momcats3

I have a student who has a G-tube. It is not used at school, they can eat and drink with no difficulties. Parents will not submit a Care Plan. I am curious as to why a G-tube is needed at all if the child is eating and drinking normally. They do not have a physical disability or chronic disease where I can see a G-tube would be necessary. Child has had for several years, so I'm thinking it's permanent. Am I missing something? Thanks

I worked in hospice for 7 years, at two different agencies in two different states. Both non-profit. I ended up doing visits/office stuff from about 8:30 to 4:00 - 5:00 and yes, I ended up doing my charting at home, on my time. There was just no other way to get the computer charting done. No matter what I did or how I planned, it always worked out that I had to do charting and/or paperwork (recerts, mostly) at home. I ended up working about 60 hrs/week, and getting paid for 40. It was one of the reasons I left - I just got too burned out. And my co-workers in both agencies had to do the same, so it wasn't just me. Everyone resented it, but did it because they loved the work. I loved the job, it was the time involved that got to me. And I don't have children.... Good luck, though, whatever you decide. mc3:nurse:

Dan-You're so right!! I've thought about that staff, all of them, as well as the other patients and families. God will bless them.. PD

We also use Hospice Pharmacia, and they've added a Cardiac Comfort kit..Unfortunately, I'm not sure what meds are in it (I left my MUGS book @ work..)

Hi :) I quit my first job, too, after about 10 weeks. I was in very similar circumstances, and they had me doing all sorts of things I really had minimal training on. I was told to "ask another nurse" if I needed help. Ha! Ha! that was a real joke! I came to the point where I did not feel safe working on that floor. Anyway, I gave my two weeks notice, and did not have another job lined up. It was the smartest thing I ever did! Good luck.

Hi, one of our textbooks was "Math for Meds". It broke things down very simply for me. However, I ended up doing my formulas like this: If 20 mgs is to 1 ml, what is 15 mgs to x ml? Written as: 20 mg:1ml =15 mg :x ml Remove the mg and mls Now you have 20:1 = 15:x Now, multiply 20 times x = 20x (multiply your two outer numbers) 1 times 15 = 15 (multiply your two inner numbers) remove the x from 20 Now, divide: 15 divided by 20 = 0.75 So, the formula is: 20:1=15:0.75 My instructor always laughed at me -said I was doing the formula backwards BUT as long as it worked it was OK! As I look at it now, it appears hard but it's really not! Take your time and break it down. I still use this today...Good luck! :)

If you're looking for info, try HPNA @ www.hnpa.org:)

AT what point are you talking about using Megace? From my humble POV, I wouldn't really use Megace at all. If the patient doesn't want to eat, they don't have to. At EOL, their body is shutting down, right? Why would you do that to them? As for the family, a little teaching about EOL s/sx is what I'd do. Isn't that what hospice is all about?

Good question:) We are also curious about how other hospices operate. We are all considered salaried, which is a joke. Pay rate is from about $18-27/hr LPN/RN. We are only paid for 8 hours, whether or not we work 8, 10 or 12 which is the rule and not the occasional exception. We're supposed to take the extra time in "comp time" within the same 2 week period. This, of course, never happens, or you would end up taking 1 day off a week of "comp time". This is a very sore subject for us!!! We've raised our concerns to the VP, told they'd get back to us (hah); it's not happened yet. 1 weekend/month commitment. Nsg team is RN/LPN, supposed to have a case load of 22 max but it's been 26-30 for the past month or so, and it's crazy. Not sure what the pay is for on-call rate, I think perhaps $65/hr if you go out. I'd like to see what other hospices are doing. As much as I love my job, I (and, collectively we) are feeling very taken advantage of. Our organization is growing leaps and bounds in "Chiefs" but the Indians are bearing the increased loads with no end in sight! Oh, yes, forgot to tell you, we do get paid $10. per person per wk for anybody over 22. Yipee :angryfire

Hi, we use Hospice Pharmacia. They also do things like MSIR in 1 mg gel paks, just open and apply. Also have Ativan gel, Haldol gel, etc. I think they may be out of Philadelphia. Also, I get a box of scopalamine patches, just to have. Don't keep them in the 'fridge, though. :)

We have MSIR and lorazepam liquid, Lorazepam tablets, Levsin tabs, ABHR suppositories, acetaminophen suppositories, and some separate Scop patches. PM me if you want the amts of ea.

Did you try VNA? There are also some private agencies that use LPN's in home care. Look in the phone book for starters.

Hugs and congratulations to you all :balloons: I'm thinking of trying either next spring, or next fall....

A big hug for you (((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I couldn't agree with you more....Let me add I have also had difficulty with the majority of geriatric NP's I've encountered. Aren't they capable of seeing what we see, or at least respecting our judgement, or are their egos that large??? I'm sorry for your loss. It's very discouraging to know you have the ability to help, but are unable to do so..

I would like to thank each and every one of you who sent words of kindness. I truly appreciate it... I'm still heartbroken, but life goes on, and you adjust. You never "get over" it.... I still wonder, though. How do you provide comfort, sympathy and support during those times when you are empty or grieving? I guess you just pull yourself up by your britches and do what needs to be done. It doesn't seem healthy, though it's not healthy to submerge yourself in grief, either. Anyway, thanks again to you all. Momcats3:sniff: