Ask the Nurse Practitioner

Communication in the hospital setting

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:17:00 +0000

Communication in the hospital is essential. Patients have several staff members taking care of them and staff has many different patients to take care of. Lack of communication can have serious repercussions. Most medical errors can be traced to lack of communication. Whiteboards serve as a very valuable way to facilitate communication. I spent several years working the in the hospital, in both inpatient units and the emergency departments and hospital whiteboards have been important in every hospital setting I have ever worked in.

The inpatient unit is a busy place. Patients come and go quickly. Whiteboards are a central place where secretaries can locate a patient, figure out which nurse is caring for them and figure out what tests they have having done. Many people come to the unit looking for a specific patient and patient care whiteboards are a good way to find the information they need quickly. A lot of units also have another board with important phone numbers. This is very useful to the nurses who may need to reach a doctor in a hurry. Having all the important phone numbers right in front of them can be a huge help.

With a revolving door of staff members, patients often can’t keep their caregivers straight or remember their nurse’s name or even the date. Families may not be able to be present for rounds and may feel like they don’t know what is going on. In order to help these problems, each patient room has a whiteboard. These magnetic whiteboards are used to record information such as the date, room number and nurse caring for the patient. It is also a useful place to record information the patient needs reminding about such as walking three times per day or asking for help before getting up. Staff can also keep track of intake and output and family members can write down questions for the health care team.

I have also worked in the emergency department. The whiteboards in the ED are also used as a central point of communication. Staff gathers around the board for signout at shift change. The board is used to record the patient’s name, room number, diagnosis, doctor and nurse taking care of the patient. The ED staff can also record what needs to be done for the patient or what they are waiting for. It is a very important tool to keep everyone on the same page.

Whiteboards are also very important in the operating room. OR rooms turn over quickly and everyone needs to know what’s going on. The central OR board usually has the patient’s name, diagnosis, surgical procedure, surgeon and expected time of surgery. These whiteboards serve as a central communication point where everyone can know what is going on.

Electronic medical records can also be a helpful tool in improving communication between staff members. However, they do have limitations. The location of the computer may not be ideal or immediately available or some staff may not have access to the computer. It can be difficult to make changes to a program or worst case the computer system may go off-line at a critical time making it difficult to get information about the patient quickly in the case of emergency. I worked in one emergency department who had gotten rid of the whiteboard when they started using an electronic medical record. One night the computer system went out and it became immediately apparent that no one had come up with a backup plan! The nurses didn't know who was in each room and had to go around the unit “checking” which patient was in each room. This was a case where a whiteboard would have prevented this from happening. It serves as a good compliment to the EMR and is not sensitive to power outages!

What happens after a heart transplant?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 02:30:00 +0000

Recently I've been talking to a lot of transplant patients about how it is after transplant. I have heard a recurring theme that people in their lives thought they were all better when it took awhile to get back to normal. I want to share some of the things I have learned about how life is different after transplant. After I have my transplant I will have my own observations but for now here is what I have learned.

A body's natural reaction is to reject a foreign body. This includes a transplanted organ. In order to prevent this, a transplant patient must take immunosuppressant drugs for life. These drugs will weaken the immune system and prevent rejection. Patients are monitored with biopsies to check for rejection. This is done weekly, then every two weeks then every month. Eventually they will be done less frequently. If there is evidence of rejection it is usually treated with medication. Rejection is not as scary as it sounds and is usually easily treated.

The immune system is weakened from the anti rejection drugs. Because of this there are precautions that the patient must take. They are encouraged to wash hands frequently and use masks when in crowded areas. A transplant patient is more likely to get sick, especially in the first year after transplant. There are different comfort levels around this. Some patients just go out and live their lives and try to be careful and there are others who are hypervigilant. Each patient is different and will find their own comfort level.

Food safety is important to a transplant patient. They must be very cautious when eating out. Buffets and shared food should be avoided. Meat must be throughly cooked and fruits and vegetables should be washed before eating. Most of the food safety guidelines are common sense that most people should follow but they are especially important when you have had a transplant.

The anti rejection drugs can have a lot of side effects. Everyone's tolerance is different and some have a very hard time with them. They can cause cancer and kidney damage. A lot of heart transplant patients go on to develop kidney failure.

Heart transplant patients are cured of their heart failure but have a new set of limitations. As long as they take their medications and stay on top of their care they can go onto live long healthy lives.

Advice for new nurses

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 00:58:00 +0000

Since I'm on the advice theme, I thought I would share some advice for new nurses. I remember the first few months as a new nurse. It was an overwhelming time. Here is some advice for those in their first year as a nurse.

1. Organize yourself.

Time management is key for a new nurse. Depending on the setting you are working in you may be expected to take care of multiple patients. Nurses often get pulled away from one thing to do another and it can be very frustrating and feel like you never get anything done. Find an organizational system and stick to it. If you are constantly falling behind, ask for help. Other nurses can help you figure out how to manage your time.

2. Learn as much as you can.

Everything is new at this point. Once you get out of school you will see just how much you didn't learn in school. Ask questions, try to understand what's going on with your patient. Don't think of your patient as a series of tasks. Take the time to understand the physiology of what's wrong with your patient.

3. Listen to your patients.

This goes along with not seeing your patient as a series of tasks. That person in the bed is a real person with real issues and real emotions. Take the time to stop and listen to them. Offer support when you can.

4. Take time for yourself.

It can be overwhelming to be in charge of another person's health. Try not to bring your work home with you. Remember you have a life too.

5. You will make mistakes

Learn from them. Don't beat yourself up. It happens to everyone.

Most of all, try to relax and enjoy your new role.

Things I wish I knew when I was in nursing school

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 20:26:00 +0000

It's hard to believe I finished nursing school 18 years ago. (But I'm not old!) I became a nurse practitioner 5 years later. As I look back on my years, I think about things I wish I knew when I was in school.

Here's my list.

1. Most of the stuff you learn in school will be outdated in 5 years.

Medicine is currently changing and it's important to keep up. Read journals, go to conferences, most of all just keep your eyes and ears open.

2. Nursing diagnoses and care plans are obsolete.

Alteration in respiration due to impaired gas exchange as manifested by dyspnea and tachypnea. Hmm.. maybe shortness of breath? I think the point of nursing diagnoses is to teach nurses to think for themselves but let's be realistic. What nurse in their right mind diagnoses their patient with alteration in comfort due to surgical incision as manifested by patient's complain of pain? If nurses want to be treated as equals on the health care team they should probably use the same language as the rest of the health care team.

3. Learn to think for yourself!!

I see this all the time. Nurse has taken care of many patients with the same diagnosis and is really good at how to take care of them. She listens to their lungs, she changes their dressings, she gives them pain medication. But then one patient has something unusual happen to them. Nurse can't possibly figure out what to do because she's used to "what she was taught" and defers to the doctor's orders. Nurses need to be able to look at the situation at hand and make a decision based on the data available, not just thinking generically that patients with the same diagnosis are all the same. It's easy to get into a rut. Think for yourself.

4. Learn from your patients.

I can't tell you how many patients stick out in my mind over the years because they taught me something. Listen to their stories, get to know them. You might see a patient with a particular problem and then 5 years later see another one. You will be more likely to recognize it because you have seen it before. File it in the back of your brain for next time.

5. Work together with your coworkers.

No one takes care of patients alone. Everyone has an important job- from the PCT who takes the blood pressure to the doctor who orders the meds to the nurse who gives the meds to the secretary who makes the chart to the person who cleans the floor. People in health care depend on each other. Treat everyone with respect. You are no more important than anyone else.

6. You don't know everything.

Nobody knows everything. Learn from the people around you. Ask questions.

What are some things you wish you knew?

A heart for Laura

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 01:05:00 +0000

Some of you who know me may know that I am currently waiting for a heart transplant. This site was created by my mother so I thought I would share it here.

A heart for Laura fundraiser

Thanks for any help you might be able to provide.

What is an VAD?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 23:30:00 +0000

VAD stands for Ventricular Assist Device. It is an artificial heart pump that is used to treat end stage heart failure. It can be used as a bridge to heart transplant or as "destination" for patients who are not candidates for a heart transplant. In some cases it can also be used as a temporary measure while the heart recovers from injury.

There are several different types of VADs. This is a picture of the HeartWare VAD.

The VAD can be used to support either the left or the right side of the heart. There is also a device called a BiVAD which supports both sides. The most common use is to support the left ventricle.

The device is implanted during open heart surgery. The pump is attached to the left ventricle and the aorta which effectively takes the place of the pumping of the left ventricle. This allows the left ventricle to rest. After surgery the patient goes to the ICU and is closely monitored. Recovery time in the hospital can range from 10 days to 4-6 weeks.

The bottom of the pump has a cord coming out called the driveline. It exits the body through an abdominal wound.

The driveline must be carefully cared for because there is a high risk of infection. The dressing needs to be changed with strict sterile technique. The frequency of dressing changes depends on the person.

The driveline is connected to a small computer called a controller. The controller must be connected to two sources of power at all times. This can be batteries, wall power or a car charger. This is a picture of the controller and its batteries. The device pictured is also connected to a monitor which is used in the hospital to adjust the LVAD settings.

Patients with an LVAD can do activity as tolerated. They cannot take a bath or swim. The settings must be carefully monitored each day. The patient and a caregiver need to be trained in the use of the device and emergency procedures.

LVADs have come a long way in the last several years. What was once experimental technology the size of a suitcase can now allow patients with heart failure to lead relatively normal lives.

What is a PICC line?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:27:00 +0000

I am currently receiving IV medication at home while I wait for a heart transplant. It is being delivered via a special type of IV called a PICC line.

PICC stands for peripherally inserted central catheter. It is an IV that is inserted in the hospital by a specially trained nurse. It differs from a regular IV because it is longer. The tip of the catheter ends at the entrance to the heart.

The major risks of having a PICC line is infection and clot. It is covered with a sterile dressing that is usually changed once per week. It's very important to be careful with the tubing and keep it very clean. If you have a PICC line, you will be instructed how to take care of it.

Most PICC lines have 2 tubes, called lumens, at the end. One of them can be used to infuse medication and the other one can be used to draw blood. Drawing blood off the PICC line is a nice feature because it means you won't need to be stuck for lab draws. Usually a nurse will draw the blood off the line. You may need to make arrangements for the blood draws because most lab techs won't be able to use the line.

The line will also need to be flushed at least once per day. This is a simple procedure that you will learn how to do. It is important to flush the line to prevent clotting. If you notice that the line isn't flushing as well then you need to call your provider. The line may need to be changed.

If you have a PICC line, it is important to watch for signs of infection. These can be fever, feeling poorly or redness around the insertion site of the PICC. If you notice these things it is very important to notify your health care provider because you will need prompt treatment. An untreated infection can make you very sick.

PICCs can be a nice alternative to IVs and allow you to receive medication at home. With care, the lines can last a long time. Take good care of your PICC line and it will take care of you. :)

My PICC line

Heart transplant statuses and what they mean

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:54:00 +0000

Organs are allocated by UNOS to people who need them. There are many factors that go into selection of recipients including location, time on the waiting list, blood type and status. Each organ is categorized differently. For hearts there are 4 main statuses on the list.

Status 1A are the patients who are highest priority. These are patients who are hospitalized and may be in the intensive care unit. The require IV medication to keep their heart functioning and they also have invasive hemodynamic monitoring. There are different categories within status 1A to help differentiate the sickest patients.

Status 1B are the next highest priority. These patients are usually at home. They require IV medication to control their heart failure. They may also be patients with left ventricular assist devices. (LVADs). This is a device that is implanted into the patient to keep the heart beating until a donor heart can become available.

Status 2 patients are home. They require oral medication to control their heart failure. These patients usually wait the longest because they are the lowest priority on the list.

Status 7 are patients who are inactive. A patient may become inactive while being treated for an infection, if they develop another complication or if they ask to become inactive.

Patients who are actively on the transplant list must maintain optimal health. Any infections interfere with their ability to receive a transplant. They must be as active as possible because the better shape they are in before surgery the better they will do after surgery.

Blood type is another major factor in determining a recipient. Patients with type O blood will wait the longest because it is the most common blood type. Some areas have more organs available than others. A transplant team will take all these factors into account to determine what is the optimal status for the patient.

You should look at the UNOS waiting list for each status of the center that you are considering. Some lists are longer than others and some move faster than others. There are some centers that will not list patients at status 2 because they will never receive a transplant and others that will actually find hearts for patients at status 2. If you live in an area where there are a lot of patients waiting and not a lot of hearts you may want to consider looking at other areas. Remember- you are your own best advocate and you have to make the decisions that are correct for you.

The doctor does not always know everything- or how to advocate for yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 00:42:00 +0000

It can be overwhelming to have a serious illness. There are often many different doctors involved in your care and sometimes they can be telling you different things. Sometimes specialists don't communicate with each other and you as the patient is left in the middle to relay information. Other times a provider may have an opinion you disagree with.

So what do you do in this situation? Do you just let the doctors figure it out because that's what they went to school for? Maybe. But if you do you run the risk that someone will forget something or something won't get done for you and your care could suffer. You need to advocate for yourself.

How do you advocate for yourself? Do you yell at your doctor and say "I'm going to do what I want and I don't care what you say!!"? Do you ignore what your doctor tells you because you don't agree with it? No. You figure out how to facilitate communication between you and your health care team so everyone is on the same page.

It helps to have medical knowledge but this is not necessary. Here are some suggestions:

1. Always carry a notebook with your medications, chronic medical problems and the names and phone numbers of your medical team. Pull this out at every appointment and make sure it stays up to date.

2. When you see one provider make sure you write down what happened during the visit and what their recommendations were. A lot of offices are now giving out "after visit summary" sheets which are very useful. These sheets usually have the provider's recommendations on them and can be saved for future reference.

3. If one specialist tells you to do one thing and another one tells you to do something different you should point that out to them. (This is where it helps to have the after visit summary forms) An example of this might be that your gastroenterologist told you to stop a medication but the surgeon told you not to. You could suggest that the specialists communicate with each other and come to a consensus. This is not rude or disrespectful, this is helping to coordinate your care.

4. Stay on top of your medication changes, refills and any scheduled tests or exams. Don't leave this to your doctor to remind you when things need to be done. Things can be missed, especially if your care is coordinated between multiple specialties.

5. If you see a provider who outlines a plan of care that you don't agree with then you can ask them why they feel that is the best plan. Have a rational discussion and then give it some thought. If you still don't agree then feel free to seek a second opinion. This is YOUR LIFE and you need to do what you feel is best for you.

Advocating can be scary at first. But remember YOU are in charge of your care and your life. No one will stay as on top of your care as you will. Your health will be better for it.

Resources for potential transplant patients- where to begin?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:54:00 +0000

As I begin my transplant journey I think about how much I have learned already. The very idea of a transplant is overwhelming. Once you get past that idea there is so much to think about- where to get the transplant, how much insurance will pay for, who will support you and much more. There is a lot of data out there but it is important to know where to look for it. Your transplant center should answer all your questions but may not volunteer information about their program unless they are asked.

Once you are told that you might need a transplant the first place you should go is www.unos.org.
UNOS stands for United Network for Organ Sharing. They are a non profit group that controls a huge database of all the patients waiting for organs in the United States. When an organ becomes available UNOS will help determine who should get the organ. They also maintain large amounts of data about waiting lists and each transplant center. If you go to www.unos.org and click on donation and transplantation then data you will see all the information available. You can look at waiting lists by center, UNOS region, organs, blood type and many other variables. This will give you some idea of how many people are waiting for each particular organ at each center. For example, as of 6/26/14 there are 4,021 people waiting for hearts in the entire country. You can drive yourself crazy looking at these statistics but they are also very useful.

UNOS also has a lot of information about organ donation awareness. There are several educational brochures teaching people about organ donation and addressing some common myths. There is information about how to sign up as an organ donor as well.

Another very important site is Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. (http://www.srtr.org) This site lists survival rates for each center for each organ. There is also a very detailed report about each transplant center. If you click on transplant center report then choose your organ you can see the report for each center. I would strongly suggest reading these reports. They have very detailed statistics about mortality rates on the list, how many transplants are done, how fast the waiting lists move, etc.

Take a look at several transplant centers. Your insurance company should allow you to choose where you are most comfortable. The closest one may not be the right one for you. Talk to your current doctors about their thoughts. Join support groups. There are several on Facebook that I have found to be helpful: (my experience is with heart transplant patients but there are many groups for all types of organs)

Heart transplant survivors
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3748070927/

Heart transplant
https://www.facebook.com/groups/210042182425549/

TLC Transplant Lifestyle Changes
https://www.facebook.com/groups/320159724759759/

Heart transplant families
https://www.facebook.com/groups/httxfam/

Transplant community outreach
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetransplantcommunityoutreach/

Transplant: The good the bad and the Ugly
https://www.facebook.com/groups/507185815964439/

Transplant survivors
https://www.facebook.com/groups/125374950595/

I would suggest joining as many groups as you can. Meet people who have been through what you are going through. It was VERY helpful for me to talk to people on Facebook who are my age who have been through this. They can help you understand things much more than the transplant team can and will relate to you in a different way.

I'd love to hear about resources or support groups you may have found.

Advice for health care professionals- treat patients the way you want to be treated

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:48:00 +0000

A few months ago I had the unfortunate experience of being a patient in the emergency department. I was brought in by ambulance at 3:30 am in acute heart failure. I was scared, tired and overwhelmed. I was immediately seen by a medical student but did not see a nurse or doctor for over an hour. I finally saw the nurse who told me she was going to draw blood and put in another IV. (I already had a functioning IV from the ambulance). She proceeded to stick me several times and then pull out 2 functioning IVs because she had decided they were infiltrated. Being a nurse practitioner myself I am often critical of health care providers but I keep my opinions to myself. I was so upset that she had done this that I felt the need to tell her. She actually started yelling at me and told me she got a negative vibe from me as soon as she walked in the room and she had never felt that way before about a patient. I actually burst into tears because I had never been treated so badly by a nurse and I couldn't believe this was happening. I pointed out to her that it was 3:30am and I was in the emergency department with serious heart failure and I was scared and I didn't want to be there and she admitted she hadn't even thought about how I was feeling in the situation.

Many health care providers just come to work every day, do their jobs and go home. If they are an ED nurse their job may be to line and lab every patient. If they are a night shift tech they might be expected to take 2am vital signs. An ED tech might be expected to do EKGs on every patient who comes in with chest pain. Everyone wants to do their job in the most efficient way possible and they may not think about the effects of their efficiency on the patient.

For example:
A female patient comes into the emergency department complaining of chest pain. She is met by a tech who immediately pulls down the front of her gown and does an EKG. The tech then leaves the stickers from the EKG stuck all over her skin "for next time." Next a nurse comes in an hooks her up to monitors but doesn't bother to untangle them and she ends up tangled up in monitor cables while the nurse sticks her several times to put in an IV even though she already has one "because that's what we do." Then she sees a doctor who acts like he is bored and doesn't bother to explain what is going on and then she doesn't see him again for several hours.

Or..
A female patient comes into the emergency department complaining of chest pain. She is met by a tech who does an EKG with respect to her privacy and does not expose her. The tech then pulls off the stickers when he is done with the EKG so that her skin does not become irritated. Next the nurse comes in an hooks her up to the monitor but untangles everything so she is not tied up in monitor cables. Nurse draws blood efficiently and avoids unnecessary sticks. Nurse also asks patient if there is anything she can do to make her more comfortable. Doctor then comes in and listens to what patient is saying, outlines what will happen while she is in the ED and keeps her updated on the plan.

If you were the patient, which one would you want? Isn't this common sense??

I challenge all health care professionals. In the next week, think of 3 instances where you have a job task that could be done in a different way to make the patient more comfortable. Don't turn the overhead light on at 2am to do vital signs. Offer the patient something to drink. Keep your patient updated that you are still waiting for their labs to come back. Do your job task but do it in a more patient friendly way.

I'd love to hear how it goes.

The return of Ask the Nurse Practitioner

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:37:00 +0000

Hi everyone,
I am bringing back Ask the Nurse Practitioner! I have had some personal health challenges recently and am currently waiting for a heart transplant. As a result I have more time on my hands at the moment.. please feel free to contact me with any topic ideas or suggestions you may have!

20 Health Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 00:58:00 +0000

I'm always looking for some new apps. Here's a great article to check out.

http://xyo.net/blog/health-apps

Then and now

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:12:00 +0000

Source: Then and Now: Medicine From 1950 To Today

For more information go to http://www.bestnursingmasters.com/medicine/

Cerebral Aneurysm: The Scary Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 01:23:00 +0000

It is an unfortunate truth, but everyone is rather aware of the annoying and enabling pain that lies behind the eyes and can move all around the head; headaches have been negatively affecting individuals worldwide for ages. The norm is to take an over the counter medication that generally is supposed to relieve pain and discomfort associated with headaches and to tough the rest out. But what if your normal every day or every other day daily routine of dealing with an uncomfortable headache was in fact covering up a more serious underlying disease or problem, such as a cerebral aneurysm?

A general definition of a cerebral aneurysm applies to the dilation or bulging of part of the wall of an artery within the brain, basically there is a weak area in a blood vessel that usually enlarges and can rupture. Cerebral aneurysms are more common in adults as opposed to children and a little more commonly seen in women. However, cerebral aneurysms do in fact occur in children as well. For a cerebral aneurysm that has not ruptured yet, symptoms generally depend on determining factors, such as size and speed of growth. A large aneurysm that may be growing at a measurable pace can lead to symptoms such as problems with eyes such as pain, changes in vision or even a drooping eyelid. Another symptom of a larger aneurysm may be loss of felling, numbness in the face, usually on one side. On the other hand, a cerebral aneurysm that is smaller and not producing any signs of growth or change my not produce any symptoms at all. When the aneurysm does in fact ruptures there are several symptoms that should indicate immediate medical attention is required; such as, severe and sudden vision problems, nausea or unexpected fits of vomiting, a highly severe headache, or loss of consciousness. Many of these symptoms may sound relatively similar to symptoms accompanied with a headache or migraine, if headaches aren’t too common for you and these symptoms to occur, there is more cause for alarm as opposed to the contrary.

There is treatment for aneurysms that have and have not ruptured. Both may require surgery or emergency surgery. Due to the extensiveness and severity of cerebral aneurysms, it is extremely imperative to have a confident and skilled medical professional.

We need more equipment.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 01:22:00 +0000

With healthcare needs still at a crisis it’s no shocker that there are numerous medical departments lacking the required staff and equipment needed to function accurately. Although the medical profession is still one of the top recommended professions to go into (with demand never at a low), there are still healthcare facilities and departments that don’t have the required staff needed to perform all required tasks and procedures. This uneven supply and demand pull on health care field results in the closing of departments or entire facilities which leads patients needing to either be transferred to a more well supplied facility or completely relocated.

What is the alternative or “fix” for this discomforting circumstance? Funding, funding, funding! There are so many departments are severely lacking in adequate funds to keep the facility running appropriately. With insufficient or nonexistent medical machines, it requires whole departments to shut down or to never even be established. Medical machines can be extremely expensive, not to mention adding the required skilled staff to man such departments, and without funds there is an inevitable and unfortunate shut down.

Luckily there are companies today that do rent, sell, or loan medical machines at an affordable price, such as discounted medical machines and devices. With those discount companies and physicians and medical professional willing to relocate to facilities that are understaffed, it does result in department and entire healthcare organizations to stay open. There are far too many people in the world whom require medical, sometimes emergency, attention to not have hospitals, departments and treatment facilities open and accessible.

Boost your learning experience by volunteering

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:24:00 +0000

Boost Your Learning Experience by Volunteering

By Blake Pappas

Volunteering has always been a great pastime, as well as a wonderful service for your community. But volunteering also has direct benefits on your skills and knowledge, especially if you're going to school. It's a valuable asset to add to this experience to your college application, but you can also learn a lot about the workplace while you volunteer. This rings true especially for people who volunteer in the medical field.

Volunteering can give you the experience you need, and show you the ropes of the nursing profession. You can only learn so much from the lectures and books in nursing classes. The real learning process begins when you start working at an actual hospital. This experience can help better prepare you for a nursing position. Many times, upon graduation from the nursing program, the facility where you are volunteering may have permanent positions available which you may be offered to fill.

Volunteering as a "candy striper" can introduce you to everything licensed nurses do. This means doing small jobs like admitting patients, taking their blood pressure and recording their height and weight; to big jobs like taking blood, running tests on patients, and taking care of them throughout the night. Being a nurse requires a lot of care and dedication.

When you volunteer, a registered nurse will be your mentor to show you around the hospital and help you as you learn the job. This is an opportunity not to be missed. The extra knowledge of the job can also help you when you're taking tests for school, and can possibly help you get ahead of other students in your class.

If you are about to attend college, it's always beneficial to mention that you're a volunteer. Adding this experience to your college application could actually help you get into the school of your choice. It also goes without saying that volunteer experience is a highly respected item to be able to list on a resume.

Volunteering benefits everyone involved. There are plenty of people’s lives you can positively impact and the rewarding feeling in return is immeasurable. And, if you want to be in the medical profession, getting a firsthand look at what you will be spending your life doing is a plus. Volunteering benefits the people you care for and your education. The possibilities are endless. You could discover a deep passion for the nursing field and eventually want to take it one step further by pursuing an online MSN nursing program while working full-time.

Blake completed his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing an MBA. Blake has also recently worked with non-profit organizations and within higher education.

Uniformed Scrubs Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:15:00 +0000

Uniformed Scrubs is hosting a Giveaway specially for "Medical Professionals" a $50 Visa Gift.
Go to Facebook page of Uniformed Scrubs https://www.facebook.com/uniformedscrubs, Click the icon for "Giveaway" under our timeline photo to enter to win a $50 Visa Gift Card from Uniformed Scrubs!

Or
this is the direct link to the Giveaway, a $50 Visa Gift card
https://www.facebook.com/uniformedscrubs/app_228910107186452

One easy step for a chance to win free money. Who doesn't like that? Winner will be announced on April 17th!!!

Upcoming events that impact nurses

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:29:00 +0000

Upcoming Events That Impact Nurses, Health Care Professionals

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for Georgetown University’s , offering one of the nation’s leading online acnp programs.

Every health care professional should make professional development a priority. Being aware of new technologies and new schools of thought that may soon impact your day-to-day job functions is imperonline masters of nursing programsative to staying at the top of your game and providing the best care for your patients.

In addition, by supporting specific days and weeks dedicated to health-related causes, you can help educate the public about health risks, organize health promotion events and campaigns, and gain new ideas, information and resources.

The following is a list of upcoming conferences and health observances that are important to keep on your radar:

Conferences

National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition: May 20-23

The National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, this year. This ultimate get-together brings thousands of nurses together in a comfortable setting to exchange stories, experiences and ideas.

The Critical Care Exposition displays hundreds of cutting-edge technologies and advances in medicine and nursing. Learn the best practices and earn continuing education credit from the most comprehensive educational program around. Additionally, renew your spirit and recharge your pride for the profession.

The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing 2013: April 23-25

This year in Las Vegas, Nevada, the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing organization (AAACN) is holding its annual conference. The sponsor invites you to attend this 38th annual get-together that is open to nurses in education, direct practice and research roles. Any nurse interested in ambulatory and tele-health nursing can attend, including those in management and administration.

The Program Planning Committee has many respected speakers lined up to discuss a wide array of ambulatory care nursing and tele-health topics. The focus this year is Ambulatory Care Nurse Care Coordination Competencies. Nursing leaders will discuss the issues facing nurses who work in ambulatory care environments and will present ways to harmonize the role of the professional nurse in care coordination with others.

The TEDMED 2013 Conference : April 16-19

TEDMED is a multi-disciplinary community of health care leaders looking to create an enhanced future of medicine and health. The organization’s annual conference at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. is a four-day program featuring amazing, brief talks and outstanding artistic performances that celebrate the power of connecting to reach new goals in health care. Key speakers at TEDMED 2013 will include Dean Karnazes, Gary Slutkin and Amanda Bennett, to name a few.

TEDMED focuses on the crucial input of practicing nurses and representatives from a variety of venues. Attendees can connect with each other during informal social events and can form beneficial relationships with others who share their common goals. Nurses can learn new skills, share experiences, and communicate ideas that inspire change.

Health Observances

National Nurses Week 2013 : May 6-12

National Nurses Week is celebrated May 6 through May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, and this year’s theme is “Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care.”

Nurses work in a variety of settings, including school-based clinics and homeless shelters. They wear many hats, from staff nurse to teacher, and wear them all with pride and commitment. Celebrate this week by holding a special reception to recognize your colleagues or employees.

Suggestions for celebrating National Nurses Week 2013 include:

Promoting a positive, realistic image of nurses by sponsoring a health fair
Inviting a politician to visit your facility for a day
Asking each nurse you know to wear a nursing pin during this celebration
Setting up a special display at a local school or library promoting the nursing profession
Hosting an editorial board meeting with your local newspaper to discuss the role of nurses and the importance of the profession
Writing and distributing a press release announcing the recognition of National Nurses Week.

National Women’s Health Week : May 1 2-18

The 14th annual National Women’s Health Week is a promotional event coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. This week-long health observance brings together nurses, health facilities, government organizations and businesses in an effort to shed light on women’s health and its relevance. This is a great opportunity for nurses to make their health a priority and to encourage other women to do the same.

Some of the focuses of National Women’s Health Week include preventive screenings, regular checkups, eating healthy, staying active and managing stress. Nurses have a crucial role in women’s health as they frequently serve as caregivers for women and their families.

Review: Uniformed Scrub tops

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:10:00 +0000

I was recently asked to review a scrub top provided by Uniformed Scrubs. I have worn many scrub tops over the years and this was one of the best.

I received this top:

The quality of the fabric was good. I have worn many tops that were very thin and did not last after several washings. This top is made of a good quality fabric and I believe it will hold up well.

I also liked the cut of the top. It was not overly low cut on me, unlike other tops I have had. There is a time and place for cleavage and it is certainly not when bending over your patient! It also had a more curvy cut to it. I liked the way it fit. It didn't feel like an old fashioned nurse uniform but it was not boxy like other tops.

One thing that is very important to a bedside nurse is the size of the pockets. Nurses always have full pockets, especially in the hospital. Most nurses don't wear lab coats so it's helpful to have big pockets in your scrubs. This top had very large pockets which I think would be ample for any hospital nurse to carry their stuff.

Overall I liked this top. It was well made, had large pockets and a decent print. There are many other styles available on their website. You can check it out here:

http://www.uniformedscrubs.com/Dickies-Scrubs_c_17.html

Great nursing blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 02:39:00 +0000

Here's a site with some other great nursing blogs to check out.

http://www.kwikmed.org/25-outstanding-medical-blogs-nurses/

The history of Nurse Practitioners

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Here's an interesting graphic which tells about the history of NPs.

All about cold sores

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 23:41:00 +0000

I was recently asked to write about cold sores. This is an important topic and one that I often get asked about.
Cold sores, or herpes labialis, are caused by the herpes virus, or HSV. There are two types of HSV. In general, HSV 1 causes cold sores and HSV 2 causes genital herpes.
Cold sores are small, fluid filled blisters that usually appear on the lips or near the mouth. They can be extremely painful but usually resolve on their own. They are extremely contagious.
Blisters usually last 2 to 12 days. There may be a "prodrome" before the blister actually appears where there is a tingling sensation around the mouth. The lesions then appear and will eventually crust over and disappear. They may recur frequently in times of stress or they may never recur again. Once you are infected with the herpes virus, it stays in your body forever. It is important to avoid touching your face when you have an outbreak. Wash your hands frequently to avoid the spread of the virus.
So what do you do about them? I recommend Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain and a topical numbing agent. You can also try many over the counter cold sore medications such as Abreva. Treatment is mainly aimed at helping the symptoms until the sore goes away. If you suffer from cold sores you will generally find what works for you and stick to it.

If you have particularly severe or frequent outbreaks you may want to consider prescription medication. Talk to your health care provider about antiviral medication that can help shorten the duration of outbreaks or prevent them from happening.

The history of nurses week

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:03:00 +0000

The History of National Nurses Week

Nursing is a demanding profession. Day after day, nurses dedicate themselves to caring for the sick and weak, giving strength and hope to those who may feel they have none left and providing comfort to patients and their families.

Doctors and others lean on nurses to handle the tasks that allow for daily operations to run smoothly. Even amid the constant turmoil surrounding healthcare, insurance, unions and other issues, nurses give of themselves unselfishly. They put themselves on the frontlines, at times risking their own health, with little fanfare.

During National Nurses Week, which runs from May 6 to 12, we are asked to take some time to truly appreciate that nurses are an essential part of the medical field. The observance is designed to honor the multitude of men and women dedicated to caring for others.

It was in 1953 that Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, proposed that President Dwight D. Eisenhower establish a day honoring nurses. Though unsuccessful, the request was just the beginning of a quest that would continue for the next 40 years.

More attempts were made to create a national day of recognition for nurses in 1955 and again in 1972 but no final action was taken by lawmakers. In 1974 the International Council of Nurses (ICN) announced May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, as International Nurse Day.

There followed much rallying by governors, congressmen and the American Nurses Association (ANA) before President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring May 6, 1982, as National Recognition Day for Nurses. The daylong recognition was expanded to a weeklong observance known as National Nurses Week in the early 1990s.

History is rich with men and women who gave of themselves completely in the medical field, from Florence Nightingale to Georgina Pope, who was given a full military funeral in recognition of her service in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. During National Nurses Week, we celebrate those pioneers, as well as the modern-day heroes of the nursing profession.

Some nurses likely knew from an early age that they wanted to devote themselves to healing and helping patients. Others may have decided later in life to pursue a BSN or MSN degree, perhaps as a second career.

Regardless of the path that led them to nursing, these humanitarians should be proud of their dedication to the cause of caring for others in their time of need.

Byline:

Sam Omulligan is a writer and educator interested in finding and sharing information relating to the healthcare profession. Sam primarily works with and for nurses who have an interest in better Accredited Online Nursing Schools as well as developing a more substantial career.

How to get a stubborn baby to give up his bottle

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:34:00 +0000

Here's another curo post:
http://blog.mycuro.com/post/19735897215/how-to-get-a-stubborn-baby-to-give-up-his-bottle