Always_Learning BSN, RN

Always_Learning has 3 years experience as a BSN, RN.

Always_Learning's Latest Activity

1. 

   Feeling Drawn to Palliative and EOL Care

   Always_Learning replied to JimmyDurham9's topic in Hospice

   If you work in labor and delivery, you might also consider getting some additional training on perinatal loss. There is some great information out there on grief, loss, and palliative care specific to many different areas (critical care, L&D, onc...
2. 

   Best tips for blood draw on elderly

   Always_Learning replied to Kitty Hawk's topic in Hospice

   I prefer to use a butterfly for all of my draws...your mileage may vary. My best tip for drawing blood from an elderly patient is to maintain traction on the skin. Typically, an older individual will have less subcutaneous fat, so it takes a little m...
3. 

   conscious pt terminal wean

   Always_Learning replied to taylynnfree's topic in MICU

   I wanted to add a few thoughts to the discussion... First, "terminal weans" and/or hospice care are NOT euthanasia. The line is difficult for those outside the field to see, but for starters, you can research the "principle of double effect." We give...
4. 

   Hospice and Kidney dialysis?

   Always_Learning replied to Blackcat99's topic in Hospice

   I can't tell you how often it occurs, but yes, I have had patients on dialysis when the renal issue is not the primary Hospice diagnosis.
5. 

   How to not feel embarrassed or dumb when you dont know a skill?

   Always_Learning replied to HeatherGurl84's topic in New Nurse

   There is no shame in saying you haven't done something before. In fact, asking questions is essential to being a safe nurse. However, when dealing with patients, I like to say, "let me find out for you" or "let me check on that so I can get you more ...
6. 

   Life, Death, and the Nurse In Between

   Always_Learning replied to MaggieMae412's topic in General Students

   Nicely written. Although I have worked in ICU and Hospice - both of which involve life and death - there are some things you don't get over. I am calm and collected with families during their time of mourning. But...there is this sound. It's a guttur...
7. 

   Hoping I didn't ruin my shot

   Always_Learning replied to beeker's topic in General Nursing

   Honestly, it happens more than you think...particularly if you are working in a hospital for the first time or working in a new area. There are all sorts of bugs floating around that you're not used to. When I started working in the ED many years ago...
8. 

   A Nursing Perspective of "Being Eaten":The "Eater" Nurse to the "Eaten" Nurse

   Always_Learning replied to The_Optimist's topic in General Nursing

   This made me LOL.
9. 

   A Nursing Perspective of "Being Eaten":The "Eater" Nurse to the "Eaten" Nurse

   Always_Learning replied to The_Optimist's topic in General Nursing

   A Limerick for the (Delicious) Know-It-All New Nurse So you think your preceptor a hack, for harping on skills that you lack. When your patient is dyin' Please don't come a-cryin' When you don't know V. fib from V. tach. (uhhh...should we shock 'em?...
10. 

    Words of wisdom/advice for new hospice nurse?

    Always_Learning replied to mama2's topic in Hospice

    Some of the best advice given to me was, "In Hospice, the 'patient' is anyone you encounter behind that door." You have to get out of the mindset of caring for just the patient, because in Hospice, the patient's family and loved ones need just as muc...
11. 

    4580 starting Fall, first 5 weeks....

    Always_Learning replied to momofseven's topic in Ohio University

    I'm in. This is my last one, thank God.
12. 

    Cruel Summer

    Always_Learning replied to VivaLasViejas's topic in Professionalism

    How hard all of this must be. Thinking of you and praying for your family.
13. 

    What do you do when Work calls on your day off?

    Always_Learning replied to Joe V's topic in Rock

    "Ksssh.....kssssh.....uh.....bad reception here.....can't hear....you."
14. 

    Help! I don't "get" vents!!!

    Always_Learning replied to Penelope_Pitstop's topic in MICU

    Go here...index and click on "Vents and ABGs." This site was always my best friend; in fact, I purchased it in book form. It's easy to read and even humorous. :)
15. 

    "I don't want an admit..."

    Always_Learning replied to MessyMomma's topic in Relations

    I don't think I ever squawked too much about getting an admission; somebody's gotta do it. Some admits are easy, some are complex. I help others when I can; they help me when they can. Some charge nurses are helpful, some less so. Such is life.