Shout out to savvy nurses everywhere

[Ariemay82, RN]

ISO any must have tips from seasoned ER NURSES! I've done home care, long term care, substance abuse and med/surg but decided it was time for something new. SO now I've moved on to the ER. Work flow is pretty good and multi tasking is on point but want to see if anyone has any handy tricks of the trade to share. I LOVE to work SMARTER NOT HARDER. Looking forward to your input!

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Put the visitor chair(s) on one side of the bed, and your equipment on the other side as much as possible. It will give you a clear work space, and one less headache.

Bring water to the patient at the first opportunity. They will likely ask for some in the first hour anyway.

 

[doho_rn, ADN, RN]

You can aerosolize iodiform to help with strong foul smells. 
 

If you prime your fluids upside down, by squeezing out the air first then allowing the fluid to prime, you are MUCH MUCH MUCH less likely to get an air in line error.

 

Never recap! Scoop! 
 

My 3 best tips I can think of. 

[Guest219794]

Most IM needles have a safety activated with the forefinger.

Most people pull the needle out, then sheath it with the safety.  Don't.  Instead, engage the safety sheath while it is still in the PT.  Engagement of the sheath will pull the needle back out of the pt, and at no point will there be an exposed dirty sharp.

If you need to piggy back something and lost the plastic hanger, use a tourniquet.

Manual BP cuff for a pressure bag.

Check ALL impaired people for a weapon.  Even if the cops brought them in.

If you can't insert an IV catheter all the way in, but it is otherwise good, steristrip over the exposed catheter.  Bonus points if you use benzoin.

On some people- for the love of god, don't take their socks off.  It might emit a massive cloud of particulate, and you will actually inhale rotting feet into your lungs.