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.
I learned what it looks like when a patient gets several rounds of epi pushed through a line that had infiltrated (Thankfully we didn't do it). This poor person has had to come into the OR every few days to have debridement done because of the wounds.
I was told by the OR nurse educator that she has heard really good things about me from the nurses with whom I have been working while on orientation. It feels really good to hear that, but I know I have a hell of a lot more to learn and prove after only 1 month into a 6 month orientation.
Having a nurse educator helps when one is learning a new specialty, and helps create a an atmosphere of positive newbie bonding;
That I will soon be part of "senior staff" due to turnover, which lost a few newbies in the process, and that makes me nervous;
That I will soon be able to move to three 12s-not soon enough, but it has been approved;
K2 is a hell of a drug-really.
That I can tell DKA a mile away in a kiddo; docs thought that the ingested something, mom thought child was depressed-ph below 7; glucose was over 1000; had alcohol levels, but chalked it up to gluconeogensis.
I can make a great slow cooker apple spice cake...I may make it while I work on Thanksgiving; it has inspired me use the slow cooker more and has me hooked on Pinterest in the process.
Happy Birthday ixchel!
Guess I'll save you a slice of that apple spice cake.
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.
1) No human should be subjected to an entire week's worth of modules and lectures. I could barely operate a glucometer by Friday.
2) My new unit is organized for orientation, with resource books and people I can consult with questions.
3) EBP suggests nurses on orientation should work 8-hour shifts the first few weeks when assimilating to the culture and patient load. So much for my 12s the first few weeks.
4) I'll be taking care of some peds patients with my adult ones. That sent me scrambling to review my weight-based calculations.
5) I need to make flashcards for my medical Spanish class.
This week I learned that there are so very many things I wish I'd learned in nursing school, or at least I wish they'd emphasized a heck of a lot more!
I learned that, at least where I work, all the NETY I heard about was a lie. I get nothing but support, and help, and praise. Everyone around me seems to invest themselves in my success as a nurse. Either I got lucky or the issue is overblown.
I learned that "anesthesia hangover" is a hell for some elderly pts, and though it's trying for me to deal with, it's far far worse for them to experience.
I learned that titration down on Haldol is a sucky process in an elderly pt. I felt for her and held her hand.
I learned that truly being able to advocate for my pt because I have the knowledge to do so is an amazing feeling. Watching someone get the care they need and deserve is beautiful.
Oh and being a new nurse is really really hard, but it is getting better.
n.igmatic1
130 Posts
I learned what it looks like when a patient gets several rounds of epi pushed through a line that had infiltrated (Thankfully we didn't do it). This poor person has had to come into the OR every few days to have debridement done because of the wounds.
I was told by the OR nurse educator that she has heard really good things about me from the nurses with whom I have been working while on orientation. It feels really good to hear that, but I know I have a hell of a lot more to learn and prove after only 1 month into a 6 month orientation.
Happy birthday ixchel!