Jan 24 - Jan 30 Hottest New Topics

• Does death have a smell?
• Ugh! Had a Munchausen pt today
• Chart Audits -- I Couldn't Make This Up!
• Bathing Classmates and Other Personal Boundaries?
• VENT: School Still Ruining My Life After Graduation
• On the Edge
• Medical Marijuana Opinions

Does death have a smell? by AngelfireRN

Smelled it with my Grandmother, and squalled for 3 days solid, before there was really anything to squall about.

And I smell it still, with patients I see in hospital. I hate this. It's as bad as getting that gut feeling to pull the code cart outside the lady's room. There is no more helpless feeling than knowing what is going to happen, and knowing just as well that you're powerless to stop it.

Anyone else get this, or get an inkling as to the demise of a patient? I've heard about bad patients asking to have a BM, and nurses knowing that that was it, we've all heard about the "last turn", but does anyone else smell anything beforehand? Or am I just a freak?

Ugh! Had a Munchausen pt today by AmericanChai

I am still reeling from it. I have heard of these cases but never seen one up close. The pt has had a long struggle with a mysterious condition that no one could figure out. He was the nicest man. Everyone felt very sorry for his health struggles. just very shocking how anyone can do this to themselves. It would be so incredibly painful. Until he was presented with the evidence (they searched the room and founds lots of it!) he denied everything and acted like he didn't know what they were talking about. He just had a drastic, disabling surgery today because of the injuries he caused. His family is devastated. His nurses are hurt and angry. Just so many feelings.

Chart Audits -- I Couldn't Make This Up! by Ruby Vee

In the wake of a rather silly lawsuit (patient claimed that three young, beautiful women and one fat old broad -- that would be me -- "strapped him down and fondled his privates" all night long and while he had rather enjoyed the experience, upon reflection he felt that "it just wasn't right, and other people wouldn't be as opened minded.") our manager called a staff meeting to ensure that such a thing would not happen again. (The lawsuit -- I'm sure she doesn't actually believe we sexually assaulted the patient). One thing that came out of the meeting was that there are patients who are as crazy as bedbugs but the charting doesn't reflect that. "Let's make sure we document if the patient is confused, people." That mandate has led to some rather interesting charting...

Bathing Classmates and Other Personal Boundaries? by brownhairedgal

I've read a few threads on this and honestly I am shocked. I was unaware that students had to practice anything on each other that was invasive or required them to wear any clothing besides scrubs or other professional attire. This concept did not exist for me until I read threads in which people spoke about these practices.

I do not think it is right for students to have to wear clothing that exposes them, even if it is "just" shorts/bathing suit/bra/sports bra/tank top. Nor do I think it is right for students to have to be examined or touched in any way by another student.

VENT: School Still Ruining My Life After Graduation by fiveofpeep

Besides the outcome at the end; becoming an RN, is there anything positive you've experienced throughout nursing school? I've read so many negative things (and for a person starting her first semester Tuesday, it's not always a good thing to read all of the negative things, though some are reality and help prepare and know what to expect). So what are some things you liked/loved about nursing school?

On the Edge by wannabecnl

This is it. This is what I have been waiting and preparing for during the past five years. This is the day I've dreamed of since I was a small child. This is what I know I have been called to do and am finally going to do.

Today is my first day of nursing school. God willing, 16 months from now I will be an RN, and in two sure-to-be-short-despite-feeling-endless-now years, I will be a clinical nurse leader.

What the heck am I thinking???

I can't do this! I can't! I'm almost forty, for goodness' sake! I have two little kids, a husband, a messy house, and a clingy dog. How am I supposed to pull this off???

Medical Marijuana Opinions by sarrah

What do you think about the possible legalization and taxation of Medical Marijuana in the US? I think that this is a very interesting subject and I like to hear other people's opinions. Please see my reasons and tell me what you think about each of them...