The hospital has hired several new hospitalists during the past few months. One in particular really clicked with me. I introduced myself to her because she had several of my patients for the day, who required a lot of attention. I had to call her several times regarding discharge planning/issues, a change in antibiotics, andContinue reading “I Owe You a Coffee”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
What is Magnet?
According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center, there are currently 523 hospitals out of 6,146 hospitals in the USA that have achieved Magnet recognition. The ANCC originally developed the Magnet Recognition Program after noticing a nursing shortage and the need to obtain and retain nurses. Magnet status is the highest of honors for a healthcareContinue reading “What is Magnet?”
Vulnerability: A Year of Reflection
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” – Brene Brown This is not one of my typical nursing posts, but the emotions behind this picture are what sparkedContinue reading “Vulnerability: A Year of Reflection”
COVID Update: Are we really heroes?
Over the past couple of months, the world was forced to adapt to a new normal. Businesses were shut down, jobs were lost, jobs were deemed essential or nonessential, healthcare workers became heroes, and people appreciated the importance of science. There are two extremes: those who believe the coronavirus is a government-created fake to stealContinue reading “COVID Update: Are we really heroes?”
Things I’ve Learned in Quarantine- A Personal Retreat (part 1)
Staying positive doesn’t mean you have to be happy all of the time. It means that on hard days, you know that there are better ones coming. Take every day to count your blessings. I have a healthy family, a paying job, a home, etc.. Social isolation began about 3 weeks after the Nashville tornadoes.Continue reading “Things I’ve Learned in Quarantine- A Personal Retreat (part 1)”
To Quarantine or not to Quarantine? This is Corona.
I have debated on posting about this topic for several reasons. First, I am already tired about hearing about the coronavirus. Second, the world is in a state of panic over this pandemic and I do not want to add to the chaos. However, I am now writing because some facts and concerns need toContinue reading “To Quarantine or not to Quarantine? This is Corona.”
A day in the life of a nurse
Here is a “typical” hour by hour breakdown of a 12-hour shift with 5-6 patients: 0645-0730: Huddle and report 0730-1000: Gather medications, pass medications, shift assessments, review MD orders, get everyone into chair for breakfast 1000-1200: Document assessments, care round, answer call lights, call family member, clarify orders, d/c patients 1200-1230: lunch? 1230-1400: d/c andContinue reading “A day in the life of a nurse”
The patient with the black fingers
**Note: Any patient identification has been substituted to maintain confidentiality. I had a patient last week who was found to have necrosis due to an extended infection. Her fingers were black and necrotic, however she still c/o severe pain in her hand. That morning, we had pleasant rapport and she was able to get upContinue reading “The patient with the black fingers”
The patient that confirmed my specialty
**Note: All names have been changed to protect patient confidentiality. This post contains graphic content and portrays the events of the shift without disclosing any patient specifics. I originally started on a medical-surgical floor to utilize and master all of the nursing skills that were practiced in the skills lab. The first year on myContinue reading “The patient that confirmed my specialty”
Patient Talk 