So much for keeping up, huh?

Well, obviously I'm not very good about posting on here as much as I should. I was actually telling my BF the other day that I really needed to start blogging again.  This was at the end of a major vent session that ended with him just giving me a hug and handing me a beer.  One of the many reasons I love this man.

So, I've been working at a hospital that is working towards improving its trauma level designation.  It would be helpful though I think if the ER staff actually had true trauma experience.  It's great and all to go through TNCC but when you can't apply basic information/knowledge to patient care, it doesn't do a damn bit of good.  For example, we had a walk-in from a motorcycle wreck.  I walk in the room to find the guy with a hard collar on (not an adjustable c-collar) that is a medium when he needs a large collar.  (When they can easily move their head side-to-side and up-and-down, it does NOT fit appropriately!) The pt was laying on top of a sheet that was on top of a backboard, with the straps not secured, and he's being moved randomly, except for when they did do a true logroll. *sigh*

So.... moving along, the xray tech is in the room to get a chest xray.  I asked if he wanted me to lift up the board so he could slide the plate under the board.  He and two other RNs in the room looked at me like I was a complete moron.  I was told by ALL of them that "you can't do a xray through a backboard."  Ummmm, it's even labeled "xray translucent" on the sides of the board... So the other two RNs grab the sheet, lifting the guy's head and shoulders up off of the board while the tech tries to slide the plate between him and the board.  During this, the pt is just going this way and that way.  Of course, he's also screaming because he has right shoulder pain and his right arm is just flopping around. 

I seriously wanted to do a *facepalm* standing there.  I had to turn around and walk out of the room.  I was at the point where I knew if I said something, it would end up getting me called into the nurse manager's office for a "conference."

This is only the beginning.  Many more to come!

Been a while

Oops, so it's been a while. What can I say, life got busy.
Sooo, in the past year, I've finished nursing school and have FINALLY found a job as a RN. The job search was a real bitch, quite frankly. For the area I live in, there are so many nursing schools, especially at the multiple community colleges, that the area is saturated with new graduate nurses. To add to this, most hospitals will only consider an RN with a BSN for a new grad position. Sooooo... yeahhhhh..... More than a little frustrating.

I'm still planning on working as a paramedic, just get to share stories from both sides of the ER doors. :D