donroberto

Our medical director wants the antibiotics infused after treatment. We do not use a pump....we count the drips...look at the clock....etc. Some other units (same company) instill the A/B last hour....whatever...however....doesn't really matter.....just don't give 1 GM of Vanco in a short time......

The key elements required for the position are teamwork, willing to learn and being able to multi task at a high level. The fact that you survived the rigors of nursing school is an indication that you can think....the key is to be able to process the information in an organized way so that you are always two steps ahead. It will take you at least one year before you feel comfortable working as the 'charge nurse/team leader' in a clinic. At our clinic pct's are required to take off and put on 4 patients. This will be a challenge for quite some time....do not discouraged. The nursing aspect meds/charting/interventions is a little bit more cerebral however after mastering the take off and put on ritual....it will seem like a walk in the park...good luck. (PS...my nickname was Mr Spaghetti Lines at the beginning because of how I would string a machine).

That patient should not have been accepted into your unit. Needs to be in an environment where dialysis is provided (Re-hab or nursing home).

Not FMC....first year accrual is 200 hrs....7.69 per pay period....can't use it for the first six months then just after your six months you'll have 100 hrs....

Hmmmm...can't answer that. Just remember to slow the pump speed down significantly (200 or less) when filling the arterial chamber...otherwise you stand a good chance of getting air in your lines....and as we all know, it's a real pain in the butt to get it out..... QUOTE=student60]This is what I was originally told. 3/4 full. Now, I am being told to leave until blood gets to bottom of chamber. Is there an alarm on the K machine when the blood reaches a certain level whereby it needs to be filled? Why would the charge nurse tell me not to fill until it is low or not to fill if it is 1/2 full? We are a busy small unit but isn't this unsafe for the patient? I thought I read, in orientation that it was to be 3/4 full. I told this to the charge nurse but she insists I do what she says. QUOTE=donroberto]Keep the arterial and venous chambers 3/4 full...applys to both k and h machines. QUOTE=student60]Hello Group Members: Can someone please tell me what is right and what should be done. I am being given different information from nurses about the chambers. First, I was told the chambers could be 1/2 full but not to let them get under 1/2 full. Then I am told to just let them run their course until they are empty. Now, on the 2008K machine is there an alarm that goes off when the chamber needs to be filled? Are there side effects that my patients will experience if the chambers get low to about 30 cc of blood left? Thanks.

Keep the arterial and venous chambers 3/4 full...applys to both k and h machines. QUOTE=student60]Hello Group Members: Can someone please tell me what is right and what should be done. I am being given different information from nurses about the chambers. First, I was told the chambers could be 1/2 full but not to let them get under 1/2 full. Then I am told to just let them run their course until they are empty. Now, on the 2008K machine is there an alarm that goes off when the chamber needs to be filled? Are there side effects that my patients will experience if the chambers get low to about 30 cc of blood left? Thanks.

My wife does dialysis...I would visit her at work and I became interested...I had a full time job...two small children and went to nursing school specifically for dialysis....I wouldn't do any other kind of nursing. When I interviewed for the job I mentioned the immortal words spoken by 'Curly' from the movie CITY SLICKERS. The secret of life is 'one' (finger extended)...just find one thing you like and do it right. I want to be the person people come to for answers...Dialysis is not for everyone....it can be intense.

Your experiences are typical of all persons entering into the area of hemo dialysis. It will take you at least six months of working on the floor as a PCT before you feel comfortable and competent during what I refer to as 'rush hour' (take off and put on). Another six months of PCT work and shift into the nursing role will result in your being very competent at running the unit. While it's true that as a nurse you are not expected to be able to keep up with the PCT's....you will gain a lot more respect from your subordinates if you can....and your unit will run much smoother when you can chip in and help some of your slower PCT's....as the person in charge.....you are expected to touble shoot problems at a different level than your underlings....You need a year 'bustn' your butt' on the floor in order to deal with 95% of the problems that arise....what you don't want is to have the 'deer in the headlight' look when something happens.....time and experience is all it takes.....There will be days when you ask yourself if you made the right decision....tha't normal....hang in there....it does get easier.