Pneumograms

    sparkyRN replied to fergus51's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Tell me what it is...maybe we are doing them, but calling them something

14. Starting PICC lines, getting discouraged

    sparkyRN replied to sparkyRN's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Thanks for the encouragement and Happy New Year!

15. Need Advice For Transfer To Nicu

    sparkyRN replied to livtek's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    I agree with Gompers. Besides the learning curve, the chances are better than good that you will be spending a lot of hours on your feet. There's alot of moving to be done in a NICU not to mention...