Dear Deanna, I work in a unionized hospital and our contract is up on December 10th. Although we are not required to pay union dues, all of the RN’s are covered by the union regardless of if we want to be or not. I am a professional individual that believes that unions and striking are for protecting non-professional workers. If the RN’s strike, what should I do? I am the head of my household and cannot really afford to not have an income. Thanks. Got...  Read More »

“Dear Deanna: There is a certain physician of Indian descent that I often have to phone for orders. I get very nervous when doing so because I have a terrible time understanding what he says. When I ask him to repeat what he orders he gets very upset and starts talking even faster. What can I do?” This is a common problem. The first phrase that you can use is: “I’m sorry Dr. ______, I am really having a difficult time understanding what...  Read More »

Tip #2 “IV line First” In most instances you receive your new admissions from the Emergency Department or as a transfer from another unit in your facility. The patient arrives on your unit with IV fluids running through a patent IV. What about those patients that are known as “Direct Admissions” that come directly from the physician’s office and bypass the ED? The patient arrives on your floor with a diagnosis of exacerbation of...  Read More »

“Dear Deanna: My Nurse Manager is so unapproachable that she scares me. We never know what she is thinking or if she even likes the nurses that work our unit. What can we do?” Being a Nurse Manager is not the easiest position in our profession. You must first remember that your Nurse Manager is trying to make two groups of individuals happy. First there is the staff that she manages and then there are the administrators to which she answers to....  Read More »

“Dear Deanna: I am a newer nurse, and from time to time I have questions about procedures and other areas. I have asked a few questions but at times I get the eye rolling that makes me feel as if I am ignorant. What should I do?” Asking questions shows that you truly want to know the correct answer. If we all knew everything that there is to know related to healthcare and nursing, there would not be references available. Think about the nurse that...  Read More »

“Dear Deanna: I haven’t had a lot of experience with removing transparent dressings on IV sites. Everytime that I do, I pull out the IV catheter. What can I do?” First of all, relax. This is a technique that is only accomplished with practice. Here are a few tips that will  help you remove that bio-occlusive (transparent) dressing without losing that IV catheter. It will also minimize any discomfort to the patient. 1. Never pull the transparent...  Read More »

Tip #1: Know the numbers You have accepted your first nursing position and will begin your orientation tomorrow. The first few days are very similar regardless of what facility you have chosen. Fire Safety, HIPAA, and an array of educational modules will be presented to you. Your head will be spinning with paperwork and introductions. Once you get through the Human Resources pitch and all of the other regulatory mandates, you will finally set foot on your...  Read More »