Charting disruptive patient behaviors: Are you objective?

Nurses have an obligation to chart objectively. When behaviors and attitudes need to be described, though, we don't always have the vocabulary on hand to chart an accurate, objective description. This article is an attempt to illustrate the difference between subjective, ambiguous charting and that which is clear and objective, as well as to give examples of appropriate vocabulary that may be used to do so. Read More

On Becoming a Nurse

Reflecting on why you chose your profession is never a bad idea. Sometimes we need to be reminded, and it's restorative. Sometimes it brings us back farther than we anticipated. Always, there are people to thank. Read More

[Toon] Are they still giving out incentives for nurses?

With the economy still improving I'm guessing that there isn't much in terms of incentives. But, I won't be surprised if there are still a few available out there. Does your work place offer any incentives for new nurses? How about for current employees moving from one position to another? Were you offered any incentives when you were hired? What was it and how long ago was this? Read More

Charge and Resus --How does your facility do it?

I work in a local level III NICU at a delivery hospital. Our current system is for our charge nurse not to have an assignment, or if she does, she usually only has one baby. And the charge is responsible for also attending deliveries (resus). Our manager wants to change it so more of the staff attends deliveries not just charge. Which I agree with, but the way she is going about it doesn't really make sense to any of us! I was just curious what method other hospitals use? And do you like? Any suggestions appreciated. Read More

Professional Liability Insurance

I am about to begin my first travel nurse assignment. I plan on bouncing around from state to state every 13 weeks. When looking into professional liability insurance I notice they all want you to pick a state. Can I just put in the state of my permanent residence and I will be covered wherever I go? Or is it that I have to get new insurance every 13 weeks? Read More

How to Dress for Psychiatric Nursing

Many psychiatric facilities and settings allow nurses and support staff to wear street clothing instead of scrubs. Those new to psych nursing are often not sure what is the best thing to wear. This article provides some guidance in how to dress (and how not to dress) for the psych unit..

I would like to offer some guidelines regarding how to dress for working or attending clinicals on a psychiatric unit. I’ve been a psych nurse for a few years; when it comes to nurses and students dressing for the job, I’ve pretty much seen it all. So here's some tips to get you started... Read More

Able to finish all tasks in ICU?

I have just started a new job in a TICU at a Level 1 trauma hospital. I am still in orientation but I feel like it's going to be a constant battle to get all the "tasks" done on my shift (labs, meds, assessments) on really critical patients. For example, my last shift the patient had several meds, q2h lab draws, and q2h neuro assessments and then their respiratory status crumped (already vented). I think in all the confusion I forgot to chart the last neuro assessment even though I did perform it and I'm freaking out. With experience does it get better? Do you ever get every little thing done and go home with a clear conscience? Read More

To my dear fellow nurses

This article exemplifies what it means to search endlessly for a particular nursing niche and finally find the niche for which you are looking. It is a motivational piece for all nurses-especially new grads-who feel burnt out after only a short period of time in the nursing world. It is not uncommon these days to hear of nurses who quit after just a few months of working though they have worked so tirelessly to achieve the status of RN. This article serves as a pick-me-up for both old and new nurses that there is still hope out there. The state of nursing has drastically changed since Nightingale but we can perpetuate the positive aspects of nursing and work in a specialty/setting that befits our personalities and lives. Read More

Physical Therapy- help me to understand

I am one year into my first nursing job in LTC. Can anyone tell me HOW the world of Physical Therapy works in LTC. Keeping in mind I didn't major in Medicare and the World of Reimbursement/Insurance......is there a monetary reason why my facility would "seemingly" (to me) push Physical Therapy on many patients, although they are, say 90 years old and just plain tired (and many ready for Hospice) If you could help me to understand...your comments and insights are appreciated. Read More

When Giving Report Please...

Everyone has an opinion on the best way to give report, and opinions on what not to do. I like to believe that most of the time I do a good job. There are days where things just do not flow well, and I do not win report giving awards. I like to start this thread for feedback on report giving. It can even be a dumping ground for things that irritate you while getting report. Read More

Is anyone else losing spouse coverage?

I received a letter that they are dropping spouse coverage on April 1. My husband is retired and not eligible for Medicare or health insurance elsewhere. We have been getting quotes of $800 to 900 a month. Does anyone know if this is a trend in nursing homes? What about home health care? I will need to change jobs, but the insurance is an important factor. Read More