kds74

The evolve elsevier has a great website. I think knowing values are imperative, keep in mind though, each facility may have different numbers that they use. Our program has hammered values into us. Not only for your clinicals, but for the NCLEX. I also have the Nursing Central on my iPod and that has lab and diagnostic information. I like that app for a quick reference. What med-surg book are you using? They may have resources on-line. The evolve website has a lab value pdf, it's a great resource.

hey there- just had a couple of thoughts about your case study. I agree it is always helpful to use Maslow's Hierarchy. So let's think about your pt. for a minute, just consider his airway breathing. Is he at risk for impaired gas exchange? You bet. What about pain? Pain definitely interferes with breathing. How are his O2 sats. That could be one of your goals- keeping his sats up and weaning his O2. What about circulation? Is he at risk for pressure ulcers? Is he moving independently? So, think for a moment about why he's mad. How old is he? Has he lost some independence? What about helplessness? Does he need the nursing staff to help him with ADL's? I think it always help to think about the things you can actually control. What is he at risk for right now? The psych/soc stuff comes later... Is he using an IS? good luck!

Patty- I have been wondering the same thing myself. Yesterday I tried to ask for help with one of my critical patients and I was ignored. It doesn't feel good knowing you are so unwelcome in a place. I know nurses are busy, I know they don't eat, or take bathroom breaks, but we're human too and they have all been students at one time or another. I know there are a hundred reasons why they are short with us. Overwhelmed, unhappy with the system... I just hope the veterans know, that we know how hard they work, and we aren't trying to get in the way or slow them down. It just seems to be the way it is. I haven't come home yet, from one clinical and felt like I did anything right, or was helpful in anyway. It's a terrible feeling when you've spent this amount of time and money pursuing a career, that can be so unfriendly. I don't know. I hope it gets better.