Category: Uncategorized

I was a year into my nursing career and just got hired at a new hospital. It was a huge, Level 1 Trauma center in a big metropolitan area and I was so excited for the new learning opportunities that came with more complex patients. As an experienced RN, I got about two weeks of…

One of the most common procedures in hospitalized patients is peripheral intravenous cannulation- the insertion of an IV. We use IVs to administer medications, fluids, and contrast media for certain imaging and IVs are often left in place for the duration of the hospitalization. They are assessed regularly for patency, placement and signs of site…

There’s no question that many people consider their furry friends family. The thought of leaving a dog at home while being hospitalized for an indefinite length of time can be heartbreaking and some patients may not have anyone available to help look after their pets. So what happens? Do you claim your animal is a…

It’s pre-shift huddle and we’re getting important updates about the unit. HUC: “We are all out of alcohol swabs. Central Supply said they are back-ordered with no estimated re-stocking date.” EXCUSE ME WHAT? HUC: “Here’s three swabs for each of you for the night”. Why this is a problem: Healthcare workers are held to a…

I was getting report on a patient who underwent a heart catheterization. Day RN: This is Mr. Smith. He’s a 70 yr old male, full code, no known allergies. He came in yesterday complaining of chest pain. They took him to the cath lab today. He’s A&O x4, on room air, sinus rhythm, regular diet,…

It was shift change when the patient told his nurse that he had a terrible headache. It was unlike anything he’d ever felt before; a 10/10 on the pain scale. His nurse scanned the MAR and administered Tylenol 650 mg. No relief. The doctor was paged, and a STAT CT of the head was ordered.…

It’s 19:35 and I have gotten report on all but one of my patients. Who was the day shift RN for room 225? I ask the Unit Coordinator (UC) if she could check the day shift assignments and let me know. Becky. She’s already gone home for the night. Wow. I head straight down the…

I’m rounding on one of my patients when I hear the dreaded alert tones overhead. “Rapid Response Room 321. Rapid Response Room 321. Rapid Response Room 321.” Oh crap, that’s my unit. I rush to room 321 to see both of my RN colleagues at the bedside fumbling with a vital signs machine. I ask…