oldtiredmicn

I don't know about a quick reference book but would definitely suggest a good physical assessment class.

I know this is probably thought of in a variety of ways but I think one of the most important things you could bring with you would be your Bible. You may not have a lot of time to read it but you know it is there! Clothes are definitely there on the needed list.

MALpractice in practice - I'm the attorney for you! "Practice" all you want I can M(ake) A L(aw) to get you!

lucypear - I have a few things that I think can simplify this position and relieve some of your anxiety. I understand your feeling nervous about this. After many shifts as triage in Trauma/ED Level1 facilities and in high violence and high patient number facilities I learned some things the hard way. I can tell you all the horror stories of full waiting rooms, multiple serious patients, treating acute patients in the hallway in a wheelchair, and finishing a 12 hour shift and coming back 12 hours later finding some of the same patients still waiting to be seen! Things have changed drastically over the years and now those things are not quite so bad anymore (I hope)! Common sense and your gut instinct make a large part of your triage knowledge. I again am speaking from years past but with alot of years (28+) experiencing, working with, supervising, and teaching this. Your certifications (CEN, MICN, ACLS, TNCC, PALS, EMT etc.) are ALL a good source for giving you confidence and a triage comfort level. Many question some of these as just "been there done that" titles - but they are more than that. They emphasize initial evaluation and prioritizing! Some simple tips to work with: 1. Maintain always a calm, caring, professional attitude! You can be speedy but don't be hectic! It only increases tension. 2. Remember ABC's when evaluating a patient. Remember that they may not always tell you exactly whats going on. Look at the patient and evaluate what you see. 3. Touch your patient - feel their tension, their skin, their coolness or hotness. Squeeze their hand, look them in the eye, and show you care. Make it part of your exam - taking pulse, strength, following instruction, reaction. 4. Talk to the patient. Explain to friends and family that you are evaluating the patient but then listen to them also. Explain the reason for triage and eval that you are doing. Talk to them - don't be rude - explain things - sometimes this will alleviate problems and attitudes later. 5. You may be able to initiate some immediate care for there problem - a wheelchair, lay down on gurney, ice pack to injury, a temporary dressing, following protocols your department has. 6. Have good communication with you department charge nurse to know what beds are available, whats coming in by ambulance, what you have waiting. 7. Explain to waiting room and waiting patients why their is a delay, why other patients are going before them, etc.! 8. KEEP THAT CALM, CARING, PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE! Be and advocate and communicate with your staff and patients. Try to keep family and friends in the loop! Its not always comfortable, it's not always fun, and your shift may seem like the longest you ever worked! You can make it positive, you can help the patient and their family greatly, you are the initial welcoming committee for your facility. Be calm and enjoy!