KnitWitch ASN, RN

Emergency/Trauma

Member

  • Content

    56

  • Visitors

    4,594

  • Followers

    0

  • Likes

    4

All Content by KnitWitch

  1. KnitWitch

    IVP vs Drip

    KnitWitch replied to Matt8700's topic in Emergency

    You only have to give someone the Reglan crazies once and I promise you, after that it will always go in a 50ml IVPB to hang. Also, my chronic narc seekers and frequent fliers, your...
  2. KnitWitch

    ED techs to start IVs?

    KnitWitch replied to montecarlo64's topic in Emergency

    Our ED techs can perform straight sticks for labs/cultures, but can't start IVs for whatever policy reason. Some of our techs are amazing at the straight sticks, and if I have a particularly hard...
  3. KnitWitch

    IV forms of Zofran and Decadron given PO???

    KnitWitch replied to GleeGum's topic in Emergency

    In the height of croup season I'm giving IV decadron PO more or less every night. I check with parent/caregiver to make sure the kid likes apple juice, draw up and have my decadron double checked,...
  4. KnitWitch

    How long was your initial orientation to the ER?

    KnitWitch replied to WannaBNursey's topic in Emergency

    I got six months in my new grad ED program and about half of that of that was classroom (to be fair even the experience nurses had to endure the classroom portion -- good info but a LOT of it in large...
  5. KnitWitch

    Epic Charting System

    KnitWitch replied to mbutler14's topic in Emergency

    I was very pleased with the ease of EPIC vs. PulseCheck at my last hospital. Some of my change-resistant coworkers had nothing good to say, but I thought EPIC made much more sense from a continuity...
  6. KnitWitch

    What was the MOST ridiculous thing a patient came to the ER for?

    KnitWitch replied to JUSTYSMOM's topic in Emergency

    I just love when I see 'PAIN OTHER' as the CC, because it's either going to be really good ("I have a ben-wa ball in my lady parts and it's pinching but I can't get it out," "I think I broke my...
  7. KnitWitch

    HELP! New ED RN Off of Orientation Soon

    KnitWitch replied to meghanlyn's topic in Emergency

    Stick it out. I graduated in Dec. '11, passed my boards in Feb '12, started my first ED job in Sept. '12, and transferred to a different ED (for commuting reasons) in Oct. '13. I have spent A LOT...
  8. KnitWitch

    Surviving my first RN job

    KnitWitch replied to panda025's topic in First Year After Licensure

    You, my friend, unfortunately seem to be stuck in a "nurses eating their young" scenario. This is both unfortunate and frustrating. In my experience there are two things you can do. 1) Try to suss...
  9. KnitWitch

    Is it too much?

    KnitWitch replied to Jinx322's topic in First Year After Licensure

    Nope. As long as you have a strong resume and cover letter to back up your enthusiasm you can never apply for too many jobs. If/when you're called to interview, do make sure you have a strong focus...
  10. KnitWitch

    When it rains, it pours. Job decisions.

    KnitWitch replied to elizabethmeiereRN's topic in First Year After Licensure

    OR RN job, no contest. Working as an OR RN (even in a surgical center as opposed to a hospital) will be a better knowledge base and learning experience than an Epic implementation tech. Trust me....
  11. KnitWitch

    Sepsis + Antibiotics = Severe Hypotension?

    KnitWitch replied to 1fastRN's topic in Emergency

    I kind of want to put this on a post-it and stick it in our fishbowl. Or maybe just tattoo is on my hand so I can easily flash it to the doc the next time we get someone who is hypotensive,...
  12. KnitWitch

    Is 1-year ED experience enough to apply elsewhere?

    KnitWitch replied to RunawayN's topic in Emergency

    One year is sort of the golden rule of thumb. Emergency nursing looks especially good on your resume because you're expected to deal with a variety of things and be flexible. I'd suggest polishing...
  13. KnitWitch

    How long did it take you to master inserting an IV?

    KnitWitch replied to RunawayN's topic in Emergency

    Oh man, this question hits so close to home right now. I have a year of experience in the ED, and I still dread having to drop a line in someone. Don't get me wrong -- I will never refuse to TRY,...
  14. KnitWitch

    Best snack food

    KnitWitch replied to thelema13's topic in Emergency

    Granola-type bars, nuts, apples with peanut butter or caramel, cheese and pepperoni, hummus with pita chips, potato chips, doritos, m&ms... I try to bring a variety of shelf-stable stuff and...
  15. KnitWitch

    Emergency Room Skills

    KnitWitch replied to Nursepreneur's topic in Emergency

    As long as a patient is in possession of at least some of their mental faculties (e.g. not post-ictal, in the throes of a mental health crisis or suffering from dementia) I can make peace and...
  16. KnitWitch

    RN Salary Survey 2013: Post here!

    KnitWitch replied to ItsColduphere's topic in General Nursing

    I just changed jobs, and I think the move illustrates the pay difference you can get moving into a larger metro area. Former Job: 1. PA (SE but on the very edge of what could be considered the Philly...
  17. KnitWitch

    ED computer systems

    KnitWitch replied to Rolltider's topic in Emergency

    We just went from PulseCheck in the ED to EPIC housewide. There has been a learning curve but for the most part everyone has adjusted well. We have 74 beds, not counting the 2 trauma bays plus the...
  18. KnitWitch

    Philadelphia area job market?

    KnitWitch replied to PhillyQuaker's topic in Pennsylvania Nursing

    My casual search has shown that in general hospitals are posting more RN positions. Unfortunately most of these are still wanting experience. About 40%-50% are looking for someone with a BSN....
  19. KnitWitch

    What other types of jobs options can I explore besides floor nursing?

    KnitWitch replied to lynds80's topic in Nursing Career

    I have a similar query. I am a new(ish) grad on her 3rd career and working in a very busy ED. I love what I do and I love the ED -- it was the ONLY place I ever wanted to work. Unfortunately I can...
  20. KnitWitch

    Do you know where you are?

    KnitWitch replied to wannabecnl's topic in Nursing Humor

    I work night shift and half the time I can't appropriately answer "What day is it/what's the
  21. KnitWitch

    Do you know where you are?

    KnitWitch replied to wannabecnl's topic in Nursing Humor

    Oh man, I get some absolutely stunning answers to this in the
  22. KnitWitch

    Tying Patient Satisfaction to Medicare Reimbursement is Problematic

    KnitWitch replied to TheCommuter's topic in Patient Safety Issues

    This pretty much articulates every objection I have to these stupid patient satisfaction surveys in a clear, concise nutshell. Essentially I won't get a raise for providing quick, competent,...
  23. KnitWitch

    LOC or ABC first?

    KnitWitch replied to Caffeinated RN's topic in Emergency

    If you're missing the A, B or C, the LOC won't matter because your patient will be done for in a matter of minutes. Whereas a patient with a decreased or fluctuating LOC can still maintain their own...
  24. KnitWitch

    Looking for Nursing Accessories

    KnitWitch posted a topic in Scrubs, Uniforms, Gear

    I was hoping you all could help point me towards some places to shop for two things I'm having trouble finding. One, I am looking for a badge reel that has a celtic knot design on it. I googled and...
  25. KnitWitch

    What's the BEST nursing shoes?

    KnitWitch replied to BigCSN's topic in Scrubs, Uniforms, Gear

    I have three pairs of work shoes I rotate through which help with different problems. I wear my Danskos for my 12 hours shifts because they completely eliminate the knee and back pain I get from...