Accupressure Mats; Are They Worth All The Hype?

Accupressure Mats; Are They Worth All The Hype?

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 [...]

The Fundamentals Of Triaging Patients In The ER

The Fundamentals Of Triaging Patients In The ER

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 [...]

Five Surprising Facts About Working in The ER

Five Surprising Facts About Working in The ER

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 [...]

The Life Changing Effects Of Frost Bite

The Life Changing Effects Of Frost Bite

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 [...]

Finger Traps Quickly Reduce Fractures And Pain

Finger Traps Quickly Reduce Fractures And Pain

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. [...]

Nursing Wasn’t Always My Dream; My Journey To Becoming A Nurse

Nursing Wasn’t Always My Dream; My Journey To Becoming A Nurse

Nursing wasn't always my dream.  Shocking I know, but to share how I became a nurse we should start at the beginning when I first knew I wanted to get involved with healthcare and helping others.  I have always been interested in medicine and human anatomy because much of it is like puzzle.  You have [...]

How The Five Minute Journal Improved My Happiness

How The Five Minute Journal Improved My Happiness

The Five-Minute Journal is one of favorite things to do every morning and night!  It focuses on positive psychology in order to improve your happiness.  It is the perfect journal for people who have always wanted to journal but were intimidated by the commitment or by what to write.  Whenever I would try to journal [...]