915Chief

Greetings Gov. Abbott: Per the OP's request I'm submitting my thoughts related to the Santa Fe shootings and from your perch it must be similar to what Gov. Richards experienced after George Hennard shot up Luby's in Killeen. Then, as now, there is a mantra for government to "do something." I submit to you sir, that the gun free zone is as useless as California's ban on using a cellphone while driving without a hands-free device, and for the same reason: there are no teeth in either law. This is on top of the laws that were broken by shooter that were already in place at the time. My suggestion to you is to follow Andrew Pollock's (father of Meadow Pollock) idea of focusing on the security of the school. Possibilities include metal detectors, restricted entry points, the infamous see though backpack, or something else. With all due respect sir, you'll never please the gun control crowd - ever. Never mind DC vs. Heller or McDonald vs Chicago, or the astounding murder rates in cities with the tightest gun restrictions, it just won't happen. I've read where you're convening a council to explore various options on this subject. I wouldn't recommend arming all teachers for the simple reason that there would be those who can't or won't use a firearm. But you do have some that are already trained, vetted, and licensed by the State of Texas: CHL holders. I would also submit that Texas also has another resource in veterans. There is a whole generation of our military that has/had involvement in the war on terrorism and all of them have fire arms training; many of them with various automatic weapons. Texas loves their vets and it shows with the number of vets that live there. Hire them as resource/security officers The same article that mentioned your council also referenced somebody who stated Texas must change their gun culture. That culture produced Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff. Instead, I believe that the council should focus on what drives the shooter to shoot, i.e. bullying, etc. I would hope you find these suggestions useful sir, and wish you and the people of Texas every success in this endeavor.

The answer to your question lies in their CEU provider number and if your state Board of Nursing recognizes it. http://w3.rn.com/nursing-education/accreditation.aspx is an example of what you're looking for CEU provider number wise. If they can provide you a number that you can independently verify with the board that's fine, but if they hem & haw or otherwise try change the subject then it's like doing blood work without your gloves on. Good luck...PM me if you need additional help.

I love 3 12s per week as it gives me 4 OFO days. I understand about the bathroom breaks and decided long ago that I'd rather get chewed out for taking an extra minute to do most tasks (unless it's a priority one EMS run) than wetting my pants which is not only unprofessional, but un-hygenic. Lunches always seems to be an odd issue that varies from hospital to hospital. In the last place I worked they would make you clock in/out for lunch, but then track you down to do some task, etc. so that you really didn't get your break. At the place I work now, you not only get your lunch, but they'll track you down and have a word with you if you don't take your full lunch break. I was so stunned I was sure the cafeteria had slipped me a mickey....

This is where your assertiveness training kicks in. Most of the radiology techs get that IV start and blood draw comes first and will work with you. As mentioned above, be professional and give them a realistic time estimate of when to come back...chances are they're calculating if they have time to x-ray another patient and come back to yours when you're finished.

My two cents worth in addition to the great advice already given: 1. Don't give up. Nursing school rarely gets you properly trained for IV starts, so you're definitely not alone. 2. Don't forget that there isn't a nurse on this planet that hasn't missed a start only to have somebody come right behind them a get it on the first stick. Your day will come. 3. Practice, practice, practice....and make sure you learn to palpate with the gloves on using alcohol swabs so your fingers glide. You'll watch others rip the finger off to do this. You'll wish you hadn't as soon as you hear words like MRSA, C. Diff, Scabies, etc. Also, make sure you palpate which direction the vein is going. 4. Don't forget to check the backside of the forearm....amazing how many won't/don't do this. PT isn't a diabetic? Then the feet are also a candidate area. On larger PTs the axillary area where the breast and shoulder meet are potential candidates. 5. Ask people who you think are IV experts for their tricks of the trade. Most nurses are happy to share their experiences. Have then watch you and give pointers. 6. Did I mention not to give up? Best of luck to you....