newbyRN2

Some of the more experienced nurses have better time management skills. I observe them and ask them advice often. I have also noticed after 1&1/2 yr experience that some of them skimp on pt care and charting. Some hectic nights my charting may suffer, but I couldn't live with myself if I ignored a patient so that I could get charting done. I'm still figuring it all out, but you do somehow begin to find a balance.

I just learned about postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and identified with many of the symptoms. I can't stand still for long (for instance, in a patient's room) with out getting dizzy and needing to sit down, I feel tired alot, have had some vaso-vagal responses to stressors...... Anyhoo, at my doc's office today I tried a little experiment. Sitting down my VS are perfect. 113/74, hr 75, 99%. Before the MA took off the pulse ox, I asked her if I could try something, and stood up. My hr jumped to 115 within 30 secs, settled at 105 after 1 minute. Sat back down, hr 80. 1 minute later stood up, hr at 105 w/in 30 seconds. Mentioned it to my doc, he seemed kind of unimpressed. "This is an autonomic disorder your describing? It may be worth looking into, but lets continue looking at your sleep (s/p a relatively normal sleep study). Will you keep a sleep log for a while and f/u in 3 wks?" As a new(ish) RN I know I have a lot to learn. I'm wondering if he maybe doesn't know a lot about this syndrome and wants to research it before my next appt. It's a relatively new diagnosis from what I read. My question is: what other explanation(s) can you think of for such a drastic increase in hr? I know it increases when we stand, but by 40 bpm? I've looked into it and am not finding much. Any input is much appreciated.

Hello, I could use some advice please. I am a brand new nurse and I have....something that has me feeling horrible. Here's the situation: 1. In 4th of 6 weeks of orientation to a med surg floor. 2. After 3 weeks of day shift (yuk), worked three 12 hr shifts W-TH-F, and loved it. 3. Sun., started to feel sick, yesterday felt horrible, today feel better but still weak. 4. Have a low grade fever, intermit. cough,sore throat, aches, "fuzzy-head" feeling. Dry, stuffy nose, not running. Don't want to start off new job by calling in sick 4th week, don't want to go in sick and take care of post-op pts and feel cranky and horrible. Not looking for permission to stay home, looking for honest advice. Gotta call by Wed afternoon. Thank you!