Keep_Calm

In my opinion, if he was sating 97% on 2L with a NRM, then maybe he didn't really need it in the first place...? You mentioned he was a frequent flyer. I had a pt. once who was so SOB and we couldn't figure out why. His sats were fine. He continued to c/o SOB and seemed very distressed so we did blood gases. While he was in xray, his son came forward and reported to us that his father "acts this way every time he is in the ER." And what do you know, his blood gases showed that he had actually put himself into respiratory alkalosis by trying so hard to be SOB! Long story short, we took the O2 off and gave him a xanax and he was fine. Maybe this is a psychosomatic issue your pt. is having. Is he holding his breath on purpose to de-saturate. (Is that possible, lol?) Does the attention and the NRM have a placebo effect on him? It is hard to say without more to the story. What did his lungs sound like? What was his WOB like? Chest Xray? PMH? Does he have COPD? Does he need the NRB to increase his hypoxic drive?

AMEN!!!

In a small community (I'm guessing so if you have volunteer ems), I think it would be extremely beneficial to have the EMT cert on your résumé when applying for an ER position. If the hospital doesn't use volunteers in the ER, go on as many runs with the squad as you can to become familiar and friendly with the ER staff. So definitely do it!

You are so right. Instant gratification fueled by technology is finding its way into healthcare. 'I feel sick and I want to know what's wrong right now and I don't want to wait to make an appointment.' We had a mom bring her 9 month old in at 0230 the other morning for what she thought was poison ivy in his diaper area. Really? The baby was perfectly happy and not bothered by this (diaper rash...lol) at all. Smh

Working in healthcare while in school would be something... :)

But I also don't agree with doing something purely because your boyfriend tells you to. Make a list of pros and cons and decide for yourself. Good luck!

Are you doing it for the money or because you think you'll really enjoy nursing as a career? My opinion is that you should go for RN, take CNA/STNA classes and work in a nursing home or hospital while in school. BUT it does take time and determination. Yes, LPN is quicker and just as fulfilling but then you become limited in your choice of jobs when you get done with school. I am an LPN and I did it for the quickness--in hindsight I wish I would have just went for RN right away instead of trying to do it while working and with 2 kids like I am now.

Chalk it up to experience! That's what clinicals are for. It sounds like the situation could have been a lot worse. Be thankful for the experience and thankful it turned out ok.

^this

Ok fair enough. I just see so many RNs who can't even find work, and ninety something percent of hospitals don't hire LPNs anymore--let alone in the ED..... I certainly don't think I am lowly, but some hospitals like to view us that way. Thank you everyone!

I just got the job in the ER!! I was definitely the underdog--LPN going for an RN position. What an amazing thing this has turned into! I guess putting myself out there and being willing to take a lower job to get my foot in the door was worth it. Thank goodness for small rural hospitals not afraid to hire a lowly LPN.

Congratulations! How about: Registered Nurse, State of Missouri

It depends entirely on the situation.

I think you did a great job too. You did what any good nurse would do. You cared for your patient to the best of your ability, you consulted other nurses and the charge nurse, and you did everything you could for the family. With end stage respiratory disease, the patient would have to use accessory muscles to breathe until he, well, stopped....right?

Oooo! Sounds so hopeful for you! I think you did everything you could do for now. Unfortunately waiting is the hardest part. I am going through the waiting game now myself. Maybe a handwritten thank you note would help? Deep breath... :)