vampiregirl BSN, RN

Hospice

CHPN, WCC

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All Content by vampiregirl

  1. vampiregirl

    Vein Finders: Yes/No?

    vampiregirl replied to OrganizedChaos's topic in Scrubs, Uniforms, Gear

    You might also want to check with your employer - using equipment that hasn't been approved/ validated is not allowed in some places of employment. Gravity, a warm compress or warm blanket to the area...
  2. vampiregirl

    Multiple prn pain meds requested all at the same time

    vampiregirl replied to lots2care4's topic in Addictions

    I would recommend collaborating with the patient's hospice team. Agree with previous poster that addiction isn't a concern in hospice. What is a concern to me from your post would be this patient's...
  3. vampiregirl

    Barrier cream compliance?!

    vampiregirl replied to bleafcna's topic in Wound, Ostomy, Continence

    Not sure what state you are in, but you may want to make sure barrier cream (and the specific barrier cream ordered) is within both the CNA scope of practice for your state as well as the policies of...
  4. vampiregirl

    Family keeping Information from the Patient

    vampiregirl replied to gallor31's topic in Nursing Student Assistance

    Another aspect to consider might be culture as you are conducting your
  5. vampiregirl

    Frequent dressing change and use of tape

    vampiregirl replied to Milkchoco's topic in Wound, Ostomy, Continence

    I've found Medipore to be pretty gentle to skin... if removed with caution. I also try to vary my taping patterns. If the skin starts to show signs of irritation or breakdown, a skin barrier/ prep can...
  6. vampiregirl

    Aromatherapy

    vampiregirl replied to BMitchellRN's topic in Nursing Student Assistance

    When I was in my BSN completion program, I had several classmates who used a product called "QueaseEASE" in their units (PACU and Oncology). Lots of favorable feedback on it. Here's a link to some...
  7. vampiregirl

    Preparing families for EOL

    vampiregirl replied to tofu-tofu's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    Most of the time, this conversation gets easier the more times you have it. I tell families that everyone's journey is unique and then provide an overview of the basic changes as one approaches end of...
  8. vampiregirl

    Re-testing for TB after 1 week hospital stay

    vampiregirl replied to geriatricRNBSN's topic in Patient Education

    It may also be a state law that requires this, instead of
  9. vampiregirl

    Books for a New Hospice RN

    vampiregirl replied to KYRNCA's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    I can't say enough good about the HPNA - that membership is invaluable. The Primer of Palliative Care from the AAHPM is also a tool I use routinely. One of the features I use the most is an...
  10. vampiregirl

    hourly pay?

    vampiregirl replied to blexxer's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    The hospice agency I work for is associated with a hospital. Our wage scale is the exact same as for an RN who works in the hospital. Also, benefits are the same as for hospital RN's. Our wage scale...
  11. vampiregirl

    Santyl and wet to dry

    vampiregirl replied to jlynn2303's topic in Wound, Ostomy, Continence

    I'm guessing these are wounds with fairly dry wound beds. Santyl requires moisture to activate the collagenase enzymes. Interesting stuff! This is one product that I found it really helpful when the...
  12. vampiregirl

    100/p

    vampiregirl replied to AngelKissed857's topic in General Nursing

    As a nurse, I've performed/ documented a palpated BP in rare situations that I was unable to auscultate a BP. When I worked in a SNF (no automatic BP machines available) there were a couple of times...
  13. vampiregirl

    Camp nursing?

    vampiregirl replied to iansmom's topic in Camp

    The camp I worked at had written protocols that covered all the basics. Assessment skills are are also important - actual illness versus exhaustion or homesickness. My skill set is an a very different...
  14. vampiregirl

    Camp Nursing Resources

    vampiregirl replied to NRSKarenRN's topic in Camp

    I can't say enough positive about the Association of Camp Nurses! I purchased a membership after accepting a position as volunteer nurse for a week this summer. The newsletters had lots of helpful...
  15. vampiregirl

    Recruiting EMTs, RNs, etc as Health Officers

    vampiregirl replied to TheSquire's topic in Camp

    I just finished an awesome week at a summer camp that uses volunteer nurses (2 each week). General summer camp/ ACA accredited. In exchange for volunteering, 2 camperships are offered to each nurse....
  16. vampiregirl

    Advice on comfortable shoes

    vampiregirl replied to marlena.erika's topic in General Nursing

    When I use the "search" bar in the upper right corner, I've found I have to scroll down to get to the AN threads - there are typically advertising sites on the top of the list. Lots of threads under...
  17. vampiregirl

    Summer 2017

    vampiregirl posted a topic in Camp

    I'm looking forward to spending a week as a volunteer camp nurse this summer... at the summer camp that I worked at 20 years ago as kitchen staff. I know it will be completely different from those...
  18. vampiregirl

    new RN/BSN - where to work for the most experience

    vampiregirl replied to LTC_LNHA's topic in Men in Nursing

    I gained very valuable experience working LTC. LTC's vary though - the one I worked in had lots of interventions (IV therapy/ maintenance, TPN, g-tubes, ortho patients, respiratory patients etc) in...
  19. vampiregirl

    Isobar handover.. I can't get my head around

    vampiregirl replied to al sue's topic in General Nursing

    Any report format is probably going to be awkward at first but becomes smoother with time. And then there are occasions where important details don't seem to nicely fit into any of the categories. The...
  20. vampiregirl

    What do I do if I'm struggling in the easy classes?

    vampiregirl replied to NYCNative21's topic in General Students

    Just a couple of thoughts... I struggled a bit with A&P, Chemistry and some of the other core courses when I took them. This material is very important to have as a foundation. It will come in...
  21. vampiregirl

    CNA --> RN. Worth it?

    vampiregirl replied to FutureNurseWoman's topic in General Nursing

    I went the same route, CNA to RN. For me, totally worth it! I guess I don't remember being bothered by the physical aspect of being a CNA, I will say I was in much better shape and a lot less fluffy...
  22. vampiregirl

    Best scrub jacket and tops

    vampiregirl replied to dannygirl04's topic in Scrubs, Uniforms, Gear

    Although my body structure is very different from yours, I have the same issue w/ scrub tops. My solution is to wear a knit shirt under it. I look for knit shirts with a fine gauge/ tight knit and a...
  23. vampiregirl

    AED Recommendations

    vampiregirl replied to MegWorth's topic in School

    Even if your local EMS can't offer you a discount and/or grants, finding out what defib units they use is helpful. It saves time and makes a smoother transition if the pads are compatible and all it...
  24. vampiregirl

    The Nurse at the Bedside

    vampiregirl replied to RobbiRN's topic in General Nursing

    Beautiful article! When I chose to leave a management position for a clinical/ bedside position in hospice many of my friends/ co-workers thought I was nuts. Best career choice I ever made. I don't...
  25. vampiregirl

    Macy catheters - Anyone using them?

    vampiregirl posted a topic in Hospice, Palliative

    Read a recent journal article about Macy catheters for end of life medication information and was intrigued. Was curious if anyone has used them and if so, what are your thoughts about them? About...