pinkfawn

I am a nursing student working on a project about ICU induced psychosis. Have you ever cared for a pt that experienced ICU induced psychosis?? Below is part of an article written in the NY times about the condition. If you have any comments from personal experience I would love to understand more about this condition and how difficult it can be to detect. (It seems that no one knows exactly what causes this reaction, but it is generally accepted that something about the environment of the intensive care unit makes some patients, already experiencing high levels of stress, debility and pain, lose their minds. Perhaps it is sensory deprivation from being caged in a windowless room, away from family and familiar things. Or perhaps the sensory overload from being tethered to noisy machines that are on all day and night. Some believe that it is contributed to sleep deprivation and disruption of the normal day-night rhythm. Or perhaps it is simply the loss of control that patients must feel as their bodies are probed and medicated. Delirium, or acute brain failure, often has organic causes. Dehydration, infection, low blood oxygen, inadequate cardiac output and drugs can all bring it on. And though environmental stressors are often implicated in the delirium of the ICU, studies show that more often organic factors are to blame. When patients leave the ICU, the problem almost always vanishes. Even in the ICU, the psychosis often resolves spontaneously, with the coming of morning or sleep. Sometimes it lingers through the day. Severe agitation usually occurs only at night, however, which is why doctors and nurses often call it sundowning, also a kind of delirium common in nursing homes.) http://www.nytimes.com/library/national/science/120898sci-icu-psychosis.html

Thank you for the help! I really appreciate it. :)

I would like some suggestions as to which shoes are the best to wear as a nurse. Comfort is my main priority. Also, any suggestions as to what brand or type of stethoscope I should purchase? Thank you for reading. :)

Thank you both for the input. I really appreciate it! :)

I applied to volunteer at both Presbyterian Dallas and Medical City Dallas. I was asked to come in to interview for both. I am not sure which hospital I should volunteer at? The reason I am volunteering is b/c I have not finished my clinicals yet and I was unable to apply for an intern/externship. I have heard great things about both hospitals. Any advice on which one to pick?? Thank you taking the time. :)

I drive 45min. w/out a lot of stop and go traffic. I only have to commute twice a week. I honestly love the me time I get while in the car. I play my pod casts (I love This American Life and Radio Lab) and play the music I want to listen too. Also, you could record lecture and play it back in your car! I say go for it and think of it as getting in some "me" time. :)

I am a first semester Nursing student and I currently work at a local restaurant. I have worked at the restaurant for 7yrs. It has really been a great place to work b/c of the flexibility with my schedule and my co-workers are great. I am beginning to think that I should get a job within the healthcare field. I want my future employers to see that I have more experience besides going to Nursing school and working at the restaurant. Although, the restaurant is a service industry as well. I think I should find a job that is more in line with the healthcare field. I really want to get my foot in the door and gain as much experience/exposure that I can. Plus, I have the entire summer available w/ no classes. I have applied to volunteer at a hospital, but I want to do more. My question is: Should I become CNA certified? I am finding that this training will allow for me to apply for certain jobs, hopefully part-time. How to I become a medical technician? Any advice I would appreciate. Sincerely, Learning as I am going

I am currently finishing my first semester of Nursing school. I have the entire summer available to me and I want to make good use of it. I am planning on volunteering at a hospital, but I want to do more. I am getting mixed messages about becoming a CNA while in school. Some people say don't bother b/c I will be learning these skills while in school. Other people say that it is worth doing to help gain experience and exposure within a healthcare facility. Thus, showing my potential employers I have experience. I feel like I should be getting as much experience as I possibly can. Most Technician jobs require some sort of certification. Intern/externships would like students to have clinicals under their belt. I am so new to all of this and I want to get my foot in the door as soon as I can. Another reason I am curious about becoming a CNA is b/c I am currently working part-time in a restaurant and I want to work in a healthcare environment. I am just wanting to know if it is possible to juggle working part-time as a CNA and going to Nursing school. Also, is it a smart decision? Or any suggestions as to what I can do to stay involved during the summer. Thank you for reading!

I am in my first semester of Nursing school and I recognize all of these annoyances. I am learning to let things roll off my back and trying to remain confident. :)

I am considering becoming a CNA. I am currently in Nursing school. My first semester. I have the entire summer available and I really want to make use of it. Plus, I want to make a job transition from the restaurant service industry to a healthcare setting. I am still considering volunteering since it is too late for me to apply for intern/externships but, I am on the fence about becoming a CNA. I have been told to not waste my time since I will be learning all of these skills in school. I am looking to gain as much experience as I can. Just curious if becoming a CNA and balancing school was really difficult?

I am in the exact same situation. I am nearing the end of my first semester in Nursing school. I have the whole summer open and I want to take advantage of that. I am at a crossroads. I want to get some time and experience within a healthcare setting. I am too late to apply for summer intern/externships. I plan on volunteering but, I am not sure if I should become a CNA as well. I've been told that becoming a CNA will just prepare me to be more comfortable and confident with what I will be learning in Nursing school. I just want to gain as much experience I can and stay busy. Just curious as to what you decided to do.