Just minding my own business meandering around ye old Internet while I'm taking a break from chores, and look what I find.
Sounds innocuous enough: harness energy from the body.
Once you look at the photos, though, it doesn't look very comfortable or sanitary to me.
More to come...
Showing posts with label internet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet. Show all posts
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
In the news: Byproducts edition
One of my friends posted recently, "I just got hit by C-diff and VRE all at once." Yes, the gross part of being a nurse sometimes stands out more than others.
Note to new nurses: always know where you can get an extra set of scrubs. If you have a good sized locker, this is something you may want to stash, along with an extra pair of underwear and socks. It's good for those gross days, as well as for those times when you have local emergencies, due to snowstorms (as we did recently.)
Blow up
Yes, if you have enough methane in the form of gas and belches, you can indeed cause an explosion, as these folks in Germany found out recently (thank you BBC).
Tales from the ER
I really enjoyed this post from Florencenightnday about gross stuff in nursing. Yes, the trick is really: don't breathe through your nose (sometimes you have to limit how much you breathe through your mouth, too.)
Take a picture
Someone did here. Yes, it's gross, but this is the holy grail of rehab nursing.
Not a nurse, but worried about caregiving?
The Visiting Nurses of New York have this article for you. Don't worry. They won't gross you out too much.
Last, but not least
Probably one of the mother of all poop posts you can find on the internet from jo at Head Nurse. Read the comments, too, they are valuable.
Note to new nurses: always know where you can get an extra set of scrubs. If you have a good sized locker, this is something you may want to stash, along with an extra pair of underwear and socks. It's good for those gross days, as well as for those times when you have local emergencies, due to snowstorms (as we did recently.)
Blow up
Yes, if you have enough methane in the form of gas and belches, you can indeed cause an explosion, as these folks in Germany found out recently (thank you BBC).
Tales from the ER
I really enjoyed this post from Florencenightnday about gross stuff in nursing. Yes, the trick is really: don't breathe through your nose (sometimes you have to limit how much you breathe through your mouth, too.)
Take a picture
Someone did here. Yes, it's gross, but this is the holy grail of rehab nursing.
Not a nurse, but worried about caregiving?
The Visiting Nurses of New York have this article for you. Don't worry. They won't gross you out too much.
Last, but not least
Probably one of the mother of all poop posts you can find on the internet from jo at Head Nurse. Read the comments, too, they are valuable.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Time to update the slides
I do an education presentation for a local non-profit organization which many of our rehab patients belong. Traveling partner and I discuss the favorite rehab nurse topic: bowel and bladder issues.
We did a thorough research on the internet and in journals, etc., since the folks we work with publish stuff.
But, I never realized until today when I attended a presentation with a urologist that we forgot a surgical intervention: bladder augmentation. (And yes, it does make the bladder bigger.) I guess one of these days I may actually meet a patient who's had this done. So far, not yet.
Finally, they mentioned this device. I got flashbacks to nursing school when I had to do a soap suds enema (without a balloon, which would have been nice).
Stay tuned...
We did a thorough research on the internet and in journals, etc., since the folks we work with publish stuff.
But, I never realized until today when I attended a presentation with a urologist that we forgot a surgical intervention: bladder augmentation. (And yes, it does make the bladder bigger.) I guess one of these days I may actually meet a patient who's had this done. So far, not yet.
Finally, they mentioned this device. I got flashbacks to nursing school when I had to do a soap suds enema (without a balloon, which would have been nice).
Stay tuned...
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Peeling back the layers
While I'm not the one who waits to admit patients to the Hotel anymore, I have assessments to do for folks who end up in the SU, so I still visit. I knew this particular patient would be trouble from the start.
Mr. I. had a history from faraway. He was a complex character. I had fun trying to find his records but when I did, they told me two big things: mental illness and intractable pain. Many nurses, when they see this think of two words: drug seeker. Mr. I. had a life of ill repute, so certainly he must be addicted to those painkillers, one staff member told me matter of factly one day. He was also mentally ill.
I did my required assessment and found him pleasant and with his sister when I came to call. Mr. I was fine doing his assessment with the sister there. "Sure, she can be here. I tell her everything." I did my work and was on my way, thanking both of them. Mr. I had been estranged from his family for a long time due to the distance and his illness.
The course of his stay was usual. Patient caused trouble, psych was called, meds were changed, and the Caffeine free Diet Mountain Dew cans were thrown at staff. Empty, Mr. I told the security staff, when they called a surliness code one day. "I know a full can might hurt someone, so I'd never do that, but she (Nurse Suzy) made me mad." Nurse Suzy made him mad when his pain meds were late and he was in pain. Mr. I told everyone that he was in pain all the time and nothing worked. Mr. I also said he had pain for years. "I probably have terminal cancer." he told another nurse. "I've been reading about it on the internet."
Day after day, Mr. I still complained about this and that, and was finally consulted to the pain management doc, and he/she said to leave his pain meds alone. He/she didn't see any changes coming anytime soon, so it was best to leave them alone.
Well, change came soon enough. Mr. I complained, complained, and complained some more. The docs decided to give him big workup. We found out his one chronic problem wasn't the only thing causing his pain.
The workup found that Mr. I has cancer. Metastatic cancer, partly related to his chronic condition, but the rest they aren't sure of. The oncologist gently told him that they can't give him a realistic prognosis without one more test (that wouldn't be terribly invasive, but would answer his questions.) Mr. I said he wanted to know, so do the test.
It was a sad day recently when his sister showed up. I asked if she needed anything and she just looked up sadly and said, "I need to get I's things. He's going to hospice, instead of that assisted living place the social worker found." The nurses guided her to the room and one offered to help her. "I'm fine," she said. "I always knew something like this could happen. I just never thought it was true. Now I know."
I waited to see if there would be an emotional response, but she stoically packed his belongings and took the computer and clothes out of the room."I promised to be there for him this time, and now I've got my chance. I never thought it would happen because he was gone for so long."
She turned and with a look of calm said, "I'll take whatever time he's got to help. It's all I can do. I'm his sister after all."
Mr. I. had a history from faraway. He was a complex character. I had fun trying to find his records but when I did, they told me two big things: mental illness and intractable pain. Many nurses, when they see this think of two words: drug seeker. Mr. I. had a life of ill repute, so certainly he must be addicted to those painkillers, one staff member told me matter of factly one day. He was also mentally ill.
I did my required assessment and found him pleasant and with his sister when I came to call. Mr. I was fine doing his assessment with the sister there. "Sure, she can be here. I tell her everything." I did my work and was on my way, thanking both of them. Mr. I had been estranged from his family for a long time due to the distance and his illness.
The course of his stay was usual. Patient caused trouble, psych was called, meds were changed, and the Caffeine free Diet Mountain Dew cans were thrown at staff. Empty, Mr. I told the security staff, when they called a surliness code one day. "I know a full can might hurt someone, so I'd never do that, but she (Nurse Suzy) made me mad." Nurse Suzy made him mad when his pain meds were late and he was in pain. Mr. I told everyone that he was in pain all the time and nothing worked. Mr. I also said he had pain for years. "I probably have terminal cancer." he told another nurse. "I've been reading about it on the internet."
Day after day, Mr. I still complained about this and that, and was finally consulted to the pain management doc, and he/she said to leave his pain meds alone. He/she didn't see any changes coming anytime soon, so it was best to leave them alone.
Well, change came soon enough. Mr. I complained, complained, and complained some more. The docs decided to give him big workup. We found out his one chronic problem wasn't the only thing causing his pain.
The workup found that Mr. I has cancer. Metastatic cancer, partly related to his chronic condition, but the rest they aren't sure of. The oncologist gently told him that they can't give him a realistic prognosis without one more test (that wouldn't be terribly invasive, but would answer his questions.) Mr. I said he wanted to know, so do the test.
It was a sad day recently when his sister showed up. I asked if she needed anything and she just looked up sadly and said, "I need to get I's things. He's going to hospice, instead of that assisted living place the social worker found." The nurses guided her to the room and one offered to help her. "I'm fine," she said. "I always knew something like this could happen. I just never thought it was true. Now I know."
I waited to see if there would be an emotional response, but she stoically packed his belongings and took the computer and clothes out of the room."I promised to be there for him this time, and now I've got my chance. I never thought it would happen because he was gone for so long."
She turned and with a look of calm said, "I'll take whatever time he's got to help. It's all I can do. I'm his sister after all."
Saturday, March 23, 2013
The things you learn with children
My child, Bubba, is a character. He's spent his afternoon after soccer, singing around the house: church songs, and even Adele.
He's also having a grand old time trolling the internet on the iPad we got recently. (I won it at MegaConference). When he wasn't busy playing a map game of the NCAA tournament, he was checking YouTube and looking at videos of other kids.
He also learned about genetic diseases when he happened upon a video of a kid with a rare skin disease. We looked it up and found out that is now survivable. He was most impressed that the little girl we saw doesn't live too far from RehabLand.
Now it's a golfing math game, so he wanders to and fro, but when supervised, he has fun and learns something, too.
More to come...spring break is still young.
He's also having a grand old time trolling the internet on the iPad we got recently. (I won it at MegaConference). When he wasn't busy playing a map game of the NCAA tournament, he was checking YouTube and looking at videos of other kids.
He also learned about genetic diseases when he happened upon a video of a kid with a rare skin disease. We looked it up and found out that is now survivable. He was most impressed that the little girl we saw doesn't live too far from RehabLand.
Now it's a golfing math game, so he wanders to and fro, but when supervised, he has fun and learns something, too.
More to come...spring break is still young.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sunday stealing
Ah, yes, the crazy meme blog. I've missed ye not because I didn't want to visit, but I've been busy.
Here are some good ones for this weekend here and my abbreviated version below.
What if you came across a backpack stuffed with one hundred thousand dollars. Would you keep it?
Heck no! I know exactly where they send you if you do, and it's not worth the sentence frankly. I would be trotting it to whomever owned it or the nearest police station--with a witness and I'd get a receipt.
What if you were the most powerful person in the world. How would you use that power?
Gee, so many things you could do. I'd probably start small and see what happens. World peace and ending starvation are pretty big tasks. I've always wanted to grow up to be a full-time philanthropist!
I have a list of people I'd like to meet and a list of people who I'd like to ask for advice. They're not the same for a reason.
What if you found a magic lamp?
Ask these questions my mother taught me: Does it go with the current decor? How much would it take to redo the decor so the lamp would fit? What does the genie look like and what is his/her offer?
So many darned decisions. :)
What if the internet didn't exist?
Ack! I'd still be in my very first job if it didn't. Or I'd spend lots of money on phone calls and expedited mail! And I would not be in the job I am in today. I did a lot of research on the internet before I became a nurse.
What if you never started blogging?
I would have never encountered some of the interesting people I've met online. Or I'd be in jail for killing some of the idiots I've worked with. Blogging is cheap therapy, kids.
Write out your frustrations, let go, keep growing and look back later. Evaluating yourself later is not a bad thing. It prompts something called growth.
What are your November 22 Thanksgiving plans?
Eat, drink and be merry (and I'll be cooking!) There is so much to be thankful for this year in spite of the craziness of the past year.
Here are some good ones for this weekend here and my abbreviated version below.
What if you came across a backpack stuffed with one hundred thousand dollars. Would you keep it?
Heck no! I know exactly where they send you if you do, and it's not worth the sentence frankly. I would be trotting it to whomever owned it or the nearest police station--with a witness and I'd get a receipt.
What if you were the most powerful person in the world. How would you use that power?
Gee, so many things you could do. I'd probably start small and see what happens. World peace and ending starvation are pretty big tasks. I've always wanted to grow up to be a full-time philanthropist!
I have a list of people I'd like to meet and a list of people who I'd like to ask for advice. They're not the same for a reason.
What if you found a magic lamp?
Ask these questions my mother taught me: Does it go with the current decor? How much would it take to redo the decor so the lamp would fit? What does the genie look like and what is his/her offer?
So many darned decisions. :)
What if the internet didn't exist?
Ack! I'd still be in my very first job if it didn't. Or I'd spend lots of money on phone calls and expedited mail! And I would not be in the job I am in today. I did a lot of research on the internet before I became a nurse.
What if you never started blogging?
I would have never encountered some of the interesting people I've met online. Or I'd be in jail for killing some of the idiots I've worked with. Blogging is cheap therapy, kids.
Write out your frustrations, let go, keep growing and look back later. Evaluating yourself later is not a bad thing. It prompts something called growth.
What are your November 22 Thanksgiving plans?
Eat, drink and be merry (and I'll be cooking!) There is so much to be thankful for this year in spite of the craziness of the past year.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
How come...
Some people go right away and check on their people on first rounds?
Some people go off in a group and go straight to the internet and shop instead?
What are the consequences?
Some people have everything done when they want and know where their people are located in the room.
Others, go to their rooms, after shopping, or when summoned, when their people are located on the floor, with the wheelchair to the left, the slipper to the right and staring up at the ceiling.
Just another thing I wish our boss would enforce..rules. We are so lucky Mr. X. did not get hurt badly.
Stay tuned...
Some people go off in a group and go straight to the internet and shop instead?
What are the consequences?
Some people have everything done when they want and know where their people are located in the room.
Others, go to their rooms, after shopping, or when summoned, when their people are located on the floor, with the wheelchair to the left, the slipper to the right and staring up at the ceiling.
Just another thing I wish our boss would enforce..rules. We are so lucky Mr. X. did not get hurt badly.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The start of something big
Yes, the big ol' week, that is. Thankfully, it's been more entertaining than irritating so far.
It's always nice to come back after a vacation of any sort. I was discussing this with one of my coworkers today and she mentioned it was the first time in months that she would be off a week. I told her my last vacation (of about the same length) was just wonderful. The freedoms of waking up when you want and doing things that need to be done when you want is incredible.
The unit's getting more occupants this week. Some are regular suspects, such as the drug addict who's always got problems with his teeth. This time, he just added a couple more problems and most of them were courtesy of non-specialty physicians in his neck of the woods out-of-state. We could have saved him some time and trouble admitting him earlier, but when he's such a handful, no one really wants him back.
We also got a VIP...or at least this patient thinks he/she's one. I'm so happy I got to admit the other character. I was so upset I didn't hear tons of complaints about how "backward" the unit is, either, among the litany of shortcomings said person regaled the admitting nurse over two hours. My response: Hello, please tell someone who can do something about it! We're still waiting for Santa Claus to remodel and get us all the goodies and toys, like wireless internet access, that you're looking for in your accomodation. Besides, you'll only be here a couple of days, so why not just go a couple of miles that way and stay in a hotel with the person who brought you if it's so rotten here? Yes, I'm thinking all of this, as I put on my best, fake, customer service smile, and thanking my lucky stars that those mind-reading things are not on the market right now!
The Slug came back, with somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde personality going on...one minute, nice, one minute her usual pain in the arse self. Not sure why...but still happy from vacation, so I don't care. One of our new nurses, who's been around the block, had fun teasing her, so we just enjoyed ourselves. This nurse is a breath of fresh air and has been a nurse for a long time. She came to us because of local downsizing, and we're happy we could get her. She doesn't wear a cape, but she does have the skills to do a super job.
Happily, the day rolled along and I actually got out on time. All paperwork complete, people fluffed and buffed and everything done as ordered. Now I get my requisite days to prepare for my long stretch ahead...the something big called working the entire weekend.
Stay tuned...more to come.
It's always nice to come back after a vacation of any sort. I was discussing this with one of my coworkers today and she mentioned it was the first time in months that she would be off a week. I told her my last vacation (of about the same length) was just wonderful. The freedoms of waking up when you want and doing things that need to be done when you want is incredible.
The unit's getting more occupants this week. Some are regular suspects, such as the drug addict who's always got problems with his teeth. This time, he just added a couple more problems and most of them were courtesy of non-specialty physicians in his neck of the woods out-of-state. We could have saved him some time and trouble admitting him earlier, but when he's such a handful, no one really wants him back.
We also got a VIP...or at least this patient thinks he/she's one. I'm so happy I got to admit the other character. I was so upset I didn't hear tons of complaints about how "backward" the unit is, either, among the litany of shortcomings said person regaled the admitting nurse over two hours. My response: Hello, please tell someone who can do something about it! We're still waiting for Santa Claus to remodel and get us all the goodies and toys, like wireless internet access, that you're looking for in your accomodation. Besides, you'll only be here a couple of days, so why not just go a couple of miles that way and stay in a hotel with the person who brought you if it's so rotten here? Yes, I'm thinking all of this, as I put on my best, fake, customer service smile, and thanking my lucky stars that those mind-reading things are not on the market right now!
The Slug came back, with somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde personality going on...one minute, nice, one minute her usual pain in the arse self. Not sure why...but still happy from vacation, so I don't care. One of our new nurses, who's been around the block, had fun teasing her, so we just enjoyed ourselves. This nurse is a breath of fresh air and has been a nurse for a long time. She came to us because of local downsizing, and we're happy we could get her. She doesn't wear a cape, but she does have the skills to do a super job.
Happily, the day rolled along and I actually got out on time. All paperwork complete, people fluffed and buffed and everything done as ordered. Now I get my requisite days to prepare for my long stretch ahead...the something big called working the entire weekend.
Stay tuned...more to come.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Nuggets for March 30
Patients driving you crazy? Some days, it seems like a really short trip. Here are a couple of goodies I've run into on the internet recently on this very subject and other interesting items. Enjoy them!
Driving your nurse crazy (from headnurse)
Things NOT to do when you go to the hospital. Sadly, I think I've encountered about 90% of these during my first year in nursing.
Failure to build rapport is not failure (from http://www.aboutanurse.com/)
May writes another one about dealing with a difficult patient.
The BON may just be the beginning (from Information for Nurses)
Taralynn Mackay provides some information on this very important item for nurses. And you thought your state BON was scary....read these!
A neighbor, a death and thoughts thereof (from digitaldoorway)
I really liked this first-person piece about a neighbor who suddenly passes away.
Driving your nurse crazy (from headnurse)
Things NOT to do when you go to the hospital. Sadly, I think I've encountered about 90% of these during my first year in nursing.
Failure to build rapport is not failure (from http://www.aboutanurse.com/)
May writes another one about dealing with a difficult patient.
The BON may just be the beginning (from Information for Nurses)
Taralynn Mackay provides some information on this very important item for nurses. And you thought your state BON was scary....read these!
A neighbor, a death and thoughts thereof (from digitaldoorway)
I really liked this first-person piece about a neighbor who suddenly passes away.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The latest nuggets
Here a couple of goodies I've noticed out on the 'net lately.
In the beginning (from highlytrainedmonkey)
A pithy remake of the creation story.
Advice from CNN (from movinmeat)
Things not to do in your favorite hospital's ER.
In the beginning (from highlytrainedmonkey)
A pithy remake of the creation story.
Advice from CNN (from movinmeat)
Things not to do in your favorite hospital's ER.
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