I was an RRT before becoming an ICU nurse. There are two and four year programs to become a respiratory therapist. However, I don't know why you would want to do that, if you're an RN. You can take courses to learn about the ventilator, weaning pr...
Yep, I agree, if the fistula is functional and being used. We've had patients with old, non-functioning fistulas (no flow through the fistula), who have art lines on the same arm.
Hang in there! I didn't feeling really comfortable working in ICU for almost 2 years. But, utilize your co-workers and ask questions . . . no one was born an ICU nurse. It WILL get better.
A prior workplace had a "Lift Team". We loved these guys!! All were young, energetic and strong!! They carried pagers and could be paged anytime. Unfortunately, the "bean counters" determined that there was no reduction in work-related lifting/pu...
Sorry to hear about your situation. I think you are wise to start sending out your resume. If you are in the union, you can ask your rep if they have heard anything or if they know how lay offs are handled. In my experience, in a union shop, it go...
sunnycalifRN replied to TheOracle's topic in Nursing
Yep. Although it's unfortunate that you didn't get your paycheck, paychecks are usually kept locked up for safekeeping. I don't think that there is any "issue" here. Just get the check on Monday and sign up for automatic deposit.
sunnycalifRN replied to okiedokie123's topic in Nursing
Agree! When you first meet your patient, you're using critical thinking, why is the pt here? What interventions are needed? What may go wrong? Etc. . .
sunnycalifRN replied to justbecamearn's topic in New Nurse
CheesePotato, excellent advice!! I second the advice about not slapping the skin. I was a phlebotomist for years before going into nursing and I NEVER slapped anyone's arms/hands and nearly always got blood on the first stick. And, a warm compress...
sunnycalifRN replied to kirstyne's topic in Nursing
As others have said, very hospital specific. At my workplace, there are never call-offs (they are not allowed to) but instead we get floated to other units.
I'm sure you're all aware of the various drugs that we use, that are in short supply. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm050792.htm We're out of versed and now fentanyl!! A while back we were out of mag sulfate and calcium chloride...
sunnycalifRN replied to meghan91's topic in Nursing
Without a doubt, one of the most readable, yet informative is: Notes on ICU Nursing: Critical Care FAQ Files From the MICU It is written by Mark Hammerschmidt and Jayne Mulholland and can be ordered on icufaqs.org. The website has all the FAQ file...
sunnycalifRN replied to PacoUSA's topic in Nursing
I started nursing at age 55 but I don't regret it one bit. You can always look back and say, "I should of . . ." but it doesn't change the past and it's not very constructive. Just live for the present and make your future.