NicuGal MSN, RN

NICU, PICU, PACU

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All Content by NicuGal

  1. NicuGal

    NICU transfer from Critical Care

    NicuGal replied to Dlomker's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Sorry about your injury . I agree, I'd shadow in the unit and see what it is like. We do a lot of bending and we do have to push isolettes etc, which are lighter than adults but still can put a link...
  2. NicuGal

    Tips on Drawing from Arterial Line

    NicuGal replied to mslema's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Truly, the goal is to keep everything closed and not have anything open. When you leave the line open to bleed or let drip you are breaking the closed system which can increase your chances of...
  3. NicuGal

    RN to BSN and working FT

    NicuGal replied to ustechrn's topic in Nursing Career

    I did it, with kids too lol It was hard, I had to do a lot at night or in the AM before I went in (I worked eves). You can do it. I also just did one class at a
  4. NicuGal

    Resignation not going well. Advice?

    NicuGal replied to imalilteapott's topic in General Nursing

    And if the manager wants to talk to you tell her you will gladly talk to her in front of a witness from HR. Try to stick it out, especially if they do a payout of unused sick or vacation time....
  5. NicuGal

    Fentanyl bolus question

    NicuGal replied to Kaysmom8's topic in Nursing Student Assistance

    I was thinking the same thing! What if that patient developed chest rigidity???? How are you going to explain that if you haven't documented any boluses??? That is just bad practice and a good way...
  6. NicuGal

    Nursing Diagnosis

    NicuGal replied to paratroopa's topic in Nursing Student Assistance

    We may not think it is a valuable tool, but in the court of law you better know the difference between medical and nursing diagnosis. As the lawyer I once sat with on a case for our hospital said, "...
  7. NicuGal

    Primary nurses

    NicuGal replied to bmsrn's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Primary nurses always take priority. The only time they aren't assigned us if a preceptor wants the baby as part of their
  8. NicuGal

    Bullying in nursing

    NicuGal replied to erwindt's topic in Critical Care

    I have to disagree about nurses being mean. Our unit has over 100 nurses and 99.8 % are nice! You always have those unit crabs, but that is everywhere. Our staff is pretty cohesive and we get along...
  9. NicuGal

    First clinical day was a nightmare

    NicuGal replied to freckles23's topic in General Students

    What a first day! Remember, this is traumatic to you since this is all new and if you need to talk to someone make sure you do! And people need to think before they post, 5 L oxygen isn't what lead...
  10. NicuGal

    New Grad and would like advice about NICU

    NicuGal replied to qbanmom5's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Call and ask to shadow on the unit. It is a good way to meet people and see how the unit runs. And remember, as you are checking them out, they are checking you out
  11. NicuGal

    Bedside report in ICU

    NicuGal replied to prep8611's topic in Critical Care

    We have a little note we give families that explains how important report is and that we will be more than happy to answer questions after we are done. Don't let TJC see you ask families to leave.......
  12. NicuGal

    Bullying in nursing

    NicuGal replied to erwindt's topic in Critical Care

    Wow, sorry to hear all if that! But why are standing for this? We have never ever treated our guys like this! You should report them to HR, TJC has a huge stance on bullying in the workplace. I...
  13. NicuGal

    Midlife Career Change to Nursing - Advice, please

    NicuGal replied to mcgocara31's topic in Nursing Career

    Just being truthful! I love my job but like I said, we are seeing more and more people in their late 40's and they are set in their lifestyle of not working this that and the other. After being on...
  14. NicuGal

    Tips on Drawing from Arterial Line

    NicuGal replied to mslema's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    There is your answer...the line is open! There really isn't any reason for this, so suggest the closed
  15. NicuGal

    Midlife Career Change to Nursing - Advice, please

    NicuGal replied to mcgocara31's topic in Nursing Career

    Not cynical, truthful. You don't know how many people we interview that are new grads in their 40's and they can't believe they can't have 3 weekend off a month "Buy my kids play XXX sports and I...
  16. NicuGal

    Midlife Career Change to Nursing - Advice, please

    NicuGal replied to mcgocara31's topic in Nursing Career

    I always have to warn people in their 40's that it isn't easy becoming a nurse now....it is hard on your body, you will be working an off shift most likely, you will be working weekends and holidays,...
  17. NicuGal

    Nurse understaffing associated with higher rates of NICU infection

    NicuGal replied to TiffyRN's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We have been tracking this in our unit. And it is
  18. NicuGal

    "Baby Friendly"

    NicuGal replied to aerorunner80's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We tell parents that we are not going to listen to the big NPO PPHN kid scream like mad and get worse and worse. The pacifier thing is going a bit
  19. NicuGal

    Tips on Drawing from Arterial Line

    NicuGal replied to mslema's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    We use a closed system on UAC's and PAL's. you should draw back 2-3 mls, draw your sample, return waste. Are you shutting the line off to your fluids? We use Biosensor. Is your port open? It should...
  20. NicuGal

    Noise level at night

    NicuGal replied to NoonsRN's topic in General Nursing

    Back in the day, the tv's at the hospital I trained at would turn off at 1130 lol When I was a patient I just had them close the door, but there was one nurse who was totally obnoxious. I finally...
  21. NicuGal

    Certified Nurses Day excluding people

    NicuGal replied to RN34TX's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    We all know whom is certified and who isn't. It is their choice not to be. We got a card to our coffee
  22. NicuGal

    Changing medication Forms

    NicuGal replied to cfaith's topic in Patient Medications

    I guess it would depend on the situation....we crush to put in a suspension solution or water to give to our kids because it doesn't come any other way. Is it a person who can't swallow pills? But...
  23. NicuGal

    "Baby Friendly"

    NicuGal replied to aerorunner80's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    I think part of the problem is that there is not enough support staff at many institutions, not enough prenatal education. We are a 50 bed level 3, we have 2 large postpartum floors and only 2 LC's...
  24. NicuGal

    Unsanitary practice?

    NicuGal replied to GraceNotes's topic in Patient Safety Issues

    When we were remodeling our facility we were requires by the health department to have at least one sink in each or outside of each
  25. NicuGal

    Are Prescheduled 4 hour shifts Legal in California?

    NicuGal replied to Kittylin's topic in California Nursing

    That sounds so not right. Where I work we are hired for a certain amount if hours...and we can be scheduled 12's 8's or even 4's if absolutely needed to