Oct 10 - Oct 16 Hottest New Topics

• In Elderly, Algorithm Helps Reduce Number of Medications
• Why does everyone need to be ACLS cert?
• Flu shot issue
• What do you call your "greatest" compliment?
• To own a pet or not while in nursing school...
• Nursing Pin for $115 !?
• Crossed the line... or expected behavior?
• Chicago job market for new RN-BSN grads?

In Elderly, Algorithm Helps Reduce Number of Medications

A tool known as the Good Palliative-Geriatric Practice algorithm can help safely reduce the use of medications in community-dwelling elderly individuals, according to research published in the Oct. 11 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Why does everyone need to be ACLS cert?

There has been a push at hospitals in my area for ALL nurses to be ACLS certified. There are repercussions for those who choose not to do the training. Fewer hours, more w/e, and generally not treated as well. I can understand the PEDs floor, ICU, ER, Cath lab..... but just plain old med surg, I don't understand. There is a code team, so it's not like there aren't enough RNs to respond. Is this a trend everywhere?

Flu shot issue

I get a flu shot every year without any problem, and took a flu shot at work this week. This flu shot hurt a lot. It burned going in, and literally made my eyes tear up. Usually it doesn't hurt at all. I work nights, and went home and to bed right after. When I woke up the area was very swollen, red, hot to touch, and very sore. I took two Tylenol and went to work thinking the new H1N1 made it hurt worse, and it would get better. By the next morning I felt feverish, my throat was so sore I could barely...

What do you call your "greatest" compliment?

I have been referred to as MANY things over the years! Smart , efficient... and some terms not printable on this site! Recently, I had a co-worker and a family member describe me as compassionate. Not an easy trait to maintain in the current nursing environment! Truly, the highest compliment I can think of. What is yours?

To own a pet or not while in nursing school...

I know that I will have long hours during the day but I'd like a companion to have around. Are there nursing students or current nurses who have or have had a dog while in nursing school? How did it work out for you?

Nursing Pin for $115 !?

Our nursing pin costs $115. This seems overpriced to me.

Typically, 70% of the student class opts out of purchasing it because of the cost. If you opt out of getting it, for the pinning ceremony, you get pinned with a fake cheap pin.

What are your thoughts?

Crossed the line... or expected behavior?

As an LPN to RN transition student, I had a patient who had to have a thoracentesis done in Radiology. During the procedure, I was placed in the supportive position for the patient and made sure her shoulders were in the proper position. As the procedure was taking place, I began to inform the patient of what was happening and what to expect (pin stick, etc.) HOWEVER... the radiologist later complained that I "talked the whole time." Um... nobody was providing information to the patient and I felt it was my role to be the patient advocate and give her information about what was taking place to her during this invasive procedure.

Can someone PLEASE tell me if I acted inappropriately?

Chicago job market for new RN-BSN grads?

I currently live in Philadelphia and I am considering moving to Chicago if the job market for new graduate RNs is better. I really want a staff nurse position in a reputable hospital. I am licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and have applied to approximately 150 - 200 tier 1 RN positions at hospitals and have received very little response at all.

I have a BSN, went to a good nursing school and received very high grades.My former work experience was as a veterinary technician for...