NicuGal MSN, RN

NICU, PICU, PACU

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All Content by NicuGal

  1. NicuGal

    families participating in am rounds

    NicuGal replied to spacey's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We aren't allowed to ask parents to leave unless there is a code going on, and even then they can stay if the insist. Family centered care and TJC say parents have a right to be with their child no...
  2. NicuGal

    Nurse understaffing associated with higher rates of NICU infection

    NicuGal replied to TiffyRN's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    And soon we won't be reimbursed by insurance companies for central line
  3. NicuGal

    families participating in am rounds

    NicuGal replied to spacey's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We have been doing this for several years now. It depends on the parent...some don't come because they just don't, some don't come because of other kids at home or work. Also, we can't tell them a...
  4. NicuGal

    Refusing Orders.

    NicuGal replied to StudentOfHealing's topic in General Nursing

    Many times! You have to cover your butt. If you are really questioning it, tell them I am not giving doing XYZ. Make sure you go to your charge nurse and use the chain of command. I work with...
  5. NicuGal

    Pediatric Straight Catheterizations

    NicuGal replied to JVoEDrn's topic in Pediatric

    Need a good holder for sure! And aim right below the privy parts, that usually
  6. NicuGal

    Difficult orientee

    NicuGal replied to jenvankempen's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    That kind of response needs a sit down with the educator/CNS and manager. Yeah I know doesn't cut it. If she can't explain herself or acknowledge what you said to her, she is not a good fit for
  7. NicuGal

    What if the Boston bomber was your pt

    NicuGal replied to imintrouble's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    I would care for him like any other patient. For those that would refuse...that is your choice, but what if everyone refuses? Tough all the way
  8. NicuGal

    Difficult orientee

    NicuGal replied to jenvankempen's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    I second the is she a new grad or someone with experience? Do you have a log that has to be filled out? We do a log of skills, but we also write a daily eval on the person. We then do a weekly...
  9. NicuGal

    Choosing a specialty advice

    NicuGal replied to as2345's topic in Nursing Career

    Each unit is different, but they can have unlimited visitor between 11a and 11p. Only three at the bedside, but it is like a revolving door all day long. And you are entertaining most of the day
  10. NicuGal

    Tips on Drawing from Arterial Line

    NicuGal replied to mslema's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Still not getting it lol We always pulled back in our radial lines before we had this system and in a lot of years never had a kid lose their fingers, you just have to be slow and careful. And I do...
  11. NicuGal

    Tips on Drawing from Arterial Line

    NicuGal replied to mslema's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    I guess I'd have to see it too. But we always draw back on our lines without a problem. Our system is Biosensor and is a two syringe system so we aren't taking off and replacing syringes for waste,...
  12. NicuGal

    NNP vs WHNP

    NicuGal replied to iluvnicu's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Ours work 7a/7p, 3 12's a week. But on the weekends it seems their day is more like 14 hours since there are less staff/residents to cover patients. They rotate thru shifts as needed. The higher...
  13. NicuGal

    did the md's pen go into v-fib??

    NicuGal replied to SNB1014's topic in General Nursing

    All I can say is thank God for EPIC and electronic order
  14. NicuGal

    Home med lists make me crazy.

    NicuGal replied to imintrouble's topic in General Nursing

    We always tell our parents to throw all the mess in a bag or keep a list of them in their wallet. Some I our kids are on as many Meds as an old
  15. NicuGal

    Your first time with a student

    NicuGal replied to PeepnBiscuitsRN's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    I like having students, but when they come in our unit they aren't allowed to do anything. It isn't so bad when you have one that is talkative and asks questions, but when you get the one that is...
  16. NicuGal

    Tips on Drawing from Arterial Line

    NicuGal replied to mslema's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    I still don't understand why places aren't using the closed system on radial lines? Our ID department would have a stroke if we opened a line
  17. NicuGal

    showing initiative for a NICU position

    NicuGal replied to sophie<3's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We have to go thru HR and recruitment for all our potential hires. I always tell people don't count on having the job until they call to say so. And being an adult nurse only puts you at a...
  18. NicuGal

    What can you tell me about NEC?

    NicuGal replied to picurn10's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    You will do in their liver if you keep them on TPN too long. It just isn't feasible to keep them in tropic feeds for up to 17
  19. NicuGal

    Heroin withdrawal

    NicuGal replied to jodyangel's topic in Ob/Gyn

    We treat after 3 consecutive scores of 8 or greater. When they don't treat they aren't doing that baby any justice! All the methadone moms come to our hospital to deliver, it isn't unusual to have 2...
  20. NicuGal

    Ethics in RN Notifying Social Services

    NicuGal replied to nursepandra's topic in Ob/Gyn

    Social work should be made aware of the mom and then they will contact DCFS when she delivers. I've never heard if a forced hospitalization, but that sounds like the exception to the rule. If the...
  21. NicuGal

    number of IV starts

    NicuGal replied to acenab4jc's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We are allowed 2 sticks per RN. After 6 we tell the docs and they place a PICC or UVC. Any kid that is going to be on fluids or antibiotics longer than 3 days almost always gets a PICC. Our fellows...
  22. NicuGal

    Choosing a specialty advice

    NicuGal replied to as2345's topic in Nursing Career

    NICU isn't a silent place like a lot think. You are constantly talking to someone and not just feeding babies. You are talking to staff, medical staff, parents....giving updates in person and on the...
  23. NicuGal

    What can you tell me about NEC?

    NicuGal replied to picurn10's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    That is NEC....it is a sneaky, insidious thing. Your kid can be perfectly fine one minute and that bad within 10 minutes. Usually belly distention, low temp, sudden aspirates or emesis, heart rate...
  24. NicuGal

    Health Insurance rates...

    NicuGal replied to HippyDippyLPN's topic in General Nursing

    We pay about $400 per month for family thru my hubby's insurance. He works for on of the biggest health care organizations in our area. We don't pay for vision as it is covered under medical and...
  25. NicuGal

    L&D nurse interested in NICU

    NicuGal replied to knufflebunny's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    NICU is just as stressful, like you, we never know what is walking thru our back door to get admitted! They can send you an obs kid that starts off just transitioning and within a few hours end up...