Nobody likes me, Everyone hates me

So before we go off and eat some worms, lets think about the differences in how to communicate effectively. Let's think about how work and non-work are 2 entirely different lives. And lets think about the meaning behind being a nurse. The patient.

There has been more than one discussion about nurses who are feeling hated. That someone over them calling the shots are nasty, mean and give one all the "hard" patients. The behavior is such that it does happen. Read More

Gloving and Handwashing

Some of the team in the NICU where I work want to implement the policy of gloving with all infant contact. We already wear gloves for all the standard reasons and are very diligent with handwashing and foaming. My concern is that wearing gloves with absolutely all infant contact will result in a false sense of security and eventually to sloppy handwashing and foaming. Also if we are to glove, then why not gown up for all infant contact as well? Read More

[Toon] What's the nicest thing anyone has ever said or done for you?

You do so many good things for others. You save lives. You make people well. What's the nicest thing anyone has ever said or done for you? Please share ... Any gesture, big or small, that touched you. Read More

Interesting cases anyone?

I work in a medium size nonsurgical level III NICU so sometimes things get a little boring. Sure, on occasion we get a really interesting case, but for the most part it is preemie land. So does anyone have any interesting cases from NICU, PICU, or CICU? I know with all the privacy laws you can't give too many details. I recently heard of a case where a newborn contracted Legionnaires disease from a home water birth. Read More

Letters after name? FNP, APRN, etc

I was just wondering, what dictates the letters after your name when you become an NP? I've noticed some NPs, even at the same practice, give different letters. I have seen... Read More

Left Speechless

We all have patients that have an impact on us. Usually, we've been involved with them for several shifts or over longer periods of time in other settings. This one made his lasting impact in a few hours.

He had just turned 18 when he came into the ER with chest and shoulder pain. I walked into his room and introduced myself. He was polite and soft spoken. I asked him about his pain and the cough that accompanied it. He stated it was an 8/10 and braced himself as he coughed. When I asked him if anyone had been sick at home, he said no. Then, as I asked him more about medical history, he says, very matter of factly "Well, I have osteosarcoma in my lungs." Read More

Being a NP and Chiropractor

I am looking for advice on those of you who are licensed chiropractors and continued on to obtain a nursing license. I am looking to become an NP in the future and want to hear your stories and experiences. I want to see more cases and have a strong interest in surgery and acute care. I want a broader scope. I love musculoskeletal but find my self wanting more. Read More

How Nurses Are Like Olympians

The 2014 Winter Olympics are in full swing! Many of us look-up to Olympians and aspire to be more like them. But each day there are "Olympians" walking among us and we don’t even know it. They are not your typical Olympians though. They wear scrubs, tennis shoes, and often times have a clipboard in their hands. These Olympians are called nurses. Read More

Things you'd like to say to…

I know there are a lot of threads out there with variations of the theme of "things I'd like to say to…" but honestly, they are always fun to read and, as I am sipping the second part of my "glass and a half of wine" after my terrible shift, here goes... Read More

How much does my insurance cover?

A question we hear frequently is will my insurance cover this diabetes education? We understand how Medicare and Medicaid works, the problem is there are so many various private insurance plans available, what do you do when presented with this question? Read More

Stupid hospital/company tricks

The stupid nurse trick thread and some of the abusive policies cited in the getting fired for being late/calling out thread have triggered me to start this thread. What ludicrous policies have been put in place where you work or have worked, what was the rationale for the policy, and what was the result? Read More