mstutz0201

Since this guy always comes across as rude and demanding when asking for pain meds, my first question is: Is his pain being managed correctly? My husband suffered from severe chronic back pain for more than 12 years. It wasn't until we found a doctor who correctly managed his pain issues that I finally saw the lovely man I had married re-emerge. If this guy hasn't had a consultation with a Board Certified pain management specialist, it is about time he got one. Not until you are sure that his pain is being managed correctly can you assume that he is just a rude, ill-mannered person. Right now he may be giving you a clear indication that he needs your help.

There may or may not be a nursing shortage where you live and work, but pay attention to future demographics. The first Baby Boomers just turned 65; as this very large population continues to age, the demand for nursing services will sky-rocket. Add to this the large number of practicing nurses who are part of the Baby Boom generation who are at or near retirement. All of the demographics I have seen indicate that there are not enough younger nurses practicing (or in school) to meet this demand. That is why many states have been trying to fund more nursing education programs. However, since most of our states are at or near bankruptcy, this funding is likely to fall through.

I agree that all assaults should be reported to the police to establish a pattern of violence. My daughter works with developmentally delayed and/or mentally ill adults who get in trouble with the criminal justice system. The first thing they look for is an established pattern of violence in order to determine how to proceed with the case. This is also taken into consideration when determining appropriate placement. Just because someone is "being evaluated" on a psych unit does not mean that the person is, in fact, mentally ill. And just because someone is mentally ill does not mean that they cannot understand the potential effect of their actions. The criminal justice system exists for a reason; let them do their part of the job!

I hated statistics in college, too, and I AM a math person! I think it was because none of the problems seemed to relate to anything I knew about (or wanted to know about!). However, statistics is one of the skills I used the most in my nursing practice of community health/population health. So hang in there. Statistics will come in handy when you least expect it!

Thanks to a rotten family history of colon CA and a PMH of polyps, I have had MANY colonoscopies over the years. Only 1, the first, was painful, and my doctor decided the amount of Versed I was given had not been sufficient. Subsequent colonoscopies by him and by other GIs have been virtually pain-free. I agree the propofol offers the best analgsia and amnesia, but should not be necessary in all cases. Plus it requires the presence of an anesthesiologist which adds to the cost. I have done quite well with Versed, especially when it is given before any of the other drugs. IMO I would much rather have a colonoscopy then suffer the ravages of colon CA, which I have watched in numerous family members.