hardworkinmama

And this is why I hate triaging a headache. No neuro deficits, but 'worst headache of my life' or crying & being super dramatic could absolutely be life threatening. Or it could just be a headache.

I passed in January of this year using Boswell's videos, ENA book, & Sheehy's for clarification/boning up on what I scored poorly on. Good luck!

I am one of those slow triagers. I don't mean to be, but I'm always second guessing my plan for the patient. I'm worried that I'm going to put someone in the WR that should have gone back or vice versa. Unfortunately with our pt volume, WR times are over 8 hours frequently & that really affects my decision. I would love any tips on how to triage more efficiently. I find that sometimes when I multi-task during the triage I end up having to ask questions again or recall the temp on the thermometer lol so I'm definitely open to suggestions on how I can improve!

Oh my this class is killing me! I'm reading things & I think I understand it then turn in an assignment only to receive 70's! I've had all A's so far in this program. I'll be lucky to pass this time. :-(

That was always my concern. Especially if you work 2 or 3 shifts in a row. I don't know that I'd be in a functional state. I'm interested to hear how these nurses do it! I understand when the kids go to school, but what about little ones?

I think it's possible to find the balance, but not necessarily easy. I've just started my career as an RN with a 7 year old & almost 2 year old. It is hard working 3 12 hour shifts each week, because I don't really see the kids those days. On the other hand, I get 4 days off to spend with them. 1 day off is a recover/catch up on housework day, 1 is an errand type day & the others are just quality time. We also homeschool, so nights weren't a great option for me right now. I think it's more stressful for me because I'm a new nurse, but it seems to be working for us. Just keep an open mind and look at different possibilities. You can make things work that didn't seem like they would before. Good luck!

If I'm understanding it correctly, diverticulosis is the presence of 'pockets' while diverticulitis is inflammation of the 'pockets.' So if you said -otis once would maybe expect pt to present with pain, fever, or other s/sx of inflammation versus just having diverticulosis.

Backpack on wheels. Just makes it easier

No not an ENA program. I'm in my hospital's critical care residency. Ok, I'll just plan to refer to it in that way. Thanks!

I see this book recommended often & I've had it for months now. I'm just not sure how to use it best. I tried reading it like a book but that didn't really work for me. I'm halfway through residency now, but I'd love to hear how other nurses utilized it. I was thinking of writing down the diagnoses/cc's I see each shift & reading up on them. Looking forward to some suggestions! Thanks!

I try not to ever buy food. It's expensive to do that! I make big batches of hummus & freeze it in small portions, eat lots of salads, basically just stick with whole foods (not processed, or barely processed). I wouldn't work out on days I work, only on days off, but I also have kids so my time with then is a factor too. Good luck!

How cool! I'm so nervous & excited! Maybe I'll see you around :-)

Thanks for sharing! I have a few weeks of residency before the enrollment deadline for fall, so maybe I'll see how it feels. :-)