kk2000

I know this is an old thread, but had to put in my 2 cents, for what its worth! Unfortunately the signs that a "DrugSeeker" exhibits are pretty much the same as a pain patient that is not getting adequate relief. i.e. requesting additional dosages, "clock watching" and asking for next dosage early or right on time, telling staff what meds do and do not work for them...etc. etc. Just something to think about... K-

Hello: I am wondering if any nurses out there have been deemed ineligible to practice in the state of Florida by AHCA? The new background check rules began on August 1st, I believe. If deemed ineligible by AHCA, based on criminal history, then you must apply for an exemption thru the BON. I have a charge from almost 20 years ago, and have been declared ineligible to work. Really blindsided me!! Curious if anyone has had the same thing happen, and how there experience with appealing to the FBON has worked out? In case anyone is wondering, it is a possession charge from almost 20 years ago. Thank you- K- p.s. I have posted this in the Florida nurses forum, as well.

Hi- Removed a PICC today in the pt's home-procedure went fine-no c/o pain or discomfort, site looks great-length was the same as when it was put in, if not a tad longer which is not that unusual for a long term placement. I called my patient to verify a visit for tomorrow and he is complaining of some mild chest pain. He is alert and oriented-denies shortness of breath or respiratory dificulties, denies palpitations, denies neck, shoulder or arm pain-reports no redness or anything unusual at the site. Says it is very mild-really downplaying it- Would like to assess him in person, but he is adamant about not wanting me to come to see him tonight-I made him promise to call me if anything worsens or persists. Left a msg for his son to call me to advise him of situation- Has anyone had a pt complain of chest pain after PICC removal? Any thoughts are appreciated- Thank you-

Hi. I have wanted to be a hospice nurse for as long as I can remember. What a privilege to assist a patient and their family experience a 'good" painfree (hopefully) death. Unfortunately at the Hospice House that I work in, there has been quite a bit of turnoverrof management and staff, and not only are new employees not getting properly trained on the paperwork/computer, but there is a negative and hostile environment in general. No doubt this can be an extremely rewarding career, nothing better than the hugs, tears, etc, but the toxic atmosphere and the "walking on eggshells" has me frustrated and there isn't much joy left in my heart for my profession or my patients. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you K-

Ok, this will sound ridiculous, but it is really stressing me out! I have 2 interviews tomorrow, one for a suoervisory position, one is for work in a medical office. I needed a change from home health, and I am getting good response from my resume. Here is the problem. I have been sick with a cold for a few weeks, lots of coughing and sinus problems. 2 days ago i developed a huge area of nasty blisters under my nose that is now a mixture of blisters, scabs and bright red areas. Assuming it is from the virus and blowing my nose so much. This is big-probably a total of 2+_ inches from side of nose to even with upper lip., Impossible to cover with concealer because it is not flat, just looks like I tried to cover it up. AAArrrrggggg! I am SO self conscious and it definately looks bad. Even my best friends have conceded that it is pretty hideous. Aside from going with the new "bandit" look with a bandanna around my face I am in panic mode. Should I cancel my interviews or suck it up??? What would YOU do????? Feel free to laugh. Thanks

I would really appreciate some help! I am lookking for step by step instructions on administering antibiotics via picc line. It needs to be reconstituted, the vial with powder is attached to the bag. I had a problem doing this (reconstituting)the other day, not sure where I went wrong. Thanks in advance-

Ok. I am a little frustrated. It seems that there is an awful lot of chaos at my hhca. Lots of missed visits due to inaccurate frequencies, communication, etc. I really love my job, but every few months or so I get a stack of "missed visits" to fill out and usually I never even knew about the visits, weren't on my schedule or I had been told a different frequency. Uggghhh-just venting~!

YES, yes, yes-I completely understand! With our parents sometimes things are not what they appear to others. K-

I think a contributing factor in the confusion about LPN's is the huge differences in the LPN scope in different states. Some states do not allow LPN's to even pass narcotics, nor can they do Iv's, hang blood etc. Here in Florida, we can do IV's, and even hang blood if there is an RN on the property. Just a few examples. So, I think that with some states limitations on scope of practice, makes some of the RN's and others believe that we are not as "valuable"? Just a thought. Perhaps there should be more available trainings and certifications for the PN.

Just curious- how long would you say your average visit is, for say an uncomplicated wound care or a client post cabg? thanks!

Hello: $800.00 per week, up to 32 visits. Generally do between 20-30 visits. Over 32 is paid the per diem rate of $25.00 per visit. Lots of paperwork, doc calls, etc., but generally a job with lots of freedom, so you do need to schedule and use your time wisely. Hope this helps.

I know I am not addressing the OP's actual question, but... I really think it is important to note that people in pain can laugh, joke, eat, etc etc. This is not a very accurate indicator of whether someone is in pain. I work, laugh, joke, eat, smoke etc. . I am in severe pain every single day, and most times no one would ever tell by my demeanor. That being said, it is a TERRIBLE experience to be in pain and not be believed. After several bad experiences, I will probably never go the ER again unless I am passed out or near death. IMHo, better to medicate a few addicts than not medicate a true sufferer. I have been there.

Hello. Could someone direct me to a site where I could read the step by step procedure for infusing antibiotics through a PICC? I am looking for the procedure for a homecare patient, from step one (i.e. gather equipment, wash hands, etc.) Thanks

Had to respond here-when you know you aren't believed, and are not validated just because you are not presenting with classic pain signs and vitals, one tends to be very scared of being labelled. I, for one, have had this experience, only to find out a few days later after having an MRI at my own expense, that I had 3 additional disc herniations after the ER doc told me that there was nothing wrong with me and to go home and take tylenol. Wouldn't even do an xray. Please don't judge until you have been in the situation. Yes, there are drug seekers, but a person in pain is always suspect.

Would love any thoughts from some seasoned nurses. I have a home health patient who had an endarectomy about 12 days ago. VSS, incision looks great, he feels strong and is really having no ill effects except he gets very fatigued when eating, as well as feels as if the food is "gagging" him at times. He doesn't actually vomit, just says the chewing exhausts him and then these intermittant gagging episodes. Is this a 'normal" thing given the type and location of the surgery? He is still a bit swollen aroound his neck area, I would assume internally is similar due to the trauma to the area? He is very anxious about it, the nausea only happens when he is eating and he is usually able to finish a meal. i would like to be able to reassure him, as he is experiencing alot of anxiety over this, especially the fact that chewing him fatiigues him. Many thanks in advance.