things I didn't learn in nursing school

RedSox33RN · Dec 3, 2004

I'm not done with nursing school yet, but I KNOW that I won't learn how to start an IV. We either have to take a special course, or wait until the hospital where we work teaches us. My ONLY pet peeve about our program - so far.

But, I guess if that is the worst thing, it's not too bad.

akcarmean, LPN · Dec 3, 2004

That is the same for me in the LPN school. I would have loved to learn to start IV's but I am continuing my education. Hopefully they will teach it then

student_girl · Dec 3, 2004

I know what they don't teach us: HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS!!!:chair:

Fiona59 · Dec 3, 2004

Two thoughts: IV starts: some colleges offer a course for IV starts for LPN, RN, and EMTs. Thought about doing it but the hospital where I worked reserved that skill for RN's who were on the IV team.

What I had wished I'd learnt? How to increase bladder size or self-cathertization for the days u cant get a pee break!!!

kim93079 · Dec 3, 2004

Here is what I wasn't taught...

1.A person can go from talking to dead in 2.2 seconds.

2.Vomit travels faster than the speed of light.

3.A great procedure that the nurses offer at the end of a shift means someone will be cleaning poop!

4.Anyone over the age of 45 is obsessed with their bowel movements.

5.Any situation can become gross quick!

6.Urine comes in every color of the rainbow do not be alarmed.

7.Never ever call the doc at night when your patient gets a fever of 101.

8.Kids can stick anything...I mean anything in their noses.

9. Babies can have projectile poop.

10.You would be amazed how many objects have been accidently inserted into the rectum.

I think this may be more what you are looking for!!!!

These came off the top of my head I will let you know if I can think of more!!!

GAgirl · Dec 3, 2004

never trust a pulse ox

always trust your instincts

if a pt says they are going to die soon, or are going "home" soon, believe them

Pattiecake · Dec 3, 2004

When I went to nursing school they never taught us:

1)How to prevent someone from jumping off the ledge of the 5th floor window.

2)How to get your arm out from under that 400 pound woman on the pacemaker table without actually ripping it out of the socket. (It wasn't covered in body mechanics)

3)To make sure the flush hopper, or at least your mouth, was completely closed prior to flushing the daily foley collections.

4)That I would be expected to change a colostomy bag...and teach the patient how to do it too.

5)That when I fall flat on my face in the middle of a code that it isn't "all about me"

6)That when I work as circulating nurse in the OR for the first time, during an amputation, that I will be presented with the "specimen" when it is removed.

7)That I would do home health visits to LOL's that can't hear the doorbell, and I would have to enter through the bathroom window.

8)That a job in pediatrics would win me the honor of the Guiness Book of Records for the world's longest lasting URI.

9)That the labor room means the nurse's labor. No days off for 15 shifts.

10)That I would ever end my career in a prison! (As a nurse that is)

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2004

Some things I learned as a nurse, but not in nursing school-

How to unclog a pt's toilet with a coat hanger. No maintainance staff on at night!

How to get into a "locked" thermostat and change the setting in a pt's room or at the nurses' station with a hanger(note: do not use the same hanger used for uncloging toilets).

A colostomy appliance and bag can be used to protect a pt's skin from damage caused by a G-tube which has stomach acid leaking out around the insertion site.

Shaving cream works great to remove dried BM from skin, and makes the pt smell better, too.

mauser · Dec 3, 2004

I only have three for now (but it is only my first semester).

1. The 'Demented" patient who is not oriented to place or time - let alone who their student nurse is - will suddenly remember your name when she is screaming out in pain/anger!

2. A patient who is talking to you and suddenly stops, has their head back and mouth open might be sleeping - not dead.

3. A pulse ox that drops every time the patient stands up, changes position - might be loose or not positioned correctly!

A wise nurse informed me - treat the patient not the machine! If they are walking and talking and the machine says their heart has stopped - it probably hasn't. :rotfl:

jschut, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2004

These are cool......:)

Altra, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2004

These are great ...

My contributions:

1. A pt. who has little mobility out of bed is often an accomplished contortionist in bed -- they'll work themselves, the linens & all their lines into the most *interesting* tangled mess.

2. From working in the ER, I've learned to listen very carefully to what pts. are telling me, but also to wonder what they're not telling me. From a pt. with unexplained SOB who claims to have no medical hx & is not on any meds ... but as I glance at her open purse, I can see Rx bottles. Hmmm ... did you happen to bring any medications with you??? :rolleyes:

3. Gotta love those GI cocktails.

4. Blood & guts is the easy part. It's the suffering that human beings inflict on themselves and on each other that keeps you awake at night if you don't learn to turn it off.