Biffbradford

Biffbradford

ICU

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All Content by Biffbradford

  1. Nursing and the Ebola Virus

    Biffbradford replied to 0.adamantite's topic in Disaster Preparation

    I don't recall putting my life on the line as part of the job description I signed up for and that's something I won't 'deal with'. If you're my manager and want to send me packing, that's fine with...

  2. Nursing and the Ebola Virus

    Biffbradford replied to 0.adamantite's topic in Disaster Preparation

    Would I volunteer to take care of someone Ebola +? Nope . I've done my shifts in isolation (contact, droplet, positive pressure rooms) with TB and many nasty drug resistant bacteria. Guess I've had my...

  3. Cardiology III vs. master cardiology stethoscope

    Biffbradford replied to JessRNBSN's topic in CCU, Coronary, Cardiac

    I also use the Cardiology III. Wonderful, but honestly, it won't matter. You won't be required to grade murmurs, listen for opening snaps, midsystolic clicks, or split S2s (which I have by the way,...

  4. PACU on call

    Biffbradford replied to Bap9762's topic in Nursing Career

    I've been on call for the ICU. (They hate giving people off completely.) "We're low on census ... do you want to stay home on call?" ($2/hr) ... Ummmm, okay. Yup, 1am - *RING!* "They're doing a heart...

  5. PACU on call

    Biffbradford replied to Bap9762's topic in Nursing Career

    Wrap it up at 1930 ... say, 2000 by the time you punch out. Settle into bed at 2300. 0100 *RING!*. Get there by 0145, finish the case by 0400? Back in bed by 0500, 'rest' until 0730 then start up for...

  6. In at 6:30, out at 9:00 and not a drop of food. I love this job!

    Biffbradford replied to Curious1alwys's topic in General Nursing

    Yup, and flipping that very statement around: you can't believe that the majority of places to work are as wonderful as yours. Hang onto that job like grim

  7. In at 6:30, out at 9:00 and not a drop of food. I love this job!

    Biffbradford replied to Curious1alwys's topic in General Nursing

    By doing the work of 2 or 3 people, just think of all the money you're saving the hospital! :) Doesn't that just give you such a warm feeling in your

  8. Afterload and BP...So Confused!!

    Biffbradford replied to KrCmommy522's topic in MICU, SICU

    The exact point of when the patient can no longer sustain life is going to be different in each case. Stop thinking about it as a machine ... if this, then that. It's more like ... if this, then maybe...

  9. Afterload and BP...So Confused!!

    Biffbradford replied to KrCmommy522's topic in MICU, SICU

    Sorry, you only get 140 characters for your questions here. I started skim reading about half way through, but it seems that you understand it correctly. What EXACTLY is your question? I got lost...

  10. New CCU/ICU nurse frustrations!!

    Biffbradford replied to MrsICURN14's topic in CCU, Coronary, Cardiac

    I was once told that I concentrate too hard. Huh? But later understood that I should have my eyes open and be aware of everything around me, but it takes time to learn this stuff! Hang in there. When...

  11. Joint Commission is a Joke...

    Biffbradford replied to Emergent's topic in General Nursing

    OKay, I'll ask: What does "ding" and "get dinged" mean? Is this an official

  12. Some days I feel like a Grimm reaper, most days I feel like a bad-*** super nurse!

    Biffbradford replied to 87RN's topic in Critical Care

    That's why I'm always trying to start new business ventures of my own (too bad I stink). I'm always jealous of people who have jobs where a good day ends with a WIN! or a high point of some sort,...

  13. What's CVICU like, really?

    Biffbradford replied to calivianya's topic in CCU, Coronary, Cardiac

    VADs and transplants are amazing, no doubt. The thing that bothered me is that we (read: "I" being on nights), never found out how the successful one's ever did. "Hows Joe Schmo doing." - "Oh fine"....

  14. What's CVICU like, really?

    Biffbradford replied to calivianya's topic in CCU, Coronary, Cardiac

    Every case is different. The easy cheesy patients are becoming a thing of the past because of advances in heart cath procedures. They can easily stent patients that used to require surgery. So, it's...

  15. Transducer Placement?

    Biffbradford replied to ClanMcBride's topic in CCU, Coronary, Cardiac

    If you want an accurate reading, then yes. If you suspect trouble they should be on their back

  16. PPM Question

    Biffbradford replied to Wheaties1974's topic in Critical Care

    Also, why is this

  17. PPM Question

    Biffbradford replied to Wheaties1974's topic in Critical Care

    I guess the first question is: What temporary pacer do you use? You should have a manual somewhere. Clinical engineer? I know in the temp. pacers I've always used, this wouldn't be possible. There is...

  18. Transducer Placement?

    Biffbradford replied to ClanMcBride's topic in CCU, Coronary, Cardiac

    Dunno ... I'm not -that- old that I've ever done it myself. But yes, you would have to re-zero it when you've repositioned the

  19. Transducer Placement?

    Biffbradford replied to ClanMcBride's topic in CCU, Coronary, Cardiac

    I think putting it on a pole is very 'old school'. You'll see that in old textbooks. Have never seen it done in

  20. Ask questions, ask questions.....

    Biffbradford replied to doppelganger99's topic in Critical Care

    R.B.F.

  21. How many different nursing positions have you had?

    Biffbradford replied to LittleMissVixen410's topic in General Nursing

    Almost 15 years in the ICU. Would love to do something else, have applied EVERYWHERE - radiology, interventional radiology, GI lab, stress testing, cardiac floor, home care, outpatient cardiac clinic,...

  22. If you werent a nurse, what other career would you do?

    Biffbradford replied to RNtobe23's topic in General Nursing

    Photographer. But NOT weddings. Guess I'd have to win the lottery

  23. If you could just pick up and leave, where would you go?

    Biffbradford replied to JNursee's topic in General Nursing

    Did I win the lottery? Buy a big 'ol RV and I'm GONE. Or, am I still working as a nurse? May as well stay here, the grass isn't any

  24. Surrendering RN Scope!

    Biffbradford replied to jegalink's topic in Nursing Professionalism

    I believe it's primarily a reimbursement issue, but the 'keep your head on a swivel' part of me also believes that it's one more tool that management has to place leverage over employees. "Dispensed...

  25. Let's hear about your worst shift ever!

    Biffbradford replied to mamax3's topic in General Nursing

    I don't remember any of the details (thankfully), but I DO remember getting to my car, driving off the property, rolling up all the windows and SCREAMING $&(@(*#!! BLOODY MURDER and slamming the...