volsfan

I wanted to add that you must also consider that the families and patient's can choose whether or not to treat an infection.

All I can tell you is that is our company's policy; whether it is right or wrong I don't know. I can see both sides of the argument. We open the kit to explain all the meds to the pt, but they are already labeled with their name on it. We then close ...

Although our MD has to sign for us to have the comfort pak in the home (from HP) we are suppose to get another order to use any of the medications in the kit. If we start using a med from the kit we get them then add it to their routine meds; and ord...

All our staff is salary; including on call staff. The starting salary is $24.00/hr. Our case loads are b/t 12-15, but can get as high as 17-18. When the RN Case Manager is on call (backup/primary) they get paid a minimal daily rate, it's under $10.00...

Our company has 2 FT and 1 PT on call staff who work primary call. The RN Case Managers rotate backup call; and will take primary call if the on call staff are sick or on vacation. Mon-Fri: 1 primary (depends on day of who it is) with a backup RN Ca...

I would find out why the management thinks this way; where are they coming from. Is it b/c they are misinterpreting some law, policy, etc. I am in total agreement with Katillac. Many times the pt will have already been on narcotics when they came on ...

There is also a difference in how Medicare pays. They will pay significantly more for someone to be on Inpatient care.

Per the COPs: The initial assessment must be done within 48 hours, by an RN. The comprehensive assessment must be done within 5 days; this includes the psychosocial (social worker) and spiritual (chaplin) assessment. The family can defer the social ...

Many hospices use ekits b/c they are cheaper to have than getting each of the medications individually.

To pjtk, As a home hospice nurse I review all comfort pak contents with my families b/c the families are usually the first to give the medications in the middle of the night or on weekends while they await for the weekend nurse to arrive. I have foun...

An average day: 7:15-7:30 See first pt of the day (I like to get started early, you will find if you start prior to 8 AM it works better) Work until 1030-1100 seeing pts. Take a break for lunch, b/t 15 minutes to 1 hour. Depending on if eating with c...

If the pt is in the hospital on INPATIENT STATUS and not outside the plan of care, the COPs (Alabama) require a member of the IDT to visit 6 days per week. You would need to check your particular state to see if it is different. Most hospices here re...

She shouldn't have to pay out of pocket since it is related to her diagnosis and would not really be considered aggressive tx, at least that's how my hospice would view it. I know all of them view aggressiveness a little different. But, ours would sa...

TNP is appropriate in the hospice and home setting. But always remember it's about quality of life. If the TPN will bring improved quality to her life to her, even for a short period of time, then it sounds like it's worth it to her. When speaking w...

A good hospice company will not have the high turnover rate that other hospice companies do. I know this from personal experience. Our longest Case Manager has been with our branch for more than 6 years (basically since our branch opened); I have bee...

I had been working as an OB nurse @ a local hospital for over a year. Then I obtained my RN in May and they offered me a full time position. I took it as I love my work. However, our census has been low since then and I am not even working 4 shifts i...

There are several courses in prenatal/postnatal fitness education. You only need a nursing degree. Don't worry about not having worked with OB patients. It really won't give you the knowledge you need to provide classes to pregnant women - unless one...

I have a BS in Exercise Science and am an RN. I would imagine if you are treating someone with a current disease process, to legally cover yourself you should get their physician to release them with a medical release form. Otherwise it would be just...

I am no longer on this case, but was wondering what your thoughts are and if anyone else has run across this same situation. A parent of a pediatric patient in the HH system has prolonged getting their child decannulated b/c they say they don't know ...

Hey all, I have decided OHN is for me, a perfect married of my BS in Exercise Science and nursing. Problem: most employers want RN with acute care experience. I am doing the LPN-to-RN, but won't be able to start for another year - Fall 07. Question: ...

Since we haven't had any responses I was wondering this. If we want to promote wellness by giving seminars to corporations, helping people learn the proper methods of working out, etc. Can we promote ourselves as a nurse? If so, what areas would we n...

Just wondering your thoughts. I am having a hard time coming up with a good polite response to the questions from friends and neighbors about my work. For instance, this weekend someone asked about my patient's diagnosis/condition and who it was that...

I don't totally agree with HarryHK as there are many pre-employment screening clinics out there. LabCore and Quest are the big ones, but as with all businesses each one is unique. You must find out how your business will be unique, different, and pos...

Thanks Sweet Home Alabama! I actually moved to Illinois from Daphne, AL almost a year ago. My husband got transferred up here. I have to say we just got back from visiting and we miss it so much. We are planning on returning, hopefully sooner than la...

I too have an Exercise Science degree, and am an LPN working towards RN. I have been considering opening a business that provides Occupational Health Services and Corporate Wellness services to local businesses. My services would include pre-employme...