After a week of deliberation on the WILTW threads, I can honestly say I'm glad for a new week! I have only worked one day this week so far, so not a very giant list to share.
This week in nursing, I have learned....
There is a very sad line between moral and legal decision-making in healthcare. When a DNR can be revoked by family only to prolong torture and a DNR not granted on an already terminal suicide attempt, we really need to find a way to make moral and legal stop being mutually exclusive.
After a month of horrible patient acuity, I'm realizing that now "normal" days actually feel a bit slow. Amazing how being pushed beyond your limits teaches you to increase those limits.
I've learned what pleurx drains are. Now I want to play with one.
It takes a lot longer to bring up a 2.3 potassium than a 1.1 mag. A lot.
I have a way about me that makes patients confess very, very strange things to me. (Apparently?)
I'm going to learn tomorrow if short hair is easier at work than long in a braid, bun or ponytail. Also, tomorrow I will get to compare my steps at work on my new Fitbit vs. the app in my phone. And..... Tomorrow is my last day in the 18-34 demographic.
I've realized that hospitals would be more mom-nurse-friendly if shifts were 9-9.
Looking at community health job postings has made me realize I have no idea how to figure out government pay scales. I understand the grade, but how does your starting step get determined?
I've included my children in the "daddy's schedule is changing, so mommy's might have to, too," conversation. It was hard to say no when my girl asked if I could "just" not work for awhile.
Crack is a hell of a drug.
Almost 1.5 years since graduation. I think I've decided I know how to nurse now. It's an amazing feeling!
How about you? What have you learned?
The weekly WILTW threads will remain in yellow as long as we remember to keep the majority of posts/comments focused on things nursing related. Students are welcome to share what they learned in their journey to becoming nurses, and of course, CNAs/PCTs/MAs and other unlicensed people who are part of the nursing team are welcome to contribute as well.
As this thread doesn't really have one single topic, it's very nature is to evolve into conversations that are off topic from individual points shared. This is okay, as long as the majority of posts in the conversations remain nursing, nursing school and UAP-related. Questions or comments on this can be shared in the site feedback thread with "WILTW" in its title.
When I was a student, in hunter green heat to toe, the nurses called us "string beans." As in, "A new batch of string beans comes in tomorrow," or, "Hey, string bean, come check this out." Because I'm not willowy (being a 6'2, big dude) I asked for a different nickname and was called Pickle for about a minute until someone pointed out the double entendre of calling the only male student a pickle.
True... I was asked to submit an email I wrote to the Journal of Nursing Education. I dated the barista who ran the coffee station nearby and got free extra shots. I drank SO MUCH alcohol, we'd ditch class and hit up the Mexican place a few blocks away for happy hour margaritas.
And I learned how to be a nurse (which, at the time, seemed to include the alcohol).
True... I was asked to submit an email I wrote to the Journal of Nursing Education. I dated the barista who ran the coffee station nearby and got free extra shots. I drank SO MUCH alcohol, we'd ditch class and hit up the Mexican place a few blocks away for happy hour margaritas.
And I learned how to be a nurse (which, at the time, seemed to include the alcohol).
What I have learned this week as a nurse. Patients who have Medicaid insurance have no regard what is necessarily needed to be treated or take care of yourself ie. Saw a 23 yr old with a hang nail for pain and throbbing in finger. She wanted an xray to rule out a fracture, by the way it was the 3rd time we have seen her this month for something stupid.
Young adult males like to lie about how they got genital warts to their significant others. Typical I caught it from touching a public toilet lie.
I remind myself to not become jadid but some days it's hard.
What I have learned this week as a nurse. Patients who have Medicaid insurance have no regard what is necessarily needed to be treated or take care of yourself ie. Saw a 23 yr old with a hang nail for pain and throbbing in finger. She wanted an xray to rule out a fracture, by the way it was the 3rd time we have seen her this month for something stupid.
Young adult males like to lie about how they got genital warts to their significant others. Typical I caught it from touching a public toilet lie.
I remind myself to not become jadid but some days it's hard.
So, you learned to tell the first patient no X-Ray for a hang nail, and you did some STD teaching?
The first patient threw a fit when doc told her no xray. How do you want me to deal with this pain I need something for the pain. She wouldn't leave the office until we did something. I put lidocaine cream on the area and a bandage, she finally was satisfied and left.
The second case the young man came to the office by himself was diagnosed with genetial warts teaching was performed and script given. Discharge paperwork attached with diagnosis. He went home girlfriend found paperwork and asked him how he got the warts she was then told from public toilet. She called our office freaking out that she might have them from a public toilet, we told her to come in and be tested. She did and was negative. We educated her as to how it was transmitted. She went home and they had a big fight he called the office and threatened us with bodily harm. Obviously we notified the police. All of this occured because he lied to her and was doing things he shouldn't have been doing. Moral of this story don't lie
Is there a way to get to the blue side of allnurses using the app? I have some off topic stuff I want to post but I can't seem to find my way there while using the app.
The first patient threw a fit when doc told her no xray. How do you want me to deal with this pain I need something for the pain. She wouldn't leave the office until we did something. I put lidocaine cream on the area and a bandage, she finally was satisfied and left.
The second case the young man came to the office by himself was diagnosed with genetial warts teaching was performed and script given. Discharge paperwork attached with diagnosis. He went home girlfriend found paperwork and asked him how he got the warts she was then told from public toilet. She called our office freaking out that she might have them from a public toilet, we told her to come in and be tested. She did and was negative. We educated her as to how it was transmitted. She went home and they had a big fight he called the office and threatened us with bodily harm. Obviously we notified the police. All of this occured because he lied to her and was doing things he shouldn't have been doing. Moral of this story don't lie
Ahhhh, the clinic days. I remember them well.
We used to have fist fights break out in the waiting room. Good times.
Is there a way to get to the blue side of allnurses using the app? I have some off topic stuff I want to post but I can't seem to find my way there while using the app.
Jensmom7, BSN, RN
1,907 Posts
But left lasting memories!!