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.

Hi. I don't really do shift work, like you do. A lot more driving for me! I understand what you mean about being on your own. I do visits which usually last from 1/2 hour to an hour, depending on the visit. Complicated wound care takes longer, while post surgical assessment would be a bit less, depending on status. typically do anywhere from 1 to 9 visits in a day. Some are in an ALF, while others are in their own home.

Hi. I am in the Tampa, Fl. area. Pay is 25.00 per visit. Some visits are at the pt's home, some are in alf's.

I'm pretty lucky-guess the agency must have been desperate, they hired me with no experience. I do have home health aide experience plus homecare working with developmentally disabled, and have some fantastic mentors at the company. If it weren't for the other nurses, I would never make it, I'm sure. A huge variety of experiences and great not to punch a clock. I am older, too, that probably helps a bit. Would like some facility experience, too, though.

Hi. Just wondering if any of you started their nursing career in homecare. I understand the downside to starting a career in homecare without acute care/med surg experience, or nursing home. But, the opportunitites are endless as far as vareid experiences-wound vacs, lots of foley's suprapubic, Picc line flushes, lots of wound care, etc. Lots af assessment skills and teaching, too. Just wouldn't get that in a nursing home. Would love some feedback or personal experiences. The independance is great, and the RN's and office supervisors are great-the LPN scope here is a bit broader than in most states, too. Just looking for some feedback. Thanks

Thanks for your reply. I know that we can do almost everything here, as well. A lot of the IV stuff, for instance, hanging blood, can be done by an LPN, but it must be under "direct supervision" which basically means the RN has to be in the same building, easily accessible, so to speak. I work in a home care setting, so was wondering about rmoving staples or suprapubic caths, Picc line flushes, etc. Thanks, k-

Hi. Maybe someone can help. I have been looking all over the BON website for some definition of the LPN scope of practice. In other words, something that pretty much spells out what an LPN can and cannot do with or without direction supervision. Want to make sure I am not exceeding my scope. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I'm a newly licensed LPN, getting ready to start some Excelsior courses. I remember our instructors stressing the fact that we all get personal liability insurance, as the facilities will not protect the nurses, if a "situation" occurs. Would like to know some thoughts on this. Would it really depend on where I work, or would it be advisable to get the insurance. How does one find a reputable company? Also, I have been IV certified and am planning on taking a special clinical day. I will work one on one with a BSN in an acute care area and do nothing but IV's and IV care for 6-8 hours. This isn't required, but I would love to have the expereince, though it is a bit pricey. The company offering the clinical day would like the students to have insurance. Any thoughts welcome on the above questions. Thanks!

Good morning all, Just curious if anyone has recieved their results on a weekend? I took my test Thursday late afternoon, and was wondering if I should expect availability to my quick results today, or Monday. I completely understand now, the stress this waiting causes! Wow. The quick results info page says 2 business days, but I was kind of hoping the results might be available today, as Pearson is open for testing today. Thanks! K-

I took the NCLEX-Pn today. I was at the top of my class in school, and actually felt pretty confident going in. The first question on the test threw me for a loop! I thought it was supposed to get progressively harder, not start hard! I had questions with diseases I had never heard of, drugs I have ever heard of and honestly there were only a few questions I can say I knew for sure. Whats up? I am beside myself- I really don't know how I could have prepared for the test, the questions were about thngs I have never heard of. Haas anyone else felt this way? I feel incompetent and helpless. It shut off at 85, and I couldn't beleive it. I am almost cetain I have failed it, and really wouldn't know where to begin to study to take it again. How can I do so well in school and on the practice tests and then get questions about these obscure drugs and diseases? Just wanted to know if anyone else had felt this way??? Thanks, K-

Hi Suzanne, I am in Florida. So, I will receive a letter from the BON prior to my Pearson email, or not necessarily, right? I have already signed up and paid with Pearson, and opted for the email option to receive my ATT. Sorry if I sound stupid here...just don't know what to expect first! Just seems like it has been a long time! Thank you SO much!