sunnybabe

I practice questions I found in various books from Kaplan to Barron's. I thought Barron's CCRN book was really good.

Speaking of vents (sorry OP to jack your thread), how much is too much for your patient to be breathing over the vent? I've had patients who were vented and did not look agitated yet were breathing upwards 30-40x a min when their respiratory rate on ...

I used it. I thought it was great! The review series is really thorough but doing lots of questions and focusing on my weak points was the biggest help. I also listened to Laura G's videos but found Med Ed to be more detailed... I made 91% on the tes...

Hey all, I had a patient who cardiac arrested and they thought he was in ARDS given his Pa02 compared to his FiO2 and we were increasing his PEEP upwards to around 14 until he finally started oxygenating in the 90's (he was in the 80's before on 100%...

Is COPD considered dead space or shunting? I understand that dead space is ventilation without perfusion and examples include lack of blood flow to the lungs, pulmonary embolism, since the aveoli is getting air but there is a problem with circulation...

Thanks offlabel! That makes it very simple to remember. And you're right, in real life, its a mix of both. I think that's where I get messed up with understanding at times because I try to relate everything I read to the patients I have (especially t...

Thank you all! You guys are awesome.

So if CVP is not an indicator of preload, then how do we determine preload. I've been asked over and over again, "What's the patient's CVP" to see if they are dry or wet (whenever the number was too high, they wanted to give lasix or low, some fluid....

Hi, everyone. I've on my second week of off orientation in a CCU. The other day I had a patient who had multiple issues: pleural effeusion w/ chest tube ( the effeusion was resolving however), improving septic shock, AKI, moderate valvular disease. I...

Thanks a lot for the video. That really helped!

I had to comment on your post because it sounds exactly like my experience, except I am a new transfer to ICU. I have a year of nursing experience on a observational med surg/tele floor which is less acuity, but it's always stressful to be a new grad...

Thanks everyone for their response. When I returned to work, I was told that because the patient had severe valvular disease (particularly the mitral/triscupid valve), his DBP would be low. This was considered his baseline. They didn't focus on his M...

There were other nurses who advised me to talk to the doctor. The patient looked stable but his bp was low so that was my primary concern.

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to mention that I too am struggling with developing critical thinking skills as I am focused on tasks in a busy ICU on day shift. I'm still on orientation and I have until Christmas till I'm on my own (I get...

Hi, terri8 When you said dropping off your resume, did you mean dropping it off to the unit manager or to HR? Also, were you able to apply to non-residency programs too because I realize that not all of the hospitals have residencies and some hospita...

I just wanna give you a hug. And I'm sorry to hear about your parents' health. You are definitely being put to the test, but I hope you overcome. I am in the same situation except that I have my practicum in the summer. I'm writing 20+ page papers, ...

This was very nice to read. It's sad how our circumstances lead us to settle instead of thrive.

For ATI, I was able to use the review manuals for each class. I am in OB-Peds, Mental Health right now. I read these books practically front to back and it was really much more helpful than taking practice exams.

Hi, I am in Pediatrics class right now and I love learning about cardiac. In my notes and lecture recording, it says that increased pulmonary blood flow (which in children are usually caused by congenital defects like VSD or ASD) will cause impaired ...

1. Brush up on your A/P, thenit will be much easier for you to understand disease processes because you know how the actual body system is supposed to work. So definitely know your functions. I found Endocrine and Respiratory to be the hardest. 2. A ...

I am in KSU's nursing program. I have several classmates who have gotten externships with Wellstar. I believe they prefer actual nursing students. I really wouldn't rush trying to get in Wellstar right now until you are actually in the program. Trust...

Hi, I sent this email to my teacher. But he has not yet responded. I work on a med-surg floor and I did consult with one of the resp. therapists but I just want to know what you all think as well? I don't post here often, but I would love to know the...

Thanks so much. I am so much happier!

Hey, I'm a tech too, but on a med-surg unit. I possibly want to be an ICU nurse too as I have floated there before and I loved it. Even though I'm PRN on my floor, I have been floated to other units, including ICU, when census is low. I plan to go in...

I find that many patients are difficult because there is a misunderstanding between the nurse/cna and the patient. I have had to tell patients (those who are alert and oriented), that they should tell me how to help them because I can't read minds. G...