JRM357NP

So I am trauma by trade, my wife worked in the SICU and I had a good friend that worked in a Medical ICU. Each has their trade-offs. Surgical ICU, is fast paced and based off the type of facility you work in (Trauma or teaching institution), so if you work at big institution, with around the medical care and a lot of trauma, get your skates ready, but you will learn.. MICU, the same thing almost, but really sick patients as well. Either way you hone in on the patho and operate your care with those co-morbidities in mind. Just thought about it while speaking w/my wife, SICU is quick and fast, but, you have the trauma component added on top of the many co-morbidities of a MICU patient. But to be honest, do both and be the best! Patho is nearly the same especially once you learn how Trauma(s) affect it all! So be high speed and low drag, it is challenging and to hear/see those unit nurses at work is amazing (even my fellow Trauma/Critical Care nurses! Either way a competent nurse gets the respect of the providers and that you will become.

HA!! Yes the T-shirt, I do this too... a whole lot cheaper as well...

Don't worry about the cover or the holder in my opinion. Get you some good scrubs in the that can accommodate the stethoscope, the clip (and even in the pocket sometimes) will cause the stethoscope to catch on things. Just my opinion and experience.

Wow... First question is what does your facility's UNIT policy state on accessing central lines? That is a big concern right there. Did you have a MD's order to access the line? That is a CYA in itself. So documentation and speaking with the patient will be of great help. One of the first questions I ask a patient is, "Is there usually blood return from your port?" They know their port status very well. If they say "no," but the port is still functional, then fine. However, I don't care for the back prime because of the risk of air getting into the line by accident, still document the ease of pushing the flush and the lack of blood aspiration and waste if applicable. Remember ports are surgically implanted and should have had placement verification after it's initial placement and maybe on previous documentation, if not, speak to the MD and charge nurse/supervisor, (CYA). Any PICC lines or central lines, make sure placement verification has been completed (especially from an outside facility), the film read & dictated, has the okay per the radiologist for use, ask the MD if it is okay (put in an order) to use and chart it all! Lastly, after I became proficient with inserting IV's, I try to avoid central lines if possible. For me it is more of a patient safety issue and wanting them to stay free of central line infections. I hope gave you some help! ;o)

Along with Accreditation, make you are looking for a strong program with a high percentage of first time passing on the boards. Often times Healthcare facilities know the programs who sends out the higher caliber nurses... so keep that in mind as well. ** Believe me, not all institutions are made equal, I seen and experienced it. Best Wishes!!!

I am in the Army about to get out, I am contemplating getting a ASN at a community college in KY and once I finish that get my BSN, hopefully from Columbus State University. Will I have any problems doing that? Could there be some sort of conflict since I will be transferring from the community college to CSU? Also, I am currently taking classes online that are going towards general studies, I can't take some of the classes that most pre-nursing students take b/c of the fact that is online. My question is this, when I get back to the states and go back to school, would it be better if I went straight in a ASN program and risk losing some of the credits that I have now or complete my assciates in General studies, and go for my BSN? Am I able to do that? Could anyone give me some advice on this, what is the best route to go? Your Future Nurse, Jorge