mn nurse

One of the most intimidating things for me, when I started Nursing school, was talking to strangers about intimate subjects, and seeing them naked. The first time I had to do peri care, I thought I was going to DIE! I eventually took Nursing Assist...

I hope they have checked a UA, CBC, renal panel, and liver function tests, possibly a head CT, and reviewed his medications. Is he wearing his glasses and/or hearing aid? I know all this sounds obvious, but when my father-in-law was hospitalized, hi...

I am an AD RN. I graduated from a program with a 99% pass rate on the boards (better than any of the 4-year programs around here) and was able to hit the floor running on my first job. We spent our last quarter working 3 days per week at a large te...

I work on a 24 bed neuro unit, where we have 1:4-5 on days and evenings (depending on acuity) and 1:6-7 on nights. Our charge nurse does not have a patient load and so is available if someone needs help.

We have 1:4-5 (depending on acuity) on days and evenings and 1:6-7 on nights. Its's a 24 bed neuro unit.

Nobody can deny there has been a decline in the quality of nursing care patients receive as a result of higher patient/nurse ratios. Are we angry and frustrated? Yes. Are we overworked? Yes. Underpaid? Some days, it sure feels that way! I do feel ...

We also ask for volunteers first. If there aren't any, we mandate the LEAST senior nurse working who hasn't done any overtime in the past 2 months. If everyone working has had recent overtime, the least senior nurse who has gone the longest without...

Most hospitals and SNFs around here have Staff Development positions, which mostly involve giving or arranging classes and training seminars for the facilities' staff. They provide routinely required CEU classes, like the annual infection control req...

Kat, I'm a neuro/rehab nurse that once got stuck developing a CHF management program...Needless to say, my knowledge of CHF was pretty basic going into this project. The best resource I found to educate myself was the AHCPR Clinical Practice Guidel...

Whoever told you Rehab nursing isn't a specialty obviously wasn't a rehab nurse! Rehab is a MULTIDISCIPLINARY team approach to restoring maximal function and independence to people with loss of function due to illness or injury. It's about what the ...

Closed head injuries are my VERY favorite patient population, but they can be VERY challenging! Every person's injury is different, and their deficits different, because varying the injury location by even the tiniest bit has different results. You...

I agree with Ratchit.

As I posted under another thread, I'm a little late getting on the bandwagon, but have copied all of the postings on this thread and plan to contact my state and federal elected officials, the ANA, the MNA, and the MN State board of nursing. Is ther...

I'm a little late getting on the bandwagon, too, but like they say, "better late than never". I have been meaning to contact elected representatives and governing agencies for quite a while, but never seemed to find the time. I guess it's time to M...

I believe in patients taking responsibility for managing their own health to the extent that they are able, so the adults who are cognitively able to do so should definitely be held responsible for tracking their own need for refills. The kids with ...

I'm glad the public is being made aware of what's going on out there, because I think public demands can really help to implement change, but I wish they had been a little less alarmist in their presentation. It's interesting that the next segment w...

I think it goes in cycles: when I graduated, I had 4 job offers from hospitals I had done clinical rotations in, before I had even finished the program and without ever interviewing. Several of my friends went straight into E.R. or I.C.U. A few yea...

There are always people who are stuck in negativity...the ones who stand around complaining about how they can't get their work done when they could be using their complaining time to actually do their work...the ones who scare nursing students out o...

I'm not satisfied with my current position, more because my personal and professional goals have changed than anything having to do with the position itself, and I am currently looking for a new position. That's exactly why I chose Nursing as a caree...

Congratulations on your new career! I'd be concerned about a new grad (ANY new grad) working alone for two reasons. The first is that you just haven't had time to develop the assessment skills you need. Much of being able to know how serious a sit...

Ruby,I agree. I especially agree with #4. I have only been a nurse for 10 years, but the unit I started on was staffed by VERY experienced nurses (the next youngest had been there 10 years and most averaged 20-30 years experience). It was neuro/HI...

I agree that people should pursue careers that they enjoy and are rewarded in ways they value, but if you're looking for respect, I'm not sure you'll get loads of it being in law enforcement. The "good" citizens always seem to be critical, and the c...

HMOs do not direct medical care; they direct reimbursement. The patient is always able to pursue any treatment avenue he or she chooses, but if it isn't covered by the contract with the HMO, another source of funding must be found. Yes, this gives ...

It's fashionable to slam HMOs, but often, it isn't the insurance company denying care. On a self-insured plan, it's the employer. In a capitated clinic, it's the clinic. Most hospitals, at least in my area of the country, are paid either on a DRG-...

Sorry to drag up an old topic, but I came across this while reading some back postings and couldn't resist! I have worked in case management for several years, both on the provider side and the payer side. It's interesting to see the vast difference...