nuttyRN

I live in Oregon, just got into it with an xray tech about pt care (long horrid story) but heard xray techs start out at $27/hr while RNs start at $25! Don't know the truth behind the rumor though. just an FYI!

Some patients just get to you - I don't know why, but we are only human! This is why we are nurses though; don't ever lose that compassion and understanding that sometimes we need shoulders to cry on too!

I so understand where you are coming from! I so disliked this part of nursing school - but I made it and you will too. I always looked through my charts a ton before deciding on the darn nursing dx. But ask yourself "why is the pt here?" "what is the pt. dx?" "what are barriers for this pts returning to his/her previous level of functioning?" etc. Can you use the good old "risk for" nursing dxs? Those can definately come in handy! Good lucK!

Get a new job!!!

I HATED charting at first, when I started nursing school, but I realize that it will save me if, god forbid, I am ever involved in a lawsuit. (knock on wood) I really learned to chart well after nursing school, mostly by familiarizing myself with the style of charting. We use "exception charting" and flow sheets. I read as much charting by other experienced RNs as I could and then learned to pick and choose what I liked. It sure is a learned art though. When in doubt, I use as many exact pt/family quotes as possible to help describe the situation. Also, never use words that are subjective - that means no using "appears" "looks like" etc. Anything that makes you sound like you don't know what you are seeing/talking about is not good (to the lawyers!). Good luck, you will get it down - it is something that does take time!

I work on a neurological floor, so we deal with ALL sorts! I have only once had to take 7 patients on a night shift, and these pts were all A&Ox4. We are a telemetry floor too, so if you are the RN with tele pts you don't ever have more than 4 pts. Most of the time a "typical" night's assignment is 5 pts.

Why are you giving dilantin out of ampules?

In our hospital you MUST use filtered needles to draw meds out of ampules for the above mentioned reason. You really do need to insist on this. And when you do get filtered needles, be sure to change them before giving the injection!

This is absolutely NOT OK! On our floor ( I do work nights) there MUST be 2 RNs and 1 CNA at ALL times - no matter. NO, this is not a staffing requirement, just an unwritten agreement between all who work here. Yes, sometimes we do take "working lunches" at the nurses station, but it is better that we know that our pts are OK and safe at all times!

I am just so glad that I have not seen too many "stupid nurse" occurances! I have been a nurse for only approx. 1.5 years though!

I am a nurse who was absolutey appalled with the information given to you - go get a neurologist consult for your mommy!

My patients are post-intubation; they have been moved to the neuro floor! But pupillary changes do occur a lot, and we do not always call the MD- :imbar :imbar

exactly - we call them donor - cycles too - I have been on the back of a Harley and absolutely loved it; but would only ride if you could guarantee that I would race around without interference - have seen too many donor motoer vehicles!

I have only been an RN for a 1.5 year and I have to act and be the one that knows alll. Not that I am actually ever given/paid charge nurse wages. We have a unit that is ICU stepdown and stroke unit certified. It is difficult to staff sometimes: but on the other hand we have great retention and training for our new grads. A lot of new grads do not want to come to a neuro floor due to false beliefs; but our neuro floor wants to see new changes and is welcome to the changes.

I am not yet a nurse educator, but I am precepting new graduates. I enjoy this very much and would love to someday be a nurse educator. right now though is there any advice for me as far as precepting? My hospital does offer a 16 to 20 week preceptee course, so I feel that I do not have much to offer when it gets to night shift preceptoring. any suggestions? ?