PAjama_Mama

Hello all, I am an ER nurse, but I am posting this here because I would rather get the scoop right from the true experts. The other day I had a preterm neonate who was born at 34 weeks gestation and was now 2 weeks old come into the ER. I remember being told years ago to never take a rectal temp on a preterm baby due to possible vagal response or bowel perforation and to take an axillary instead. At what point is it okay to begin taking rectal temperatures in these babies? We only have three options for temperatures in my small ER: Oral, Axillary or Rectal.

I dropped the Algebra and US History courses. Algebra's online instruction was terrible. They would give an example of something new and show you steps A and C and assume you knew B. I am a "see one do one teach one" person, and if I can't see it, the rest is moot. I will take Algebra at my community college. US History assignments! Are you KIDDING me? Forty-two assignments in 15 weeks is ridiculous for a gen-ed online course, but in 8 weeks it was impossible. I just couldn't find time for it all. It was a lot of busy work.

Hello all! My family and I are relocating to the Lancaster/Hershey area at the end of this (2014) school year, and I am wondering if anyone can give me advice or information on working conditions and/or salaries for hospitals within a 30-45 minute drive? I'm only aware of P.S. Hershey MC, Pinnacle Health, and Lancaster General; are there others that anyone recommends? I currently have my ADN and am attending University of Texas at Arlington's RN-BSN program, if that matters. Also, any high schools to absolutely avoid? Thank you for taking the time to respond

No matter what side of the LPN/RN or NP/MD argument you are on, there are two simple facts that make the issues different. Upon GRADUATION: 1. An entry-level LPN is (more or less) taught how to DO things. An entry-level RN is taught in depth WHY they are doing these things - thus the extra education needed. 2. An entry-level MD has only his clinical experience when he walks through the door. An entry-level NP has at LEAST 4-6 years experience as a real-world nurse with all the clinical experience that entails, PLUS the required clinical hours needed to complete an NP program. I am not arguing for or against either side, just pointing out what happens to personally jump out at me as the differences.

Wow - 10 years and this post still thrives! If I may add to ridiculous visits: C/O: Toe fungus. Time of Day: 04:15. NOT. KIDDING.

I graduated in May and currently work in an ER/Trauma Center where a patient recently asked - from what seemed out of nowhere - if I was a new grad. I was instantly mortified! I thought I'd done something wrong, made a silly error, etc., despite the fact that I had an excellent orientation and preceptor. I looked at her, wide-eyed, and replied, "Why do you ask?" Her response? "You're too nice to have been here a long time. Only the new ones are nice like you." That really bothered me. (I must say 90% of my coworkers have been there for many years and are also very compassionate, and this woman typically dealt with a for-profit hospital across town!)

I'm new to the ER and had to give my first dose of Narcan last night. The nurse that was orienting me told me to push it very slowly to keep the pt from vomiting, so I pushed 1mL over about 3 minutes. As I was almost done, another nurse came into the room and asked me what I was doing. I explained that I was pushing the Narcan slow like I was told to, but she said it wasn't necessary and that they usually just push it as fast as a flush would be pushed. I checked my Davis' Drug Guide online and it said nothing about administering it slowly, but I Googled it and found an even mix. Some even say administering it quickly can be dangerous because it puts them into sudden withdrawal and increases the risk of pulmonary edema. So I respectfully ask the experienced ER nurses, how do YOU administer Narcan?

babybluelife, I got the same email. Being an ADN, I really didn't think I would get it anyway, but was a little hopeful. Everything happens for a reason! We had planned to move to Florida if I didn't make it as Hershey's program was the only thing keeping me here - so I guess I was meant to be in Florida!! Remember, sometimes what we want is not what God wants for us Good luck with your search for the right fit...

haha babybluelife - I actually responded to that email and asked to put SICU for my 2nd choice (they offered it for 1st or 2nd only, and I had it as my 3rd). Thank goodness! I didn't want to look ignorant by having a position with no openings. I STILL swear there were 3 openings for that when I applied in the beginning of January, but my eyes might have been playing tricks on me. In the meantime, I'm going to the Trauma conference in Hershey in March, so maybe I'll be able to network with a few Hershey employees there. They aren't running it - the American Trauma Society is - but I'm sure there will be many Hershey doctors and nurses there!

babybluelife, my fingers are crossed as well! On the questionnaire I chose SICU, but when I recently went back to FAQ site, it showed that the number of interns being accepted was "0" I could SWEAR it was 3 before! Got my confirmation today that they received everything and to just wait it out. NOT EASY!!!

Glad this thread was started :) I also applied. I'm working on my clinical narrative, which is how I found this post. Never did one before so I'm struggling! But on the questionnaire I chose ER, HVICU, and SICU. I would say "anything in critical care" but at this point, anything at Hershey would make me happy! Just want to get my foot in the door. Good luck, everyone!