*FFP (fresh frozen plasma)--instead for a time we were giving Factor VII for DIC
*NG feeding tubes--we're leaving in the 24-hr ones in for days, and rinsing/reusing the 30-day ones that get accidentally pulled out
*IV lipids--we had to give a lipid alternative
*Not super crucial, but bathtub liners for the little portable multi-patient bathtub that we use to bathe our neonates--we lined the tub with trash bags instead
It's rough out there. How are you guys holding up?
For a couple of weeks, we had some near shortages with sharp containers--ours are recyclable, and the handling company had some issues due to staffing. We also almost ran out of our most common sized dialyzers the same week, as well. At an outpatient clinic, this is definitely not good
Pillows. The whole hospital. Always ran out of pillows. It was normally bad. Then sometimes they'd order pillows without plastic covers that had to be discarded after every patient. Made it worse. Patients wouln't even have a pillow for their head. =(
Yet there is that one patient who ?needs? 10 pillows.
18 gauge 1.5 inch needles - what are you using those for?
25 gauge 1.5 inch are for Covid vaccines - higher BMIs - to make sure the vaccine makes it to the deltoid muscle!
I had a knee-jerk “WTH, 18-gauge?” reaction, but Bicillin injections are given through some kind of giant needle. I’ve never checked the gauge (they are packaged along with the med) but giving it always makes me woozy.
Also I wonder if they’re using them to mix something? We got a supply of 20-gauge needles for mixing the Pfizer vaccine, although they aren’t 1.5” long.
We ran out of blue top tubes for PT/PTT. Had just a few so had to go justify getting one from the unit clerk. Ran out of vacutainers for pulling blood from saline locks this week, but that is because "central supply forgot to order them".
18 gauge 1.5 inch needles - what are you using those for?
Very useful for drawing up lorazepam from a vial due to its viscosity! I'm sure there are probably other meds where the larger gauge needles are the best.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Our blue/purple gloves. They think the cheap lunch lady gloves they give us are suitable. But they stick to EVERYthing including the tape for the patients' access and lines. Plus they are so baggy that you can't feel anything or grip much.
Jedrnurse, BSN, RN
2,776 Posts
I hear you! That means you're up the creek when you come in in the morning.
I wonder if nurse pillow-thievery is a felony or just a misdemeanor...