Heather333

5 days of hospital orientation ie. policy and procedure, benefits, how to use the computer system, etc. I can only speak from my experience because I went straight into the NICU. My orientation ended up being 12 weeks. Heather

If your nails are that much of a problem, then perhaps your MD can help. There is probably a reason, other than constant handwashing, that is causing your nails to be so weak and painful. I wore acrylic nails before I went into nursing. Yes, they looked nice. I had very weak nails that peeled, broke-off, and bent all the time. But the longer that I left off the acrylics, the strong my nails got. I have not had nails for over 2 years now and my nails are in the best shape they have ever been. Working in NICU, I have to perform a 3-minute scrub before every shift and must practice thorough handwashing all the time. I use Eucerin lotion prn during my shift and that seems to help with the cracking and dryness. Heather

Sixes, If you would have read my second post, you would have seen my reply regarding natural nails : "I agree that excessively long nails (even natural ones) are a hazard in themselves (ie accidentally scratching a patient). But acrylic nails, no matter what the length, are a breeding ground for organisms. It is much easier to clean natural nails, even if they are cracked, by proper handwashing. JMHO. " Heather

AMEN Deb!!!!!!

Perhaps if you are having that much trouble with your nails then maybe your Dr. can help. I agree that excessively long nails (even natural ones) are a hazard in themselves (ie accidentally scratching a patient). But acrylic nails, no matter what the length, are a breeding ground for organisms. It is much easier to clean natural nails, even if they are cracked, by proper handwashing. JMHO. Heather

Personally, I think that any type of false nails do not belong in bedside nursing practice. They harbor multiple organisms no matter how "clean" they look or how often they are done. Patients in the hospital are there because they are sick. They are already exposed to an array of bacteria, viruses, etc. just from the hospital environment. We nurses do not need to add to the possibility of transmitting infections because of artificial nails. Heather

I have had bad experiences with MA's posing as a nurse. I recently had to have a tetorifice shot which was given to me at my GP's office. The MD says the nurse will be in to give you your shot. The MA comes in and gives me the shot in the TRICEP instead of the deltoid even after I corrected her. Needless to say, the Dr and I had an exchange of words and I promptly found myself a new MD. MA's are not nurses and should not be addressed as such. Heather

I had surgery last May on my shoulder secondary to an MVA. I had impingment sydrome where my AC joint was compressing my rotator cuff. Plus I had a bone-spur imbedded in my rotator cuff. I did not have full ROM and had significant weakness in my right arm even though I went through 7 months of PT and rehab. Surgery is a long process and I am still having trouble with my scar. Hope all goes well. Heather

I have never used a 26G cath. We use 24's on all our preemies and micropreemies. Heather

Yep, we're doing to same thing. Have to right "Repeated and confirmed" after every verbal order (abbrevated R&C). It's a pain in the butt, but I can see how it could be useful. Heather

I'm not suprised. Like I said, I was waiting for the lawsuit to be filed. Heather

Working in NICU, we take care of CMV positive babies. Our policy is if you think you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, you absolutely CANNOT take care of those patients. Heather

That's why I will NEVER EVER go back to adults. I'll stick w/ the micropreemies. Heather Heather

I had the same trouble with IV's that you did when I first started. I would get a blood return then BOOM there goes the vein. I found out that I was going through the vein because I was aiming too deep. The veins are much more superficial than you think sometimes. I rarely use a transilluminator and have never used one on a big baby. Heather

That's what I thought to. Heather