AussieTina

In QLD health you write a W on the drug chart and then document the variance in the care plan as to why the drug was withheld, you are also meant to notify the doctor that the drug was withheld. Although I know on my ward the docs are not normally notifed, unless it was a really unusual vital sign that you obtained.

Different country I know, but 1. We put our babes into open cots once they reach 1800gms. Only if they are medically stable of course. We do not take the gestation/ corrected age into account. 2. Our nursery is kept at 25.5 celcius at all times. 3. If they become cold we would then place an overhead heater over them to warm them up.

Thankyou for your replies. That is what I was doing as well, or I was counting after I auscultated the heartbeat. Older more experienced neonatal nurses however were telling me to do the resps before I touched the babe, so I got a bit confused. I can't really ask them for advice as they have been rather unaproachable when I asked for help in the beginning of my working here.

I need some advice and tips on how to count the resps on a neonate. I work in a SCN and really struggle to count the resps. I know to do it before you disturb the babe so it is more accurate. I just have trouble seeing if their chests are rising ect. This is especially true in the babes that are in open cots and are wrapped. So please share your tips on how to do this basic task. Is there anywhere in particular that you look while you are counting??

I work in a Level II NICU in Queensland Australia. We wash our hands or use gel before and after each patient contact. The only time we would use gloves is for doing any procedure that involves blood. We do not use gloves for nappy changes. That is of course unless the neonate is on contact precautions ect...

Whats CQU like?? I am going to be doing my graduate diploma of midwifery with them next year.

I am a member of this society. It looks really good on your CV as you can only join if you are invited. And they only invite the high acheivers So congrats on your invitation

There is a thread on this topic in the humour section that is 24 pages long...

I am a grad on a paed ward in Australia. We do the BP when they are first admitted, but not after that unless ordered to by the docs.

I attended USQ. Graduated last year and am in my post grad year

Hi I am on the Graduate Nurse Program in QLD It is the first year out of Uni. At my hospital it is a full time position, so yes you get paid. We are doing 3 rotations through different sections of the hospital and you get recognised as being a 'new' nurse so get a bit more support than if you just start work at the hospital as an RN. These positions are highly wanted, so can be hard to get into though. (hope this makes sense, have just finished doing 4 night shifts so my brain is a bit fuzzy LOL)

I have just finished reading "Sick to Death" by Hedley Thomas. It is the story of Dr Jayant Patel and is fascinating and sickening reading.

I am a single mum with four kids. :heartbeat My youngest was 6 months old when I started my RN degree (3 years), and my eldest was 13. Yes it is hard work, and yes you will have to sacrifice to do it. However..... I do not regret one second of it. My kids are now 4, 6, 13 and 16. I am now 6months into my grad year at the hospital, and loving every second I am at work. I also graduated with awards for high acheivement. I put my kids into daycare during the day and got a babysitter for out of hours care if I needed them. I am still ahead money wise compared to what I got on the sole-parent payment from the government. Also I have set a fantastic example for my kids and by having a job where I can always find work I have guarenteed their future. How can that be a bad thing

Yep me too :) Especially after doing a late/early (1430-2300, then back at 0700 - 1530)

I am an introvert, I have always been very shy. However, when it comes to being an advocate for my patients....then it is a different story. I am able to stand up for them, where I would not be able to do so for myself. :)