Monday, February 28, 2011
What Stethoscope To Buy
Poking around on the web to see if I could find what would be the best stethoscope to buy brought me to a slew of forums that were just on that subject, and it seems that a lot of people ended up buying the Littman Classic S.E. Stethoscope and had nothing but nice things to say about it. I looked around and found a lot of places that were selling them between $65-80, so shop around before you buy because I also saw some places selling them for over $100.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Being a traveling Nuses Aide
This is something I would have really liked to do. I dont know anyone that has done it as a nursing aide though, only nurses. I did find one web site that had nusing aide travelers...atctravelers.com. Ive heard positive feedback from nurses that have done this and they all seemed to really like seeing all the areas of the country. So if traveling around sounds like your cup of tea, check out the web site. Im sure there are other web sites out there so do your research.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Nail Care
Some hospitals, home care agencies or nursing homes do not let nursing assistants cut toenails, so check the policy where you work.
DO NOT, however,cut the toenails of anyone who has diabetes or has bad circulation to the feet.
DO NOT, however,cut the toenails of anyone who has diabetes or has bad circulation to the feet.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tired Aching Legs?
I know on most nights I must walk 20 miles during one shift. Alright, I'm exaggerating but I walk A LOT. I also notice a big difference when I wear my support hose opposed to when I don't.
For tired aching legs:
Standing or sitting for long periods can cause blood to pool at the ankles and have a hard time returning causing legs to ache and feel tired. 8-15mmHG compression stockings give a gentle squeeze at the ankles and go up the leg to get your blood back up to your heart.Helps relieve that tired feeling.
For tired aching legs:
Standing or sitting for long periods can cause blood to pool at the ankles and have a hard time returning causing legs to ache and feel tired. 8-15mmHG compression stockings give a gentle squeeze at the ankles and go up the leg to get your blood back up to your heart.Helps relieve that tired feeling.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
How Long Can MRSA Live On Surfaces
We all have to take care of patients with MRSA and I was just wondering how long it could live on surfaces in the patient room, and this is what I found.
MRSA can live on other surfaces other than the patients for days, weeks, months depending on the enviromental circumstances. Most studies suggest/show that MRSA can live up to 90 days. So never forget to wash your hands before and after taking care of a patient. It's the most important thing that you can do!
MRSA can live on other surfaces other than the patients for days, weeks, months depending on the enviromental circumstances. Most studies suggest/show that MRSA can live up to 90 days. So never forget to wash your hands before and after taking care of a patient. It's the most important thing that you can do!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Managing Third Shift
Ive been working third shift for 20 years and it has its good and bad points. I dont think you ever get used to it though and you often go through your day in a fog and your energy is nowhere in site.
On most nights, Im ready to crash halfway through my shift and when I get home...here comes the second wind. If your sleeping during the day, you still need to sleep an average of 8 hours to keep your body healthy and I m talking about a solid 8 hours, not 4 hours here and 4 hour there because by breaking it up, your not letting your body go through it's proper sleep cycles. Easier said than done right?
Have a sleep ritual. Go to sleep as soon as you get home. Dont do chores or errands, save this for later. Come home, sit in a bath with a book and then hit the sack!
Room darkening shades work wonders! I strongly advise it! You could also try eye masks.
Keep noise to a minimum. Use ear plugs and take that phone off the hook.
Dont drink anything with caffine at least 4 hours before you know you going to bed. Very important!
Wear sunglasses on your way home from work. When your eyes are exposed to the sunlight, thats when your second wind kicks in so wearing sunglasses can help with that.
On most nights, Im ready to crash halfway through my shift and when I get home...here comes the second wind. If your sleeping during the day, you still need to sleep an average of 8 hours to keep your body healthy and I m talking about a solid 8 hours, not 4 hours here and 4 hour there because by breaking it up, your not letting your body go through it's proper sleep cycles. Easier said than done right?
Have a sleep ritual. Go to sleep as soon as you get home. Dont do chores or errands, save this for later. Come home, sit in a bath with a book and then hit the sack!
Room darkening shades work wonders! I strongly advise it! You could also try eye masks.
Keep noise to a minimum. Use ear plugs and take that phone off the hook.
Dont drink anything with caffine at least 4 hours before you know you going to bed. Very important!
Wear sunglasses on your way home from work. When your eyes are exposed to the sunlight, thats when your second wind kicks in so wearing sunglasses can help with that.
Monday, February 14, 2011
You know your a Nursing Assistant If..........
You would like to meet the inventor of the call bell in a dark alley one night.
Every time someone asks you for a pen, you can find at least three of them on you.
You check the caller ID when the phone rings on your day off to see if someone is trying to call to ask you to work.
You've told a confused patient your name was that of a coworker and told them to give a yell when they need help.
You've sworn you're going to have "DNR" tattooed on your chest.
Every time someone asks you for a pen, you can find at least three of them on you.
You check the caller ID when the phone rings on your day off to see if someone is trying to call to ask you to work.
You've told a confused patient your name was that of a coworker and told them to give a yell when they need help.
You've sworn you're going to have "DNR" tattooed on your chest.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Patient Tips
For subborn BM, a little shaving cream works wonders with cleaning. Make sure to add lotion after as shaving cream can be drying.
For shiny, soft hair. Use a small spray bottle, do one part conditioner to 9 parts water. Spray in hair after a shampoo and leave in hair.
For shiny, soft hair. Use a small spray bottle, do one part conditioner to 9 parts water. Spray in hair after a shampoo and leave in hair.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Destress!
We nurse's assistants do a lot for other people and sometimes we feel a bit stressed out. Heres a tip or two :)
Take time for yourself. Do something that you enjoy. Read a book. Get a massage. Listen to a relaxation CD. Take a nap. Get a facial. Soak in a bath. Go on a hike. Take a yoga class.
Take time for yourself. Do something that you enjoy. Read a book. Get a massage. Listen to a relaxation CD. Take a nap. Get a facial. Soak in a bath. Go on a hike. Take a yoga class.
Nursing Home
I worked in a Tramatic Brain Injury facility for 7 out of my 25 years as a nursing assistant and basically had the same assignment for that long. My patients became family to me and I would feel great knowing what a difference I had made in their lives.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Nursing Aides
I am starting this blog to hear from other Nursing Assistants on positive things you find about the career you've chosen as a Nursing Aide. Please write me anything weather it came from a patient or the patients family...or other members of the medical community. I'm putting together a blog to show that what we do as Nursing Aides is a very important part of the care for patients and their families...and to put to rest that saying that I'm sure you have all heard from time to time...."oh, your just an aide"? Just remember not to include any names of patients or their family member please! Confidentiality! Also, Im looking for patients that might have a great story to share about a nursing assistant :)
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