dah doh

dah doh BSN, RN

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All Content by dah doh

  1. current job dilemma

    From my experience, we never have interviewed the dietary aides who finish nursing school for RN positions even though they work for the hospital. We have interviewed PCT, unit secretary,...
  2. Exclusive pumping/hospital RNs that pump

    My facility does offer a pumping room. Unfortunately it's on the other side of the hospital. Most of my coworkers who pump won't waste time to go that far. Most of them just take over an empty office...
  3. What You Wish You Knew From The Beginning...

    Smile, introduce yourself, get to know everyone you can, be friendly, ask questions....in other words COMMUNICATE! If people like you, they'll be more willing to help you & teach you &...
  4. Coma scale

    We do it as part of our routine neuro exam every 4 hours. On neuro patients it can be done even more frequently per MD
  5. Which should I choose?

    Although the neuro ICU has a younger friendlier crowd, did you ask WHY the staffing issues??? 3:1 for any ICU patient stinks! I personally couldn't do ONLY neuro patients every day, but then I feel...
  6. what to expect during a buddy shift?

    We use "buddy" shifts after the actual orientation is completed. Buddies are a designated mentor or resource person who has their own patients assigned to them but who are close to you (caring for...
  7. Do you lie when they ask, "how long?"

    When I was a new ICU nurse I'd answer "I've been with the hospital 3 years" which wasn't a lie but it didn't say exactly how many of those years where specifically in the ICU. Now I answer "it's my...
  8. Which brands don't wrinkle?

    I used to wear Grey's anatomy & dickies; those two don't wrinkle. Once you feel the material you'll understand it. My white cross top gets a bit wrinkled fresh out of the dryer. My SCRUBS brand...
  9. Is this a wise career move?

    Sorry! Ignore my last post! My kid must have gotten on my phone
  10. Is this a wise career move?

    Mk
  11. Advise required for career choice?

    First figure out what path you are interested in taking since CRNA vs CEO are totally different. You stated you enjoy case management. They why CRNA? Do you have any clinical experience as an RN? To...
  12. What do you want from your clinical?

    I haven't been a nursing student in very long time so my answer could be a bit skewed from precepting new grads & students as well as recalling the better nursing instructors I had & that I've...
  13. What is fair

    To the OP: If the family is present, hand the meds back to them to take home. Otherwise the home meds are listed on a special pharmacy form and get hand carried to the main pharmacy. Only the...
  14. Rant about toenails

    Family is more than welcome to clip the patient's nails. Our facility does not allow the nursing staff to do so. Otherwise the physician needs to consult a podiatrist to do it. Usually the family will...
  15. Do you carry around your stethoscope?

    I work ICU. Yes I use it to do my assessments every 4 hr + prn. I set it down in my work bag & just pick it up when I need it. I've left it around occasionally and it makes it's way to the lost...
  16. Yes I would. Patient is diabetic and asked you to. I would document that it's done per patient's
  17. Interim Permit

    You should check with the BRN for your state. In California, the Interim Permit can be issued to first time nursing school graduates who qualify for NCLEX testing but haven't taken boards yet. It is...
  18. What I tell my patients/families for a little perspective: Sir, breathing is only optional when you're dead! Pain is good...it means you're ALIVE! Sir, being in the ICU is like having the flu...you...
  19. Pls pls i'm a new grad and need a job asap

    In SoCal, unless you have connections or made a seriously good impression during school, you'd better be ready to pound the pavement. Apply in person! Network! Be prepared to drive far. Consider...
  20. SoCal summer nursing externships

    I don't know any internships that pay in the SoCal area. Most students are happy to just be placed in an area of their greatest interest. I haven't heard of externship in over a decade and even then...
  21. Ventricular Tach -- when to call the doc

    What does your policy state? Ours used to be 3 beats in a row with a rate > 150 bpm. It has changed to 30 beats in a row or more with a rate > 150 bpm. We institute a standardized procedure if...
  22. First Impression

    Tell me something memorable about you...examples: health related missionary mission to Africa, ex-military paramedic, created a medical type iphone app, volunteer at a homeless shelter for last...
  23. How many different nursing positions have you had?

    I'm surprised too! Have you networked? I've worked ICU the last 13 years. I've cross trained to day surgery & ER. I've been asked to train for OR & PACU. I also worked Telemetry prior to ICU....
  24. Starting a second IV piggyback

    Follow your facility's policy! At my facility, we used to change the secondary line with each different antibiotic as long as the antibiotic was compatible with the main IV fluid. However, we now...
  25. Crocs

    I've been wearing these crocs in black color for the last few years since I smashed my big toe accidentally and ended up in a huge toe dressing which wouldn't fit regular shoes. The crocs take getting...