nurseyd

I recently worked in a facility where we did "team" nursing, and the concept was really taken too far- people would chart anything as though they did it even if the procedure was done by someone else.... so in that situation if I was writing a note on a pt I would document IV started by D. Smith, RN, etc. etc. hoping that by example they would realize you need to be responsible for your practice even though we were a team.

I can't stand suctioning, ewe that sound it makes, I remember when I worked in a small rural hospital, we had a respiratory therapist on at night- we were allowed to suction ourselves, but I would call him just about every time- make up a reason- ewe and empting the containers just tops it right off.... Also, trying to get all the food out of a pts mouth- one who has been "pocketing" food, ewe

Is it a long term place or hospital? I worked in a long term facility for people with HIV/AIDS, I think it would give you great experience. You will learn a lot. I don't think it would be much different than starting in any medical unit- you know thats what everyone says- to get that experience first.

The difference between a SANE nurse and a Forensic Nurse.... Masters programs in Forensic Nursing prepare nurses to be clinical specialists- much more broad than the 40 hour + SANE training. I know in my program they suggested we take the SANE program- I beleive that they now require it. Forensic Nursing is really any part of medicine/nursing and the law- so collection of evidence, reviewing medical records to determine if the standard of care has been breached, SANE nurses, nurse coroners, there are many areas that it can be applied... But actually finding a job is another story, anyone had any luck? Please let me know!

You can do a Master's Program in Forensic Nursing, or if you have a Master's degree in Nursing already you can do a certificate program in Forensic Nursing (I think that is how it works for the certificate programs:) SANE nurse training is 40 hours and then a checklist to complete- like pelvic exams, touring a ED exam room, and quite a few other things. Make sure when you are going to take a SANE course that they either suggest where to go to do the pelvic exams or you know a practicioner that will let you do them- it seems to be a big barrier to completing the checklist...

amoymak-- There is an on-line SANE program at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. They require only 2 onsite meetings. It starts in April 2005. You can go to Quinnipiac.edu to find out more.