She’s thinking of volunteering now. She realizes she won’t really be working as a nurse, but it’s something, right?

Yeah… don’t think I’m ready to do that kind of case on my own.

We started at 7:30. It is now 13:30.
Hopefully it will be done when I get back.

A client arrives in the emergency department after a radiologic accident at a local factory. The first approach of the nurse should be to take which action after the client has been placed in a decontamination room?

1. Begin decontamination procedures for the client
2. Ensure physiologic stability of the client
3. Wrap the client in blankets to minimize staff contamination
4. Double bag the client’s contaminated clothing

The correct answer is: 2 – Ensure physiologic stability of the client.

Which of the following methods is the most accurate way to evaluate the partner’s ability to provide central line catheter dressing changes at home?

1. Watch the partner change the dressing
2. Send the partner to a class about how to change dressings
3. Provide pamphlets and pictures about the skill
4. Allow repeated practice on a life-like manikin

The correct answer is: 1 – Watch the partner change the dressing.

While answers 2,3, and 4 are valid, the most accurate way of knowing if the partner can do the skill correctly is by watching them perform it.

A client has been scheduled for a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Prior to the procedure, which activity could be delegated to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

1. Provide basic instructions about the procedure
2. Obtain a signed consent
3. Remove the pitcher of water from the bedside table
4. Assess the client’s psychological state

The correct answer is: 3 – Remove the pitcher of water from the bedside table

It’s all about knowing roles.

Answer Choice 1 –  WRONG. Instruction = teaching. This is done by the nurse.
Answer Choice 2 –  WRONG. Obtaining consents is done by the physician. Nurses can witness.
Answer Choice 3 –  CORRECT. This is the only answer choice that lists an action that can be done by a UAP.
Answer Choice 4 –  WRONG. This is assessment, which is also done by the nurse.

Here is the weekly question posted on the NCSBN Learning Extension:

A client is being discharged with a prescription for an iron supplement. What statement indicates a need for further teaching by the nurse?

1. I will have greenish-black stools from the medication.
2. I should take vitamin C with the iron supplement.
3. I should not take antacids with my iron supplement.
4. I should take the iron on an empty stomach.

The correct answer is: D – I should take the iron on an empty stomach

Answers 1, 2, 3 are all correct.

Option 1 – Iron can cause green-black “tarry stools”

Option 2 – Vitamin C is suggested when patients are taking iron so that the body can absorb the iron better

Option 3 – Antacids are discouraged because it prevents iron from being absorbed

Option 4 is partially true – if supplements are being taken for an anemia related problem, then it should be taken on an empty stomach. However, taking iron pills on an empty stomach can cause gastric distress. But if they are saying this is the wrong answer, then they must be looking at the whole stomach troubles viewpoint.

No. What I should be doing is drinking with friends. Spending time with the SO. Celebrating.

Instead I’m on the couch by the fireplace, writing this post and drinking wine right out of the bottle. Glasses were so twentyten. I suppose I’m supposed to be happy with the start of another year and all the possibilities that wait for me.

But I’m not. I’m just sitting by the fire and drinking wine from the bottle.

Tonight I had a number of people tell me that this was going to “be my year.” Because the years before it so weren’t mine. This is my year because of a certain possibility. It’s not something guaranteed… it could fall through the cracks for all I know.

But it’s there. Tangible. Possible. I’ll know next week.

‘Til then, I’m going to enjoy this.

A week after submitting my application, I got a call to schedule an interview. It was also suggested that I review some material, since it would be a panel interview using a specific interviewing style.

For those of you who are applying to VA hopsitals, here’s some things you should know:

1. The person calling to schedule your interview may tell you to go to the VA website for info on how to prepare for the interview. Listen to them. Somewhere in there is a link to sample questions.
2. Those sample questions? Know them inside out, complete with actual examples. None of the theoretical, “well if I were ever in that position I would…” They want “here’s an example of a time I did blah blah blah…”
3. I don’t know if it’s true for all VA interviews, but I was given six questions and they let me look them over before the interview began. Good idea, because it gives you a plan of attack on how to answer them. I found a few questions where I could combined my answer with the next question.
4. Eye contact.
5. Smile, smile, smile.

According to my SO, the panel thought I had done a very good job in the interview and it was starting to look like I would be offered the position. But then two weeks flew by and still no word about the job. Finally, just as the holidays began, I got a letter from the VA.

A thin envelope.

I’ve been there before.

While you were interviewed for the position, we regret to inform you that you were not selected. Chin up… you’ll find a job somewhere!

Okay, maybe that last sentence was not worded exactly like that.

Turns out a few med-surg nurses from another hospital applied. And experience wins. So I moped for a bit, and when that was done, I went and applied to other hospitals. I ended up with a few more interviews. How did those pan out? Not sure… I should hear back after New Years.

I’m not looking for a job, but I am considering taking as many certifications as I possibly can. The reasons for my delaying the job search are personal and I’m not sure if I want to share it on an “anonymous” blog. I may in the future when this is over with, but right now I’m going to say no.

On another note, my license came in a few weeks ago. It was a great feeling, opening front door and finding the envelope waiting there for me. Inside the envelope was my official license, which is waiting to be framed and hung on the wall, and the paper version that I would bring with me on interviews.

And in true fashion, I got that paper stuck on the envelope’s adhesive. But don’t worry, a few blow dryer sessions later, it was freed from it’s glue trap.