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

FlyGuyRN · Oct 22, 2003

I'm an ER nurse. My best advice is simply.... look at your pt. If you look up and see a flatline on the monitor don't immediately panick and start screaming for help. First look at the pt, assess them. If they are breathing, alert and oriented x 3, speaking etc...they're not dead. Check your monitor connections etc. Look at your pt.

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 23, 2003

yes pushing ideas off on ANYONE guarantees a royal buttchewing........and often rightfully so.....

that's for you agent.

best wishes.

NYCRN16 · Oct 23, 2003

The best thing I can say as far as clinicals go, is volunteer to take the HARDEST patients whenever you can. The reason why I say this, is in the real world you will come across these patients who have very complex cases, and if you can handle them while you are in school you will be so much better off when you are on your own. No-one is expecting you to be able to handle all aspects of care by yourself on a patient this difficult, but now is the time to take this plunge because the instructor and your fellow students are there to help you when you need it.

Nurse-o-Matic · Nov 17, 2003

A little advice regarding the patients condition: Compare current vitals with the baseline vitals for a better indication of the patient's status.

Also, I like to chat a bit with a patient to establish a good rapport before taking vitals or assessing him.

Lorus · Nov 17, 2003

Some thoughts on meds...

-Check your meds before you give them

-Understand WHY you are giving the patient drug X. Important to understand the dosage of drug X too.

The pharmacy WILL make mistakes with meds.

Docs WILL make mistakes with meds.

Like it or not- if you are a nurse long enough, you WILL make mistakes with meds...

Should this happen- Take responsibility immediately! Its not your @ss you should be worried about, its your patient's.

Next, figure out WHY it happened, and work to fix the problem.

-Never crush extended release meds -especially heart meds, pain meds, etc... (its possible there may be exceptions to this in certain situations, but i have yet to see them.)

Remember to check BP and HR before (and after) giving heart meds, vasoactive meds, pain meds etc....

Its already been said in this thread, but cannot be emphasized enough: If you dont know, ask! -Lorus

OBNurseShelley · Nov 18, 2003

ALWAYS LISTEN to your patient, even if they seem crazy, and unless you know for a fact, they're a little "off" BELIEVE THEM. Especially in OB, if they say the baby is coming, they're usually RIGHT! IF they say they're going to faint, or can't breathe or going to throw up, THEY"re usually right. Either way, ALWAYS take the time to listen to your patient and treat them like a person, not just another patient you have to take care of.

One more:

Remember that a LOT OF what we do is TEACHING, NEVER turn down an opportunity for teaching even if it is somethign simple.

road runner2003 · Nov 18, 2003

I have yet to read through the entire responses - just want to say, great thread. Thank you everyone!

agent · Nov 18, 2003

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes
yes pushing ideas off on ANYONE guarantees a royal buttchewing........and often rightfully so.....

that's for you agent.

best wishes.

Okay.. i can take constructive criticism with a smile :)

As far as everyone else, these are really great. As the thread starter, I really appreciate all of your contributions.

Especially the people who share their mistakes so that hopefully we are less likely to make them(i.e. the flatline )

maeyken · Nov 18, 2003

Originally posted by OBNurseShelley
ALWAYS LISTEN to your patient, even if they seem crazy, and unless you know for a fact, they're a little "off" BELIEVE THEM.

Also believe diabetic patients. If they say they feel funny and want something to eat... give it to them!! Once again, they're pretty much always right.

~ Mae

rpbear · Nov 18, 2003

Never appologize to a Doc for calling them in the middle of the night, or any other time of the day. After all it is THEIR patient.

The little things can make a huge difference. I had a patient who got regular tea with every meal and she wanted decaf. I searched three units and found as many decaf tea bags as I could find for her to keep in her room. She was so greatful, and said it made her feel better than anything the docs were doing for her. Sure made me feel good!:)

GottaBeanRN · Nov 19, 2003

This is a great thread!!!

One little study technique...

Sometimes it is hard to get together for study groups so make questions for yourself on cards. It really really helps! It takes a lot of time but well worth it in the end. Then you can figure out what you know and concentrate on what you don't.

:roll

Lorus · Nov 19, 2003

Im sure this has probably been said in here somewhere, but it bears repeating.

If you are about to start a nursing program or are in the early stages of one, you may find it helpful to get certified as a CNA and work as an aide for a while. Its a great way to get a ton of experience giving basic care. It will help develop your bedside manner, and you will learn lots watching the nurses you work with. You will begin to develop basic assessment skills, communication skills, and even do some super fun charting.

Later on, when you are working as a nurse and need to delegate responsibilities to CNA's you might just remember what being an aide was like, and will probably have a better rapport with the aides you work with as a result...

Just some thoughts.. -Lorus