Underbedmonster

Thanks to everyone who posted. This stuff is priceless. I'm a Dec '05 grad who's had a very rough time of it so far. I'm looking for a new job, but also combing the allnurses boards to help figure out what exactly went wrong, and what to do about it next time. This is by far the most encouraging and informative thread. Again, thanks to all the vets who took the time to share. Blessings.

From what I've been told, taping decreases friction on the bladder and urethra, which can lead to irritation and UTI's. Makes sense. I've used silk tape in the chevron pattern (works well unless the patient's diaphoretic) and the statlock devices (their cloth-backed ones are MUCH better than the foam-backed). Patients seem to have less bladder spasms/urethral irritation when the cath is secured. I do secure to the thigh with males, but leave plenty of slack to allow for changes in position.

You did a great job of tapping into the mind/body connection. That connection has a remarkable influence on pain perception and healing. You lowered the children's stress levels and pain perception. Working through the psyche, the band-aid DID work.

I'd just like to say that it is a great privilege to be a member of such a supportive community. The nurses (including the OP) who have posted here show empathy, grace, and wisdom. For those who are ready to move on: thank you, thank you, thank you for the years you've put in. Even though management can suck you dry, they can never remove the fact that you've affected countless lives. Peace be with you.

I just got a horrible case of the giggles when thinking about the dog staying with the kids. "Well, we have this really well-trained St. Bernard--he even drags them to the bus stop every morning!" :roll

Nurse Ratched, thanks for a beautiful analogy! As an almost-grad (17th, baby!), I'm constantly on the lookout for pt. education tips. The nurses on this board have taught me a ton on a variety of subjects. Happy holidays :)

That could easily be part of it. The stress makes it difficult to think straight. I've since calmed down a bit, which makes the turning bright red a little less frequent. I do find, however, that even in non-clinical situations, it's difficult to remember a lot of info that I know we've covered before. If you have any review ideas (besides going into hibernation somewhere in Alaska with an NCLEX review :chuckle ) I'd love to hear 'em. And ways to calm down during clinical--thanks for your very tactful reply! (I am a head case, though :rotfl: )

Thanks! I'll look for it. I'm getting better at the relaxing part, but it's still hard sometimes. :stone

I've been trying to find efficient ways to review, because I have a really embarrassing problem: I got (by the skin of my teeth) the highest grade in my class for Pharmacology & Pathophysiology 2 years ago, but now that I'm graduating in December, I seem to have forgotten most of it. We've had a summer and a semester doing OB & Psych, so I can see how some of the memorization left me, but I turn bright red when my instructor asks me pharm/path questions that I know I used to know, but can't quite remember now. And there are a lot of these moments. I'm up to my neck in assignments right now, so I'm looking for ways to bone up without abandoning the current semester. I've been so stressed about this that I've been told that at clinicals I look scared out of my wits! Does anyone have any efficient study techniques for drug & patho review? I've been using NCLEX review cards next to the toilet, but drugs & diseases are only part of the cards. Perhaps some good websites with summaries I can post on the wall? Or cards that I don't know about? Thank you one million times!

This is a great thread! I graduate in December, and am thinking seriously about going into the E.D. instead of Med-Surg, but have been very worried that I won't be quick enough. I loved the ONE day we had for the E.D. in clinicals, but it wasn't horribly busy. I really enjoyed the day I spent with the ambulance crew, as well. This thread has been very encouraging, since I hear "do a couple years on the floor first" all the time. I think I would burn out very quickly on Med-Surg. Repeatedly trying to move large people with no assistance (amazing how the hall clears out) is not agreeing with my back during clinicals. Thank you to all the encouragers out there, and best of luck to the OP!

I'm a senior nursing student, and these examples are great for helping me get organized. It's true that you get your own routine, but it's much faster to get a personal routine if there are good examples to take parts from. Thanks, everyone, for sharing. It's priceless information for us newbies.

KaroSnowQueen, your post was a great help for me. I'm in the first half of my senior year as a nursing student, and we're increasing our patient loads. I'm trying very hard to get organized, since my instructor is adept at removing one's rear before you ever realize she's there. I've been scouring the web for nurses' routines, and you're the first one I've found who actually listed what you do! Most just say, "you'll get your own routine with time." Tell that to my missing rear, heheh. Thanks again!

As a student, I have similar worries about whether or not "reality" will gobble me up and spit me out. Though it's certainly true that school can't teach about every scenario, something that helps me feel more in control and less worried is asking in lecture and clinicals about scenarios I happen to think of (Obviously this won't help those who have already graduated). Additionally, I'll ask how things are "really" done, and what's the best practice when in the actual situation. I still worry, though. I just hope I can find a mentor--there have been plenty of horror stories on this board to keep me up at night. Good luck, hmccartn! Find that mentor!