Lynn Casey RN

Hi! I agree!I used to be an avid reader of this site and dedicated a couple minutes everyday to see the new stuff.I haven't been enjoying it as much these days because of the reasons stated above.I avoid it at work,I sure don't want to go looking for it on the net too!Great post!Thanks!

Hi!I am uncertain of the brand but our hospital has NG anchors.They are elastoplast bandages with a plastic clamp attached.Sounds like heaven eh?Well,it isn't.Our NG's are always falling out(But the tape stays!)This really sucks because some stuffy surgeon's write right on the tape on the patient's forhead DO NOT ADJUST.I like the tegaderm(opsite) or waterproof tape(the skin color stuff) split up the middle,wrapped around the tube and anchored on the nose.Good Luck!

Hi Suzy K!I just read the boss's post and now I am really confused.I always thought the LPN was the same as an RNA here in Canada.RNA meaning Registered Nursing Assitant.Is LPN Liscenced Practical Nurse?Do they work under the direction of an RN?(ie Rn's cover their patients for meds,extensive drsg's ,iv's and meds?)If this is true then I don't understand.According to the boss she has started iv's in hundreds of neonates up to elderly?Where I work only RN's can start iv's and work in intensive care(where neonates would be).Only Dr's "run codes".Is she serious?Do LPN's run codes in the US?I am not slamming the boss but I am very confused.She sounds like she runs the ER?Considering the money theboss makes and the LPN qualifications and responsibilities I wonder what the difference is between LPN and RN in the US?Shorter course,more money?RUN CODES?Please clarify this for me.I'm scared to ask on the other post.Thanks! P.S. In response to your original question I worked with an excellent RNA the other night and asked her the same question,she told me she loved the patients so much she wanted to focus on them and not all the extra bull@#$(ie paperwork,Dr.s,orders,etc)She's great and I understand and respect her.

One night shift a coworker asked for my help after three failed catheter attempts with an 82 yo lady.In I went and she followed with a big flashlight.On the second attempt,I found it!As I was inserting it I contaminated the tip on her thigh.I meant to say "I am such a clutz" and/or "I am so ditzy" and instead ,with my face right down in there...."I'm so clitzy!" All three of us laughed but the patient laughed so hard she peed!YEAH!

A collegue wrote..."pt states "slept well until nurse came in to get on patient"(instead of check on pt!)LOL!

Hi!Thanks for the tip.However,I couldn't get anywhere unless I paid $39.95 to register.In my books that ain't free. I stand corrected re the above.Everyone should be aware that you go to "my community" on the site ,and that's free.I clicked on everything else but.This is indeed a great site,thanks for the tip Joanie! [This message has been edited by Lynn Casey RN (edited March 18, 2001).]

Good post Buck227.Just a few opinions.I live in Canada and our health care system is totally run by the gov'nt both federally and provincially.On the positive side there are alot of safety nets in place and if something goes terribly wrong...the gov'nt is accountable.However,as with any gov'nt run agency there is a tremendous amount of waste.Alot of money is wasted on middle management,studies etc and nothing seems to get done.At times I am envious of the privately run institutions in the US because as a "paying"customer,literally instead of thru tax dollars ,I can demand higher standards as a private citizen.We cannot be verbal up here,ie letter to the editor etc,because we would lose our job and be black balled from the profession.I do hear however,that if the hospital in the US for whom you are working doesn't give a hoot then too bad!It's a tough call to make.I wonder what we could do as a collective body to address this world wide problem of disrespect and ignorance for what we do?I would stand behind a massive campaign to expose to the public the money saving atrocities we have all seen.Any ideas?

I recently encountered the worst of the worst with a group of RN's I don't usually work with.A patient expired right at shift change!I said to the nurse who had him all day..."Why don't you finish off your paper work and go get the family,I'll do the TLC."After she went to get them,she proceeded to call the DR.,nursing supervisor and everyone else she could loudly pronounce it to (in close proximity to the family) "L" bed is dying.Yep,he's definiely on his way now "....you get the picture.I had put down the siderails and held the man's hand opposite his son on the other side.Then,the RN in charge pushed the son aside and shut off the vent and cardiac monitor! I struggled to keep the family occupied and talking so they wouldn't notice this heartless,disgusting behavior!!!I fail to see what they thought they were accomplishing.I felt it was inappropriate to discuss it at the time.Then,while the family were still there,the charge nurse started pressuring me to get him to the morgue,there's a patient waiting downstairs!(Loudly again!)I went aboard her then and said...I will not push this family out of here until they are god damned good and ready!There wouldn't have been a bed if this hadn't happened...so drift!!!(out of earshot)I was devastated that these "ladies" could be so heartless!I spoke with the proper channels,but nothing is happening.So sad that RN's forget that these are humans,not cattle!I think there should be more "sensitivity" training.Any ideas?Similar experience?(I hope not)Thanks in advance!

Great responses Tim GNP and Mijourney!I agree 100%!This is what I find so tragic in what I consider the best opportunity in the world to touch millions of people's lives....NURSING!I wish so badly that we could make them all see this.All my career,I have been bashed for being too keen,too popular with patients,too nice to students,too...I make a point to point out the positive qualities to everyone I work with.And what do I get?A size 7-9 shoe on my head.I have been told I am "intimidating".I find this so frustrating when all I want to do is make work fun and our profession enviable!I will perservere.The bottom line here is there will always be nurses with low self esteem who's lives are out of control.Unfortunately,they feel bigger by making others feel small.I feel the only way to address this problem is from the ground up.I've made a promise to my self to "grab"onto every student nurse and new grad and show them all the great things that await them if they let themselves.I also feel exposing,rather than tolerating "bullies" is a move in the right direction.When I get "slighted" I put on a big ass grin and say "Thanks!"Trust me ,it works!Good Luck!Lets work together...remember...it only takes a spark!

Hi JMP!You are going to be told that you should have 2 years med surg experience first.However,I love to take on a new grad,keen and eager,full of questions,with no bad habits!I believe ICU nurses are born not created!Anyways,if accepted into an ICU go for it!However,make sure you have ACLS,Basic monitoring, and you should find a hospital that offers a critical care course(1 month or more) first.It's great that you were able to spend your preceptorship in an ICU setting,but remember that doesn't make you an expert.PLease,never say "I know that...I know that....etc.Hopefully,where ever you chose to work offers the above courses and a mentor.I have 12 years critical care experience in MSICU,CCU&NICU.I still have things to learn.I tell all new staff come to me and no question is stupid.Good Luck and have fun!

Hi!My best friend graduated in 1996.She did a year on a medical floor,2 years in ccu,and is now in neonatal icu.She always had a passion to be a psych nurse but just wanted to see if there was something else.Now she is actively applying for psych positions,pleased with the fact she's not having any doubts now.She doesn't regret her decision to test the waters first,then pursue her original passion.Follow your heart.The best thing about nursing as a career is the diversity it offers.You have the diploma,and there is no "type-casting".Good Luck and have fun!

Are you kidding? Where would her orientation come from...how much orientation on each unit do you think she would get? I'm sorry, but I just think that is a really bad idea. Experience tells me, her orientation would probably get lost in the scramble to staff units, and she would probably find herself by herself all too quickly. Plus I know a lot of experience nurses who don't handle floating, let alone a novice. I would go with the other suggestions to try out what you liked in school. Brownie Sorry,I should have clarified "float team".Our float team has an extensive orientation with a senior mentor for a month or more if needed.An orientation of a week per floor is offered as well.After 2 years of floor experience a month long critical care course is offered.With a one month senior mentor orientation again.As well our floats are able to give floor prefences.I definitely advocate picking what you liked best in nursing school first and trying it out but the poster seemed "lost".I was just offering other options.I agree that if the above mentioned orientation isn't part of the deal not to do it.A place to call "home" is very important when just starting out.Thanks for the reminder.

Hi Micknmel!Congrats on acting on your lifelong dream!You will definitely be an assett to our profession because you want to be there!Anyways,some encouragement here...the day I started nursing school I couldn't change a baby!The day before I started I had to call my mother crying to come change the baby I was watching.I tried the cartoon clothespin on the nose...that's very painful don't do it!LOL!Anyways,my first bedpan in clinical near killed me!I wretched but my fear of humiliation won out and I maintained control!You gain a tolerance.Remember gloves can work miracles as far as denial is concerned!LOL!I was off of work years later R/T a car accident.The first thing I noticed when I returned was my tolerance was gone and I had to build up from scratch!As you learn to deal with sick people your empathy and concern for their integrity takes over and you forget your intolerance as you struggle to make the patient comfortable.Now my mother chuckles about that fateful day vs my conversations about body fluids over dinner.I made a patient laugh hysterically once when they had an accident...I said"hey consider it a deposit on my visa!That's what I am here for!"LOL!(This was a patient I had a great rapport with for a long time)Anyways,don't worry it comes with time!Good Luck!

Hi Peaceful2100!I can honestly say I never burst any one's bubble...but I feel in this case I must.First of all congratulations on returning to school after having a child,that in itself is a great accomplishment.This tells me you have the fire to be just about anything you want to be.Unfortunately with the concerns you have you'd best pass on nursing.We not only work weekends and long hours.We also work Christmas,Thanksgiving,during children's plays,first words everything...including nights.90% of our profession are parents and great ones at that because our profession allows us to see horrible things first hand and gain a greater appreciation of health and family.As well,as far as I know to be an effective pediatric practioner you have to get years of pediatric experience before even embarking on the course.You can't just walk out of school and be prepared to do community nursing...you have to work the trenches to have a baseline.Our profession is fantastic as we touch thousands of people's lives.However,it ain't easy.You have to make a decision from the heart and kick the b@#$% pickleface's opinions to the curb.Monday to Friday just is not even an option without experience.Good Luck and congrats on the reality check before getting in too deep.Perhaps you could look into a Child Care specialsit field or counsellor.I wish you all the best!

I'm not sure if your hospital has a "float team".This is what I recommend.It's a fulltime job but each day you go some where else to get a taste of a little bit of everything.Good luck!