The "Teach a Student Something-a-Day" thread!

mitchsmom · Dec 24, 2003

btt

jjbaby · Dec 25, 2003

This is still a great thread!!! I will be graduating in March and I still learn something everytime I read this thread.

One more thought, enjoy the place where you are, there are many others who would sacrifice love and money to be in the place you are now.

I try to remember that I have to continue to prove that I belong in this spot in the program, because there are many, many others who did not receive that "letter."

So work hard and earn that coveted spot, but enjoy it too, it is a great roller coaster ride!!!

Best Of Luck, and Have a safe and healthy Holiday Season. JJ

Erin RN · Dec 25, 2003

Originally posted by Vsummer1
Even if you know gloves come in a kit (for instance you are starting a foley) BRING an extra pair of sterile gloves in YOUR size.

That is a good one Val, I have had more than one pair of gloves rip also have had a couple that would not open up all the way...I always had a pair in my pocket along with the kitchen sink.lol

Furball · Dec 25, 2003

Don't just look at a pt's Vs, labwork, ect as a snapshot but more like a movie...it's fluid...you look at trends not just the abnormals to pick up subtle changes in condition, responsr to therapies, ect..

When you lavage a trach or ETT before suction make sure you are standing off to the side.

Dublin37 · Dec 29, 2003

I would LOVE to have all of these printed out, but what a pain, cutting and pasting! Maybe YOU could do it for me, K? :roll Really though, I really appreciate all of these practical ideas. Everyone, keep them coming! Heather:kiss

agent · Dec 30, 2003

Bump^

Any nurses see anything interesting over the holidays they'd like to share?

JAZZ49 · Dec 30, 2003

What I would really like to see are examples of people's "brains". You know, the paper or notes they carry with them to remind them what to do to whom and when to do it. Plus it has all the vitals and things they need to know while on the floor in an organizied manner.

Do any of you experienced nurses have anything you would be willing to share? Do you have any sheets made up that we could us as an expample to fine tune and create our own. That's something that is really needed by the students and newly graduated! Please help!

JAZZ49

KYNurseCarla · Jan 5, 2004

:eek: :eek: :eek:

My advice to all the students as a second year student with one semester to go is to read before the lecture. I know sometimes this is hard especially when there are 100 pages assigned twice a week but even if you just go through the pages and read the main subjects you will find yourself more connected to the lecture content. Also, if you can find the time review your notes soon after class is over. It will go a long way towards your learning if you do. Also Do not miss lectures!, Do not miss clinicals!, Do not miss labs!!. Go to websites such as Medline to help with your understanding of disease processes. Remember Airway, Breathing, Circulation when taking tests. One last thing.. do not get involved in idle gossip about each other and especially about your instructors. Even though sometimes it seems as though your teachers are out to get you remember you are a professional in training so take any criticism constructively and learn from it!! I could go on and on but I wont

One more thing for those of you who wanted to know about the math formulas... learn drop factor and IV calculations !!!

Carla:rotfl:

gwenith, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2004

Here is a tip - if you are hanging blood products and the drip chamber fills with "froth" so that you cannot see the drips the best way of settling the bubbles is

1) Ensure the drip is FIRMLY connected to the bag/bottle

2) "clap" your hands together with the drip chamber between your hands i.e. bring your hands together either side of the chamber making a claping sound - the vibrations from the "clap" will settle the froth like magic

agent · Jan 13, 2004

bump^

great stuff here.

I'm going to consolidate all of this into a single page when I feel we've got enough.

More nuggets plz..

LOL

Noney · Jan 13, 2004

Make it a point to offer to help others, this makes it more likely to get help when you need it. Also be careful about helping others too much or you'll be their doormat.

Always carry a Sharpie marker in your pocket.

Noney

nekhismom · Jan 13, 2004

Ok here is my nugget for the day.

Several people here have suggested being good to your CNA. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! It's also important to be good to eVERYBODY you see on the floor, ie, dietary, RT, PT, the folks from laundry, housekeeping, etc. It's even better if you know their names and greet them with a smile when you see them. Have you ever tried to make a bed without linens?? That's when you appreciate the laundry man. Have you ever had a day when you could barely breathe, let alone get a bed changed while a pt. is gone for a procedure? that's when you learn the value of a good relationship with housekeeping. Ever had trashcans full of contaminated stuff? Again, housekeeping. Just remember, everyone on that floor has a job, and they can either make your life easier or make it hell.

SMILE at every one of your patients! IT really does help.

Ok, let's see.....NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER crush potassium! IT does come in a liquid prep if you need one.

If you have renal failure, anemia is possible. ( I always forget that one on tests. Remember, erythropoietin is made in the kidneys and builds RBC's)

When you walk into a room for a procedure, have everything that you need plus extras! Always carry tape, bandaids, alcohol pads, scissors, etc. Bring extra gauze, op sites, IV cathlons, etc.

That's all I got for now!