This post has been sponsored by Campbellsville University Online. Please note: as many of you know, there was recently a rather controversial blog post about patient advocacy, written by a surgeon, which has since been deleted. Ironically enough, this sponsored post was written and scheduled before the post, response, and removal occurred. If nursing […]
patient care
How Nurses Can Transform Health Care
This post is sponsored by Capella University. Please see my disclaimer page for more information on our partnership. The theme for the 2016 Magnet Conference in Orlando, is Empowering Nurses to Transform Health Care. I was trying to think about what that means to me… how can nurses truly transform how health care is delivered […]
How to Manage Your Time in Critical Care For Nurses: Part I
I’ve worked on both the floor and intensive care. In both units time management is absolutely essential. However, time management on the floor is very different from time management in critical care. I’m going to go through some tips to help you appropriately managing your time in a critical care setting. I know it […]
Sitting Down for Your Patient
I went to NTI in Denver, Colorado this last week. For those of you that don’t know, it’s an annual national conference for critical care nurses. And it’s awesome. I went to a lot of sessions. Some on brain death, some on vasoactive drips, on sepsis, and hyponatremia.. but the ones that hit me the hardest […]
Nursing Drip Basics
I’m going to do a few posts on various drips that are geared towards newer nurses. Here are my 11 points of enlightenment when working with drips! 1. When you get an order to start a drip, that becomes your priority. Yes, I know Mr. Roberson in bed 28 really wants his suppository but he will have […]
Resources for the Bedside Nurse
Here are some sites and resources that I frequently reference and therefore think are awesome. Mircromedex: I love this site. I typically reference it for checking IV compatibility and if I’m administering a medication I’ve never given before. I probably use this at least once a shift, so.. well, I hope they love me as […]
Working With “Difficult” Patients
Have you ever had to deal with difficult patients? Examples would be non compliance or worse. How do you handle difficult patients?
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Loaded question, I know. There are lots of variables and situations. Typically, we have a lot at our disposal to be able to adequately many situations without calling the doc. I love that because it means I can handle a lot by myself (yay for autonomy!). However, here are a few basic guidelines/rules.. 1. Check […]
Central Line Basics for Bedside Nurses
A central line a catheter placed in a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin. Check out the Wikipedia definition for some good pics and different types of central lines. Typically, patients who need these are in a critical care environment, but when they get out to the floor, they still will have their […]