When your skills for seeing S/s & assessment can actually come together and you can actually see the subtle changes that signify a change in status and the doctor agrees with you & takes your suggestions & ......
It turns out you are right!
1.)The resident who suddenly thinks you are holding them hostage.
Nurse Christine: How about a UA C&S?
Doctor: Yes sure.
Result: UTI
2.)The poo that won't end.
Christine: Want a sample for c-dff? Can we start them on Flaygl just in case?
Doctor: Sure.
Result: C-diff
3.)The eye drop therapy that isn't working on its third course with Gentamycin and seems to be in fact getting worse.
Christine: Can we get some Cipro drops instead?
Doctor: Sure
Result: Eye infection clearing, swelling gone, and resident c/o 0 pain finally.
Wow... sometimes I really feel like I actually learned something in nursing school. Then I remember that, No, I actually learned it on the job! It's times like these that I think that I am doing more than babysitting and when I do get that RN... I will be able to handle and learn sooo much more.
Oh yeah, I feel ya. Almost any usable skill I've learned is from the fire.....
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful is that feeling! Good for you Christine, I can't wait to offer suggestions like those to residents some day too.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing what a little practical work knowledge provides you? My daughter worked in the ER first as a unit secretary then as a tech for 3 years while going thru nursing school. Sometimes I think the stuff she learned on the job is the only way she made it thru school because she had all of that practical knowledge first. I think a lot of the new nursing students should be required to work in the field prior to being accepted into the program.
ReplyDeleteyup. That is exactly the way I felt going from LPN to RN......... :)
ReplyDeleteYou will do well. Actually - I found it easier getting the RN....the LPN prepares you more than you realize.