R5RN BSN, RN, EMT-P

R5RN is a BSN, RN, EMT-P and specializes in ED, CTICU, Flight.

Latest Activity

1. CRRT: Flushing Access Ports - How do you do it?

   R5RN replied to Cowboyardee's topic in Critical

   Also to clarify (because IDK if you want it this specific), but I pull back first to see if I have blood return before flushing. If nothing is working, we would also switch our access and return lines.

2. CRRT: Flushing Access Ports - How do you do it?

   R5RN replied to Cowboyardee's topic in Critical

   When I was in the ICU, we also used Prismaflex and we used the same method you are describing. Disconnect, flush, reconnect (cleaning the patient's access port with isopropyl alcohol in between). We did not have any built in method of flushing or cre...

3. Do charcoal masks work for foul smells?

   R5RN replied to Jaykster's topic in General Nursing

   When I was pregnant at work, there was a couple of month time frame where smells were REALLY challenging for me. This was the only time I chose to wear masks. I certainly don't think it's insensitive to the patient. Sure, if you're matter-of-factly t...

4. Do charcoal masks work for foul smells?

   R5RN replied to Jaykster's topic in General Nursing

   Much easier solution - smear a bit of toothpaste between two masks.

5. MVA, EMS didn't use a backboard!!

   R5RN replied to SafetyNurse1968's topic in General Nursing

   Speaking with 15 years of EMS, backboards are no longer recommended and are very seldom used, though each state may have slightly different protocols/guidelines. In my state, the only time you might see EMS use a backboard is for extrication/moving p...

6. when should i tell my manager i'm pregnant?

   R5RN replied to smiley28's topic in General Nursing

   I was in an almost identical situation (it's almost uncanny how similar our situations are) and posted about it here I asked the same questions you have. I actually posted this update on page 2, but here's what I ended up doing (copy and pasted from ...

7. Need to vent and process this

   R5RN replied to jess11RN's topic in School

   Oh absolutely! Your role as a school nurse definitely varies from those in EMS. For example, in my state, our protocols would not warrant epinephrine in the way that you described your student (again, please know that I am NOT suggesting that you err...

8. Need to vent and process this

   R5RN replied to jess11RN's topic in School

   First, as a paramedic myself, I apologize on behalf of the *ahem* jerk of a paramedic you dealt with. It's so frustrating that there are still quarrels between RNs and paramedics (speaking on the paramedic's unprofessional behavior towards you). My b...

9. Medical Response?

   R5RN replied to firedupnursing70's topic in General Nursing

   RotorRunner had a very good post at the bottom of page 3. To answer your question directly (which I know others have), you would not start CPR. I totally hear you with your rationale, but CPR is reserved for those who are pulseless, not just bradycar...

10. Pregnant and new job

    R5RN replied to R5RN's topic in General Nursing

    I know this post is over a year old, but as the OP, I wanted to post an update in case any other nurses find themselves in my situation and come across this thread looking for advice. First, I let my nurse manager know about my pregnancy very shortly...

11. Head Padding

    R5RN replied to LikeTheDeadSea's topic in School

    Chair cushions/pads. Ikea has some for super cheap.

12. In the ICU, do you get a tech?

    R5RN replied to Blondekristi's topic in Critical

    We have techs(/CNAs/PCAs or whatever you prefer to call that roll) in our CTICU. There are two during the week, and one during nights and weekends. They are not assigned rooms, they help throughout the entire unit and they are absolutely fantastic. T...

13. Birthing gowns

    R5RN replied to Bostonnurse06's topic in Ob/Gyn

    I came across this post because it popped up under "popular" and I was surprised that calling a gown a "johnny" is a regional thing! I am from CT, too and we always call them johnnies.

14. Crap! Am I a crusty old bat nurse?? Carrying pens...

    R5RN replied to klone's topic in General Nursing

    An 18-year-old in 2018 isn't a millennial. Millennials are defined as being born in 1981-1996. I'm an "older" millennial and I always carry a pen. Two, actually! One nicer ballpoint pen for me to write with and one junky pen for me to give to patient...

15. Cadaver Labs at Disney Resorts!

    R5RN replied to meanmaryjean's topic in Headlines

    I attended a cadaver lab in a hotel ballroom earlier this year. The floors were covered wall to wall with plastic, there was no food anywhere near the cadavers, they had a portable hand wash station (with actual soap and water) at the entrance/exit t...