When you actually ''save'' a life

Healthcare Workers help people everyday. It becomes commonplace, just another ''fact of life'', and we almost forget how lucky we are to be a part of such a noble profession. We work in this noble profession not for the recognition, not for the glory, certainly not for the money. Everyone has their own reason. I do it because I know that what I do really matters, even if those I help don't even know it.

About 4 or 5 months ago I (the PCT, the hired help, that young guy, the guy that looks like he's new, the Per Diem staff) was floated to the Cardiac Care Unit for half of a shift. About 3 hours into the shift, the Nurse went into a patient's room to find the pt in cardiac arrest. He came to the doorway and exclaimed ''we're calling a code here people!" Read More

[Poll] Is the ICU for me?

I started working in the MICU as a new grad 5 months ago. Lucky me, I am still in orientation (was supposed to be 4 months but I got a little time added on because I was so "new"). Man oh man, has this just been an up and down roller coaster for me. I am 2 weeks away from becoming a grown up nurse and being on my own. I have never felt so nervous in my life. I know more time will not help me. If I stayed in orientation until I felt 100% ready and confident, I'd never get out of it. I so badly want to be on my own to see if that is what makes me feel better, but yet I dread not having constant support over my shoulder. I don't know how to describe it, but I will do my best! Read More

[Toon] Did you ever had one of those moments...

When outside of work do you constantly find yourself ready to take action at the sound of a beep/alarm? Do you find yourself looking at a strangers' arm looking for a vein? How about a dirty baby who needs some cleaning? Please share your stories below... Read More

What procedure do you use to deflate a Pulmonary Artery Catheter balloon?

We have a debate going on in our unit relating to the correct deflation/locking procedure for Pulmonary Artery Catheter balloons. Historically we have always allowed the balloon to passively deflate after obtaining a wegde pressure. Once the pulmonary artery wedge pressure trace has reverted to a pulmonary artery trace we lock the syringe. Recently it has been suggested that this may not be an fail safe procedure as some air may remain in the balloon after passive deflation. A new method has been suggested which involves detaching the syringe from the gate valve while the gate is unlocked therefore allowing all the air in the balloon to escape via the gate valve. Once the trace has returned to a pulmonary artery waveform the gate can be locked and the syringe (with 1.5ml of air in it) reattached to the gate valve which should be locked to prevent inadvertant inflation of the balloon. We use the Edwards Lifescience Thermodilution VIP 834HF75 Catheter. What do you do in your unit? Read More

Taking leave from the field for a while....A mistake?

Obviously no matter what field or profession you're in, there are challenges in re-entering the workforce after being 'gone' for a year or two. That being said, what are your thoughts on doing this as a primary care PNP? As someone in their early 30's with no kids yet, my ideal scenario would be to work full-time for 2 years as a PNP, take a year or two off to raise a child, and then return to the workforce part-time. Is this something you've seen accomplished successfully or am I better off staying as a bedside RN? Read More

Any nurses that don't regret becoming a nurse?

I have been reading a lot of negative discussions about the nursing field and I must admit, I've considered changing my career path. Problem is, I can't see myself doing anything else. Please tell me that there are nurses out there that like their job! Read More

Playing With Fire: Seeing "Noncompliance" In A New Light

Here's a bird's-eye view of what we in the healthcare professions tend to dismiss as a patient's "willful failure" to follow his or her treatment plan. The lessons learned are not only valuable to the writer as a patient, but as a nurse who will never use the term "noncompliant" in the same way again.

I guess it was meant to happen. Another failed experiment....another life lesson learned. Read More

Well.. I guess I am going to be canned

I let someone work outside of their scope of practice under my watch. Yes and now I have to go to Human Resources to have an interview b/c said patient has a PTSD issue (pysch) and it could potentially turn into a law suit. A housekeeper applied tape to a bandage, that was the practice outside of scope and told me and I didn't report it to my manager, who later found out. Read More

[Humor] If Hospitals Were Run Like Denny's.....

What do you suppose a nurse's job would be like if healthcare facilities were managed like a decent chain restaurant? I've always thought that one of the only differences between floor nurses and the average food server was about twenty-five bucks an hour. After all, we run hard all day....we're focused on "customer service".....and we try to take care of people the best way we can. (Unfortunately, we don't get tips.) Read More!

Forever Love

Nursing has always been a sweet remembrance of taking care of others... not only their frail body, but their heart, mind and soul. Every once in a while, their story sticks with you. You learn from it, you thrive to understand it, but most of all, you walk away with a heart completely changed. Read More

80% BSN staffing by 2020

This has been on the forefront of every conversation regarding nursing I have been a party to as of late. 80% of BSN prepared nurses for acute care by 2020. Is this just being kicked around as an ideal, or did this mandate pass? Not sure if this is national or state.

A number of hospitals will only hire BSN's. That is certainly their right, however, to use the 80% by 2020 mandate as a reason to not hire less than a BSN is a bit odd to me. Read More

Break the Silence Report Bullying

Save your co-workers life; report bullying. Suicide and Post Traumatic Stress does occur from being bullied in the workplace. Nurses take an oath to do no harm to others. This includes protecting your co-workers from being bullied. Reach out your hand and help your co-workers so they can receive counseling. Read More