AlabamaBelle

AlabamaBelle

Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General

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All Content by AlabamaBelle

  1. hyperkalemia tx of insulin and glucose?

    AlabamaBelle replied to erin01's topic in General Nursing

    Yes, this is a common method to get K down quickly. I work in Peds and we have done this with hyperkalemic patients. It does require frequent labs afterward, but it does get K down

  2. Do you want to know what I find scary...

    AlabamaBelle replied to RN1982's topic in General Nursing

    Thankfully, we check all our vasoactive gtts at the bedside. We use standard concentrations and do have an Excel type worksheet at the bedside and so-called "smart pumps." But, not every concentration...

  3. Question about tinnitus

    AlabamaBelle replied to P_RN's topic in General Nursing

    I can't remember a time when I didn't have the buzzing in my ears. Sometimes, it's louder than other times. I thought this was the norm for everybody. My hearing aids help out some, but it's there....

  4. Assaulted and written up. (vent)

    AlabamaBelle replied to JessicRN's topic in Emergency

    The stuff dreams are made

  5. I work with some immature nurses.

    AlabamaBelle replied to RN1982's topic in General Nursing

    I guess somebody forgot to tell them the walls have eyes and ears. Fortunately, most of the people who have pulled many of these shenanigans have left our unit. We have internet access and I use it...

  6. I will have satisfaction one day...

    AlabamaBelle replied to RN1982's topic in General Nursing

    I've seen this before. Managers don't want to let go of a good worker, so any possible roadblock is thrown out there. You are good and apparently, they can't afford to lose you - the flood gates...

  7. Can and/or do nurses give chest physio?

    AlabamaBelle replied to meadow85's topic in General Nursing

    We have a wonderful staff of RTs, but during RSV season, they can be stretched pretty thin. We had an unusually busy summer. In our facility, nurses may perform CPT, as well as the RTs. I do it quite...

  8. Dead or Not he was your Patient show some RESPECT!

    AlabamaBelle replied to Jerry 75's topic in Emergency

    I've rocked one too many babies who have gotten their angel wings. We generally don't send our babies or smaller children to the morgue. This just makes more more than ill. I'm with Jo, wish I hadn't...

  9. Most embarrassing mistake you've ever made

    AlabamaBelle replied to sunnycalifRN's topic in General Nursing

    Just this week, I was doing change and the attending asked for the alcohol foam. Attempting to be helpful I grabbed the foam, aimed for his hand and instead, I doused the whole front of his shirt. He...

  10. If you've ever cried at work...

    AlabamaBelle replied to Katie5's topic in General Nursing

    Yes, I have cried at work. We, as nurses, are witnesses to the most intimate moments of life - when a baby is born and we hear that beautiful first cry and when we gently ease someone through the next...

  11. Death of a child in the PICU

    AlabamaBelle replied to chickidee717's topic in PICU, Pediatric

    I cry with the families, I don't try to hold back what I feel. Saturday was one of those days. My precious patient, only 1 year old, was allowed a natural death. She "looked" dead when I assumed...

  12. When you find someone who is unresponsive...

    AlabamaBelle replied to litchi's topic in General Nursing

    However, if you do find someone down and they are still warm, you can try CPR. Keep in mind, though, that out of facility resuscitations are rarely successful. If you haven't already, you could take...

  13. When you find someone who is unresponsive...

    AlabamaBelle replied to litchi's topic in General Nursing

    There was nothing you could have done. He was gone, gone,

  14. Lyme disease and dogs (long)

    AlabamaBelle replied to Nurse1966's topic in General Nursing

    I'm glad you listened to your instincts and took your precious companion animal to another vet. Yes, veterinarians do put a lot of stock in their lab tests and other diagnostic tools, just as our own...

  15. Had first experience of withdrawing pt care, emotionally drained, need some advice!

    AlabamaBelle replied to shoegalRN's topic in General Nursing

    After re-reading the OP, I am also questioning the lack of support that was there for you in caring for this family. Our practice is to have extra hands available - MSWs, chaplains, the family's...

  16. Had first experience of withdrawing pt care, emotionally drained, need some advice!

    AlabamaBelle replied to shoegalRN's topic in General Nursing

    {{{{{Hugs}}}}}}. You'll never forget your first. You gave superb care. Take care of yourself as you are

  17. Lost my 1st patient

    AlabamaBelle replied to E.R. Rookie's topic in General Nursing

    It's tough to lose your first patient. Wish I could tell you it get better, but I'd be lying. You'll just learn to cope with the losses. Sometimes, your best is just not ever going to be enough. When...

  18. Medical Dosage Calculations - In Your Head or Calculator?

    AlabamaBelle replied to DoGoodThenGo's topic in General Nursing

    Every one in our unit uses a calculator. With barely enough time to go to the bathroom, it doesn't make sense to use pencil and paper. I have always been notorious about making ridiculous little...

  19. Anyone who was a secretary now a nurse?

    AlabamaBelle replied to LovesGreyhounds's topic in General Nursing

    I worked as a unit secretary for about 8 years before I went back to school and got my degree. I worked 32 hrs a week. My schedule was flexible, built around school. I also had an understanding...

  20. Do family members know how annoying they can be?

    AlabamaBelle replied to Ling07's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    It is truly difficult to accept that your parent(s) are getting older and their time is getting shorter. My sweet MIL was in a LTC/Rehab center before she died in 2007. We got an order for her not to...

  21. Treating the Muslim patient

    AlabamaBelle replied to Inspired By Silence's topic in General Nursing

    It only takes a few moments to ask for preferences. I work with children and their families in a critical care setting. No one has ever been upset when I ask about their preferences in regard to...

  22. My DON is a Gem!

    AlabamaBelle replied to SuesquatchRN's topic in Geriatric, LTC

    I'm so thrilled to hear your new situation is working so well for you! You are awesome and YOU ROCK! Teamwork is so highly underestimated. Love it when I'm with coworkers who understand this a team...

  23. Shaved Mons - Phenomenon

    AlabamaBelle replied to recbest's topic in Ob/Gyn

    I really needed this thread - so many good

  24. H1N1 related changes in visitor policies?

    AlabamaBelle replied to cookienay's topic in Emergency

    We just announced restrictions on visitation. Both hospital systems in our area are limiting visitation to 18 years and older with no visible signs of illness. Extra hand sanitizing stations are being...

  25. Depression because of hearing loss

    AlabamaBelle replied to aminv's topic in Nurse Disabilities

    I've been dealing with hearing loss since the age of 6. I got my hearing last year. They are awesome! I lost them a month ago and was so at a loss until I got my new ones. For work, I have a special...