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

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In an effort to not enter nursing school as a completely nieve individual, I was hoping that some 2nd years or RN's could share something beneficial with us students each day.

It can be anything little or totally meaningful. Whatever you contribute will be greatly appreciated and hopefully will help me to be a better student and nurse ;)

Thanks!

Originally posted by jjbaby

The critical thinking for Mr. Smith is ALWAYS consider first the ABC's

Airway

Breathing

Circulation

So your first response would be to apply 02 to help with the shortness of breath. After this you will address the other symptoms.

Your second intervention would be to call the Dr. do not administer tylenol for a temp that high before talking with the MD. He may want blood cultures, and if tylenol is given it will affect the growth process. Also when cultures are drawn, tell who ever is drawing them how high the temp is. Most Dr.s prefer a call with a temp greater than 101, keep that number in your head and youll never go wrong. Then document, document, and document.

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When you get an order to draw ABGs ask if the MD wants that on room air ( usually he/ she does) or wants you to leave the O2 on..if you leave the O2 on make sure to doc the flow rate on the request form...

:)

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When you are going to do a foley cath always have an extra one with you...there was one week in the ER where I had 3 of them that were solid at the tip so they would not drain..so guess that is another tip..look at the tip to make sure it is hollow...think we had a "bad batch"....

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I graduate from nursing school this May. I have learned so much!!! Some words of wisdom to pass on would be:

1. Never let em see you sweat! If you act scared and not confident in clinical, your instructor will pick on you every time!Happened to me 1st semester. Doesn't happen anymore!!

2. Don't be afraid to jump in and do things like Foleys, Ng tubes, etc. The 1st time you do it, will be scary...but after that you gain the "guts" to want to jump in and learn even more hands-on things.

3. It really does help your confidence level if you are able to work as a CNA before you become a nurse. I have worked in a hospital for almost a year now (as a CNA)! I am amazed at how much i have learned. I can ask my nurse co-workers any question and they enjoy teaching me....(becuz they know me as a coworker/friend, i am not a student to them)

4. Take time out for yourself, even if its a 15 minute hot soak in the tub!! YOU DESERVE IT!! I used to feel so guilty for taking time out for a tv show, or a walk with my dog. No guilt anymore!!

You will get burnt out if you neglect your needs!

5. The good thing about working in an hospital while in nursing school...you usually already have an RN position waiting for you when you graduate (I DO!!).

Good luck to all my fellow students out there!!

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Thank you, everyone. These tips are appreciated more than you know. :kiss

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Specializes in Emergency.

Yes thank you from another greatful student. Except - about Mr. Smith - I would have thought the answer would be call the doctor, because we don't know if a) an order O2 has been written - so wouldn't that be a presumtous answer? If anybody could clarify I would be very greatful. This is an area I have a problem with when it comes to critical thinking skills - often I seem to get caught up in the details and miss the critical.

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Thanks so much for this thread, it has been a gem:) I am working on pre-reqs now, and will start ADN in the Fall, I can only hope this sort of thread will continue

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Boy, do I hope this one hasn't already been said.

My tip of the day would be to, no matter what, when moving a patient in bed, or making adjustments to them or their bed....always check that the IV lines or foley catheter tubing or any other lines aren't caught somewhere in a rail or under the patient....or....

Check for their whereabouts first.

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If you end up in a terrible job, don't try to stick it out no matter what, thinking that "If only I were/smarter/more experienced/more organized/(insert adjective) things would be better and I wouldn't be miserable."

I thought I HAD to have a year in med-surg, no matter what. It was a miserable hospital. I should have left before I did, instead of letting it grind me into the ground.

Some places are miserable places with toxic environments. Don't feel like you HAVE to stick it out. When your gut tells you it's time to leave, leave.

Don't include the place on your resume' if you don't want to.

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Originally posted by nextyearnurse

Yes thank you from another greatful student. Except - about Mr. Smith - I would have thought the answer would be call the doctor, because we don't know if a) an order O2 has been written - so wouldn't that be a presumtous answer? If anybody could clarify I would be very greatful. This is an area I have a problem with when it comes to critical thinking skills - often I seem to get caught up in the details and miss the critical.

In MOST NCLEX styled questions, calling the dr is not the answer becuz the writers of NCLEX want to see what YOU as the nurse will do.

Our nursing instructor drilled into our head that if a pt is NEEDING O2, you administer and then call dr after. Your #1 duty is to the patient and his/her safety. Our instructor told us that saving the pts life is obviously more important than calling dr right then. The board of nursing will back you up, becuz you are keeping the pt oxygenated and basically saving their life. Time is of the essence when an emergency presents itself.

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good points and discussion -- thank you

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Originally posted by TweetiePieRN

In MOST NCLEX styled questions, calling the dr is not the answer becuz the writers of NCLEX want to see what YOU as the nurse will do.

Our nursing instructor drilled into our head that if a pt is NEEDING O2, you administer and then call dr after. Your #1 duty is to the patient and his/her safety. Our instructor told us that saving the pts life is obviously more important than calling dr right then. The board of nursing will back you up, becuz you are keeping the pt oxygenated and basically saving their life. Time is of the essence when an emergency presents itself.

Yep..put on the O2..this is one thing that an RN can and SHOULD do before anything..If you call the MD first you will most likely get an a** chewing. :) Erin

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