Monthly Archives: January 2012
Can She Hear Us?
So asked a family member recently when I took them in to see their intubated loved one. As usual when I’m asked that question, I hesitated. And also as usual, I hedged. “Some say yes, and some say no.” They … Continue reading
“Incontinence Isn’t Enough”
I recently wrote “How To Be a Urethra Whisperer”. I then ended up at a local chapter of my state nursing association, where one of our board members, an educator on a med-surg floor, pointed out that new guidelines are … Continue reading
Five Ways to Lose Your Job, License, or Both
Nurses work hard to get through school and pass boards, and then we spend another few years gaining hard-won experience and probably collecting certifications that necessitate going above and beyond in terms of money and time. We put up with … Continue reading
Vital Signs: How Important Are They?
When I was a CNA, I got really tired of taking vital signs. As soon as I got done with one set of vital signs, it was time to start taking another set of vital signs. Also, it seemed as … Continue reading
Should You Bridge from LPN to RN or BSN?
Are you an LPN? If so, you may be a dying breed. It may be time to consider a bridging program. Hospitals are even beginning to incentivize the BSN, so bridging only from LPN to RN may not be enough … Continue reading
How to Be a Urethra Whisperer
When I was a student nurse, I viewed Foley catheter insertion as, somehow, the trademark of a real nurse. During clinicals I chased after opportunities to insert one, but they were infuriatingly elusive. I don’t know why I latched on … Continue reading
Why Work With the Elderly? Six Reasons
I just read yet another article on problems created by a looming nursing shortage combined with the difficulty new grads are having finding jobs. It said, and I’m paraphrasing wildly, “you might have to stoop reeeeeally low and work in … Continue reading
Five Reasons to Stay Home When You’re Sick
I’ve written before about presenteeism (going to work when you’re sick) and the reasons for it: strict attendance policies, fear of leaving coworkers short-handed, financial concerns, a long-standing belief in the medical field that being sick is a sign of … Continue reading
Drug Shortages in the Land of Plenty
I can’t believe it, but we here in the heartland of the United States of America do not have basic medications that we need. One reads of people in third-world countries not getting medications they need, and one watches TV … Continue reading
