Many nurses feel ill-prepared when it comes to working with some of the most difficult patients: those who are chronically, mentally ill. However, as with all other aspects of healthcare, each nurse’s confidence increases as he or she learns more about the condition and what to do to help. Here are some interventions for handling the negative signs/symptoms of schizophrenia: Refrain from showing frustration or trying to hurry the patient. Engage the...  Read More »

Graduation day is in sight for many nursing students. And whether you’re saying farewell to nursing school this month or in May, your first year as a real, actual, honest-to-goodness nurse is fast approaching. Your first 12-hour shift. Your first real patient. Your first day without your preceptor. Your first run-in with your manager. Your first, well, pretty much everything. And to help you out, this week, we’re going to dip into one of the books...  Read More »

It’s no secret that being a nurse can do a number on your health. For example, sore backs from lifting patients and poor eating habits because of strange schedules and lack of time can have a detrimental effect on your health. Based on a recent study, you can also add “driving under the influence of drowsiness” to the list. According to a new study published in the December 1 issue of SLEEP, staff nurses who work extended hours, work at night,...  Read More »

The giant ball in Times Square is dropping, the holiday season is coming to a close, and it’s time to wipe the slate clean for another year. No matter where you are or what you do, 2008 holds limitless possibilities for change, and adventure. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it!? It’s also time to roll out the list of resolutions. Will this be the year you kick that smoking (or shopping) habit? Will you drop a few extra pounds? Will you finally contact...  Read More »

Last week, we gave you a look at the world through the eyes of a senior nursing student. She told us how she studied, how she felt about her boards, and her plans for graduation day. Check it out here. This week, we’re going to take a look at things from a different perspective: We’ll pick the brain of a sophomore. Dessa Consbruck, a nursing student at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, shares her thoughts about tough classes and where she wants...  Read More »

Graduation day is in sight for many nursing students. And whether you’re saying farewell to nursing school this month or in May, your first year as a real, actual, honest-to-goodness nurse is fast approaching. Your first 12-hour shift. Your first real patient. Your first day without your preceptor. Your first run-in with your manager. Your first, well, pretty much everything. And to help you out, this week, we’re going to dip into one of the books...  Read More »

Graduation day is in sight for many nursing students. And whether you’re saying farewell to nursing school this month or in May, your first year as a real, actual, honest-to-goodness nurse is fast approaching. Your first 12-hour shift. Your first real patient. Your first day without your preceptor. Your first run-in with your manager. Your first, well, pretty much everything. And to help you out, this week, we’re going to dip into one of the books...  Read More »

Graduation day is in sight for many nursing students. And whether you’re saying farewell to nursing school this month or in May, your first year as a real, actual, honest-to-goodness nurse is fast approaching. Your first 12-hour shift. Your first real patient. Your first day without your preceptor. Your first run-in with your manager. Your first, well, pretty much everything. And to help you out, this week, we’re going to dip into one of the books...  Read More »

To help enhance a patient’s appetite, make sure he or she has good oral hygiene before meals. Also, remove any unpleasant smells or sights and arrange the food in an attractive manner. If the patient has a poor appetite or seems overwhelmed with the amount of food: Offer small amounts of food frequently Place small servings of food on small plates Cut sandwiches into smaller pieces Keep ready-to-eat snack foods such as pretzels, nuts, crackers, cookies,...  Read More »

Patients don’t always have patience in a waiting room. Seconds slowly tick off the clock. Pains and sicknesses seem to get worse. Kids’ screams continue to get louder. Pages of outdated magazines get flipped at a dizzying pace. There has to be a better way, right? Thanks to Robin Zee, a nurse from North Kingsville, OH, now there is. Zee, who has been an RN for 12 years, recently launched DoctorDelayed.com, a site aimed at reducing time in the waiting...  Read More »