Wound VACs (vacuum assisted closure) are something rarely placed in the emergency department, however I have had several patients come into the ER with a wound vac already placed. As an ER nurse wound vacs were not in my training so I definitely had a little panic moment the first time a patient came [...]
The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) can be a very daunting class to take as a new nurse. I was pretty much terrified when I was told I had to not only take the class but was only going to get a few weeks to study for it. They handed me this massive textbook and [...]
Fish Tacos are one of my favorite things to have for dinner. They can easily be made with whatever ingredients you already have at home, which is exactly what I want after a long shift at work! For these fish tacos I used the Siete tortillas as the base. I love these tortillas because they [...]
Acupressure mats have recently been circling the internet like crazy. However, mats like this have actually been around for hundreds of years. In Indian and Chinese cultures they would use beds of nails to induce relaxation. These modern-day versions are supposed to act similarly to help the user relieve stress and pain. The mats are [...]
My morning skin care routine has slowly fine tuned overtime as I have learned more about aging prevention, how to have healthy skin, and with a busy schedule. I often do not have time for a long drawn out process in the morning so I like products that have multiple uses and work quickly to [...]
The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) Triage Algorithm is an important tool utilized by nurses when assigning an acuity to the adult patient. The acuity based off of stability of patient, vital signs, potential for threat to life, limb, or organ, and estimated resources needed in treating the patient. Additionally a nurses own experiences, competence, and ability [...]
Why Emergency nursing? For the excitement and immediate gratification that comes with being a nurse in the Emergency Department. When you can fix an emergent problem and make the patient stable or feel better, is what it's all about. What are three words to describe emergency nurses? Resilient, quick thinking, and badass. What is the most exciting part [...]
There are several items that are essential for every Emergency Department nurse to carry on them at all times. I like to think of these as my secret weapons to getting through any shift successfully. Badge: My badge is probably the most used and important thing that I carry. It is used for most door [...]
With record lows predicted for this New Year's Eve there is a greater risk for frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite often starts out with numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the exposed extremities or skin. The areas at most risk are ears, cheeks, the nose, the chin, fingers, and toes. As the frostbite progresses skin [...]
These stainless steel finger traps have more uses than providing finger torture to our patients in the Emergency Department! These finger traps are used to provide traction; traction is moving a fractured, displaced, or dislocated body part to provide stability and reduce pain. The fingers are each individually placed in the wire trap and suspended. [...]
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