lpnadmin

What is their level of functioning? I've had non-verbal residents before and it is a challenge. Are you in an LTC setting? A notebook would be a good start. Alternatively, a picture board is helpful too. In addition, observing your resident's body language can be very helpful in discovering potential problems. For instance, if he/she signals that everything is ok but grimaces as though in pain, then something's likely wrong.

My wife and I voted yesterday. Afterward, we went out for lunch (a rarity since we both work evenings/nights).

I envision a humorous parody advertisement somewhere. Something like..."Come to Press-Ganey Memorial Hospital. a Mobil Travel Guide five-star resort. We don't take care of everybody...we take care of YOU!"

I noticed that most (if not all) of the responses were from ladies, but here's a response from a 5'11, 240 pound male LPN. My first day on my present job was an experience. Within two hours of clocking in one of my folks has a grand mal seizure (his first in a year and a half) while in a common area. After easing them to the floor and staying with them until it passed, I told the ladies I worked with that I appreciated their help. That seemed to make a good impression... On the morning medpass my RN in charge was with me when my folks woke up and got their meds. One reaction was, "Who are you? Are you a nurse?" I said, "You mean this isn't the oil change place?" All three of us erupted in laughter!! Then, of course, I told them who I was and that indeed, I was their nurse. Needless to say, I've established myself fairly firmly. Who knows, I could be fixing a VCR one minute then giving a hep B shot the next. lpnadmin "nursing care and electronic repair while-u-wait":)

"Right To Work" does not, in any way, shape, manner or form, mean you have a right to gainful employment. All "right to work' means is that union membership cannot be made a condition of employment. That's all. Nothing else. If you want to do some research, find out who bankrolls pro-right-to-work organizations. Most likely, you'll find the same groups supporting right to work that oppose any kind of pro-worker initiative. lpnadmin

In my opinion, Wikipedia should not be used as a firm nursing reference tool. It can be good to get a general idea, but I would get definitive information from other sources. There was a controversy a few months back about someone posting patently false information in a Wikipedia entry. This is not to say that every article in WP is false, I'm just saying be careful. lpnadmin

ABC blew it. Big time. I remember when they showed "The Day After" in 1983 they at least had a program afterwards where the real likelihood of nuclear war was discussed. But not anymore. It seems to me that modern US TV is designed to entertain (by any means necessary) more than inform. For my part, the only things I watch on TV are "The Sopranos" and my own VHS and DVD collection (like "Doctor Who", for example, and lots of documentaries). Broadcast television, as a whole, just doesn't do it for me. lpnadmin "eating his chicken tenders without fear"

I worked as driver for a local mom and pop pizzeria. Without their support, I wouldn't have made it thru nursing school.

Anybody know anything about, or dealt with these folks? Our big regional hospital secured these folks to try to make their ER a better place. In the past, there have been MAJOR complaints regarding service, even a few unflattering letters published in the op-ed section of the paper. So, they hire these folks to turn things around. What's your experience? lpnadmin anxiously awaiting the new Doctor Who series

If I don't remember anything else from nursing school, it's the difference between assertiveness and aggression. We as nurses don't want to be viewed as aggressive but assertiveness is not the same as aggression. Assertiveness is standing your ground while being respectful of those around you. In other words, defending yourself without being defensive. I saw this elsewhere on the web but I believe it bears repeating here: You have the right to ask for what you want. You have the right to say no to requests or demands You can't meet. You have the right to express your feelings, positive or negative. You have the right to change your mind. You have the right to determine your own priorities. You have the right not to be responsible for others' behavior, actions feelings, or problems. You have the right to expect honesty from others. You have the right to be angry at someone you love. You have the right to feel scared and say "I'm afraid." You have the right not to give reasons for your behavior. You have the right to make decisions based on your feelings. You have the right to your own needs for personal time. You have the right to be playful and frivolous. You have the right to be healthier than those around you. You have the right to be in a non abusive environment. You have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people. Not a speck of aggression in the bunch. lpnadmin

I would do exactly the same thing.

If it were me, it would have been reported. If I saw a CNA doing that, there would be a write up involved. Demeaning is the word I'd use.

When I worked in the ER, I didn't mind traumatic injuries coming in, then eating supper afterwards. But if I have to take a shot...I crawl the walls! :chair:

ShayRN, I admire you for sticking to your guns. I'm going to tuck this in memory for future reference.

This is about as close to a textbook, unbiased (as humanly possible) definition as I can get, so here goes: A union is an organization legally designated to negotiate for, and protect the interests of a group of employees that work for a particular employer. In reality, unions can be locally-based, regional or state based, and national based. At the heart of the union's negotiating power is a legally binding contract between the employer and the union, which spells out working conditions, workforce levels, benefits, etc. If the union feels that management is not dealing fairly with a union, then the union may call a strike or walkout to call attention to their demands. Similarly. a strike by management is called a 'lockout'. Many unions require a 'super-majority' in order to pass a strike vote, anywhere from 60% to 75% approval. This is due to the heavy risks involved in striking; an employer is legally free to replace striking workers and very few strikers recieve unemployment benefits. In order for a union to become a legal representative of a group of employees, an election by the National Labor Relations Board is conducted. A simple majority is required to win. Once the election is certified, and if the union wins, then both the employer and the union are legally required to sit down and come up with a contract. Sometimes it may take days or months. Unions are supported by fees paid by members as dues. Dues monies are intended to defray the costs of representation and administration. I realize this is a (comparitively) short and incomplete answer, but if you need further help, drop me a line. lpnadmin

In the town where I did clinicals: Crook Income Tax Pickle Funeral Home (These are real businesses, and quite reputable and successful, too.)

I actually drew up a care plan for a resident on how to care for their record player and records. Since I have about 1500 LP's and a record player (and appropriate interfacing equipment for converting them to CD's) I jumped on the opportunity. The rationale was that since records themselves and replacement items like needles are in short supply, there was a possibility that their quality of life could be impaired by breakdown of the phonograph r/t mishandling. Most of the plan revolved on how to place the tonearm on the outer edge of the record and picking it straight up when the record was finished, as opposed to sliding the needle across the surface of the record. The record used was an old Danny Davis & The Nashville Brass LP. (Danny Davis is not only a bandleader but was a staff producer at RCA Records in the early 1970's) lpnadmin As seen in "Presleyana" by Jerry Osbourne, 5th ed. Jellyroll Books (2003) "ask me about 'silver top stereo' LP's and 'dog on side' 45's"

I've got a 7-year old black & white tomcat who waits on the windowsill for me to come in from work. Then he'll hit me up for some food/water (he likes FRESH) and then a belly rub on the rug. Occasionally, I'll treat him to a can of tuna. He doesn't seem to mind the odd hours I work; he really goes by his own schedule anyways.

I've even had CNA's put forth the notion that I should put off a medpass until after everyone is gotten up. Isn't that bogus? Often, these are the same CNA's who call in and ask me to cover for them while they take off.

I worked with an RN who had ADD. If he hadn't mentioned it, I never would have known. Doggone good ER nurse, ADD or not. lpnadmin

Faith Hill is a country singer with pop (not rock) leanings. In my opinion, her music tends to be quite prefabricated and commercialized. Trust me, you ain't missing anything. lpnadmin "Where's Mojo Nixon when we need him?"

I found this song about the drug industry in the US. The lyric about the pt wanting the drug after seeing it on TV hit home because when I did clinicals, I ran across a few patients who asked for a specific drug (refusing the generic eqivalent) after seeing an ad. The fact that the drug (brand or generic) would have little effect on their symptoms was not an issue. There is a cartoon that accompanies the song that is absolutely hilarious! The Drugs I Need (Austin Lounge Lizards) You've got a headache And I've got some strange disease Don't worry about it This pill will set your mind at ease It's called Progenitorivox It's made by SquAbbMerlCo It's a life enhancing miracle But there are some things you should know It may cause agitation Palpitations Excessive salivation Constipation Male lactation Rust colored urination Hallucinations Bad vibrations Mild electric shock sensations But it's worth it For the drugs I need My disease may not be fatal But I can ease my fears By taking two $12 pills Each day for fifty years They've spent billions to convince me So now I realize Progenitorivox Beats diet and exercise! I've got insurance At least for now I do And if I buy generic It would cut my cost in two But I want Progenitorivox! 'cause I saw it on TV Those families look so functional That paisley pill's for me But it may cause Depravation Humiliation Debtor's prison and deportation Dark depictions Dire predictions Life as seen in Dickens fiction Empty pocket Court dockets May cause eyes to pop from sockets But it's worth it For the drugs I need But it's worth it... (In Canada, they get this for a song!) But it's worth it For the drugs I need (This part is spoken over the last few seconds of the song, like the disclaimers in radio ads for car dealerships) The opinions expressed in this song are not necessarily those of SquabbMerlCo or its subsidiaries. Progenitorivox is not available, anywhere. Offer void in Wisconsin. Any resemblance to actual drugs, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any unauthorized use of your judgment in the application of Progenitorivox is strictly prohibited. Progenitorivox may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Major League Baseball. Progenitorivox may cause drowsiness or restlessness in lab animals. Do not resume sexual activity while operating heavy machinery without consulting your physician. For erections lasting longer than four hours, insert your own joke here. If you experience psychotic episodes, you're crazy. If death occurs, discontinue use of Progenitorivox immediately. If symptoms persist, consult your physician. All sales final. Batteries not included. lpnadmin not a nerd but a level 61 dungeonmaster

I worked for myself in PC installation, setup and repair. I even did teaching on software programs like excel and word. I used the money from jobs to buy nursing books and gas to classes. (I never went to a job without my "swiss army knife" cd-rom, which was a CD full of diagnostic/antiviral/repair programs) I also delivered pizza for a local pizzeria. They and my family were my biggest supporters during nursing school. Even today, I still get trouble calls (mostly virus-related) and requests for tutorials on how to burn CD's/DVD's. And I try to fit them in on my days off. lpnadmin not a geek, but a level 61 dungeonmaster.

Degloving injury: when all or part of a body area (esp. extremities) has the skin removed (often with damage to underlying structures) as a result of blunt force or trauma (accidents, etc.) Usually requires LOTS of debridement and reconstructive surgery. You're not dumb. People who ask questions are willing to learn. lpnadmin live from exit 101

It was tried at the big regional hospital about 14 years ago. It was also a major disaster. Within a few months, the administration was forced to roll back its policy.