ChicagolandRN

I think WNL is more of an ideal range. It obviously depends on a patient's baseline. For example, I had two patients today with BP's of 80/50. One got a STAT bolus of fluid and got transferred to another unit, and I didn't even call the doc for the other one (he was within his normal limits!)

Dave, I know you're very passionate about pain mgmt. What resources would you suggest for me? I'm an onc RN and I plan to eventually go into hospice. I like to be knowledgable enough to offer my 2 cents about what my pts are getting. Thanks!

The answer is YES!! :wink2:

The boy who gave me my first "real" kiss used to tell me this joke ALL THE TIME! Wow...thanks for the memories. Wonder where he is now!

Mine says that I live near Chicago Of course, even if I move, I'll always be a Chi-Town gal! "My kind of town...Chicago!"

Oh man...my ineptitude has ended a patient's life! I'll stick to oncology, thank you very much!!

I took Kaplan last May. I think they offered a lot of good pointers, plus the review book was very concise and easy to use. I think, more than anything, that taking Kaplan gave me confidence...although I did start crying at the testing center when the computer shut off at 75 questions. I thought for sure I failed...but I passed!! Best of luck to you!

Whatever you do, make sure to include Madeline Leininger in your paper!

That makes sense...I appreciate your help! :)

Hi all! I'm an oncology nurse who's interested in becoming HT certified. Many of our pastoral care members do it and it works MAGIC for cancer pain. Anyway. My hospital does offer classes, but they're about once in a blue moon, so it would take a very long time to get certified. Anyone know of a faster way? Thanks a bunch!

My orientation was eight weeks long. Three on 1st shift and five on 2nd shift, which is the shift I work now. I started by following my preceptor and "helping" for about three days. Then I took about two pt's and "helped with the rest. By the third week I had the full load (6pts) with my preceptor "helping" me. When I went to 2nd shift, the process started over, but I had the whole team much sooner. I was also given the option of a ninth week. I can't remember if I took it. Probably not, but I should have (name one other time in a nurse's career when he or she has another nurse there for the sole purpose of helping that nurse?!)

I love my career, my hospital, MOST of my co-workers, and my patients. Of course, like everyone else, I get frustrated at times. I like to go to this BB at those times. I personally would encourage anyone who understands what nursing is and still wants to be a part of it to join us. In fact, I talk to high school students about the realities of nursing. Being honest allows students to see that this is a challenging and rewarding career. I have had a few tell me that they are considering nursing after hearing me speak, and I've had others tell me that they are no longer interested once they hear about some of the problems (and what it takes to try and rectify these problems). I think helping people make an INFORMED decision about becoming a nurse is the best way to help our profession gain comitted individuals.

Hi everyone. I live in IL, and we don't use nurse levels (or whatever you call them). What differentiates a nurse level I from a level II etc...? Thanks a bunch. Have a great day!!

I've just been browsing the BB, and I've noticed how supportive, comforting, and energetic Jnette always is. Not that she's the only one, but she always makes me smile. Just wanted to say thanks, Jnette! :kiss Who's with me?!

WOW! I'm sooo not an ER nurse...I thought the post was going to be about a new dating show!! :imbar :chuckle

I would just call the doc and ask what he/she wants me to do. From my experience it depends on a lot of things, like what kind of IVF is the pt getting? How long will the be NPO? Any TPN? ETC...

HMM...compelling ideas, but I'm not too sure it would work. Judging from all the overtime I and my fellow nurses do, and from almost every report I've seen, there is ALREADY a limited supply of nurses. Pay has gotten slightly better, but I don't think we're being taken too seriously. You mentioned accountants, physicians and pharmacists. I wonder is maybe the fact that these have always been male-oriented occupations contributes to the results you've mentioned. I don't know, but what I do know is that I'd take better ratios over better pay any day!!!

Wow...how did I post twice? Sorry!

I'm confused...Did you say that Low Ferrigno is a DC? Also, you went to chiropractic school so you wouldn't have to pay a chiropractor's bill...am I understanding this correctly?

I'm confused...Did you say that Low Ferrigno is a DC? Also, you went to chiropractic school so you wouldn't have to pay a chiropractor's bill...am I understanding this correctly?

Thanks for your input, everyone. You got me over the hump of a rough day. The good news is that I've recovered enough since I was diagnosed to handle things at work, and I'm a fine nurse, I must say!! I'm just going through a difficult time with my DF (dear fiance) and lose it once in a while. Thanks for the support. Again, I love you all. :kiss :kiss :kiss :kiss :kiss :kiss

I need some help. I have been battling depression since October 2002. I was doing pretty well until September 2003 when my uncle commited suicide. Things were really scary for me at that point...I was contemplating suicide hundreds of times a day. I'm much better now, thanks to Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Ativan, my medlight, and psychotherapy. The problem is I still catastrophize sometimes and, although I have learned ways to cope with the spiraling, it's still terrifying when it happens. I know I'm not going to commit suicide, but will these thoughts ever leave me? Has anyone ever dealt with this? I really need some support and encouragement. Thanks everyone. I love you all!:kiss

I can understand the frustration, but wasn't there a house doc? How about one of the consults?

I think A LOT of people have misconceptions about the profession, but I think it's impossible to "lay it all down" anywhere. Nurses need to continue to define and clairify exaclty what we do in order to get the respect and understanding we deserve. That being said, JMHO...I think there are plenty of places that use LPNs (and pay them well). Making rash generalizations about LPNs only serves to further confuse and mislead those who don't know a whole lot about the nursing profession (including those who have already decided to enter nursing). In case you're wondering, I'm an RN, BSN too.

I saw a few people mention the death rattle in another thread and that got me thinking...are scopalamine patches used a lot in hospice? I know we use them a lot in "wet" near death patients on my onc unit.