caramela

Hello all Nurse Managers and RN Hiring Staff! I was wondering how valuable a Basic Certificate of Completion from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is on a new-grad applying for new-grad programs or hospitals in general. I am required to do 6 modules for my senior nursing class, but felt that doing all 16 could be very beneficial for me in providing safe, quality practice. However, I am studying for HESI/NCLEX and am trying to dedicate a lot of time on my capstone placement in the ICU. I could see myself completing the training at my own pace, but I could always discipline myself to complete it sooner if it could give me some leverage among the stiff competition around me. Do you think it's worth it, or I'd be wasting my time? Thanks so much! -Mela

Thank you so much estrellaCR and erinadance. I'm currently looking into various volunteering experiences around the city to partake in. I will keep your comments in mind and deeply appreciate your input on the matter!

Hello! My name is Cara and I'm going to be a senior this fall in my BSN program. I have been offered a job as an SI Tutor from my professor in a content-heavy med-surg class. I have a bit of a conflict with taking it due to my current schedule but may sacrifice a class now if the opportunity is truly worth it. Below, I will mention the requirements, benefits, and costs of the job. What I'm asking is if you, as a nurse manager, would look at that short title of "Supplemental Instruction Tutor" in my resume with interest or simply glance over it and quickly move on. Here are some details about the job: Requirements Must attend full class once a week (0800-1140) Works together with another student to make 2-3 sessions a week that students in the class may attend to enhance class material (work split evenly, so each SI may work simply once a week) Must have at least an A- in the class when enrolled Benefits The opportunity to sit in a very difficult class to enhance and solidify knowledge Learn new things previously missed in class Great opportunity to further enhance leadership skills The chance to give back and help other students on their path to academic excellence Flexible hours that are determined by my own schedule Costs Must cancel/replace one of my elective courses for one of my minors, as it conflicts with the 0800-1140 class time Results in me having to take 17 units during my last semester to finish my minors if a replacement class is not available. Thank you so much for any comments or words of advice. If there is anything else that you can think of that would help me become more marketable as a new-grad, I would appreciate it very much. I'm open to additional extra curricular activities, internships, etc., but wish to be strategic and efficient with my choices. (I have a passion for ED and ICU if that makes any difference)

Hello! I'm currently a senior nursing student getting my PALS and ACLS certifications, and am hopeful to be placed in an ICU capstone next spring. It got me wondering about the effectiveness of the Trendelenburg position in cases where CPR is necessary and if such practices are executed in hospitals today. I've researched this topic a bit, due to seeing two sides of the coin but still remain a bit confused. I can rationalize the use of the Trendelenburg position for the following reasons: -Natural force of gravity to drain venous return from the lower periphery to increase ECV -Increase O2/blood flow to the brain, which would be very important in cases of a destabilizing patient to prevent residual brain damage. However, I read by someone in a forum that some research says something different such as: -Putting a patient in Trendelenburg actually pushes the intestinal viscera upon the diaphragm and may cause obstructions to certain airways/capillaries -Research has seen worse outcomes in patients treated with Trendelenburg compared to supine positions. I'm also wondering if a Trendelenburg would make it more difficult for blood to leave the brain, causing a pooling effect that can not be pumped back out due to V fib or other contractility issues. Also, if the blood pools and therefore clots, could a patient have a stroke secondary to putting them in a Trendelenburg at such a time? Thanks so much for any input on the matter. I would just like to make sure that I can do everything possible for my client should they destabilize, as such emergencies need immediate attention to increase rates of survival and I want to be competent should I be faced with such a scenario.