lindseyp2012

Hi everyone! I'm a new grad, have been working in a medical-surgical ICU for about 4 months (without a preceptor) now. I was lucky enough to get a tech job in this same unit for about a year before I graduated, and most of that time was used as extra orientation! So I feel really lucky that I had that extra learning time! However... I still feel like I have absolutely NO IDEA about certain things that I really NEED to know! Mostly pertaining to meds and lab values. I have started to develop a good intuition about the actual patient, and my skills are improving a lot! But I can't always explain to family members the physiological aspect of the conditions, and I have a lot of trouble deciding what I think is going wrong... most times, I know SOMETHING is wrong, but I can never figure out exactly what... I really WANT to be good at my job! But right now, I'm reaching a point where I dread going into work every day... So my question is, does anyone know of any programs that go over the actual important parts of nursing that would help? Like a podcast, workbook, textbook, online program... anything! I loved the New Nurse Podcast, she explained a lot of things on a basic level that helped me apply the information. But she didn't do many podcasts, and I need more! I thought about going back through my nursing school syllabi (I still have most of the text books) but don't know if I'll be able to pick out what is actually important to me right now. Sorry for the long, whiny post! Ha.. Any ideas?! Thanks

Yes, I realized it should be my diagnosis.. I've written diagnoses out for all three options but I don't know which to chose, because this unique patient has a very unique situation going on, with the acute-on-chronic pain. I don't know which takes priority.

Hi! I need help choosing nursing diagnosis. My patient had a recent surgery causing acute pain, but this pain is exacerbated by a chronic pain disorder. Therefore, I don't know if my nursing diagnosis should be acute pain, chronic pain, or impaired comfort?? Any ideas?? Thanks!

Awesome!! That is great information. Thank you so much!

Hi everyone! I've been accepted into nursing school and start in January! Yay! I've had all of my pre-reqs (like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, etc). I'm just wondering what I can be doing now to help prepare. I'd like to order some books that will help me learn the basic information (anything to be a little ahead and prepared)! I'm thinking about Fundamentals Success: A Q&A Review Applying Critical Thinking to Test Taking Has anyone had any success or experience with this particular book? The reviews are great and say it would be perfect for a student before beginning the program. I've heard so many people say how unprepared they were for nursing school, so I'd like to use my time wisely and prepare myself now while there is still time! I was also told to try to learn the top 50-100 most prescribed medications and learn their generic names, brand names, and basic uses. Anything else along these same lines I can be doing to help make my first semester less stressful? Thanks everyone!!