Nursing Tips

Fundamentals (119)

FIRE-RACE - LevelUpRN

FIRE-RACE

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Response to a FIRE: Use the RACE sequence. R = rescue (move patients to safer location). A = alarm (activate alarm system). C = contain (close doors/windows, turn off oxygen...

FIRE-RACE

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Response to a FIRE: Use the RACE sequence. R = rescue (move patients to safer location). A = alarm (activate alarm system). C = contain (close doors/windows, turn off oxygen...

Oxygen Safety - LevelUpRN

Oxygen Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Oxygen safety: Use COTTON bedding and clothes (vs. synthetic fabrics or wool).

Oxygen Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Oxygen safety: Use COTTON bedding and clothes (vs. synthetic fabrics or wool).

ABCDE Principle - LevelUpRN

ABCDE Principle

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With the ABCDE principle in Nursing, A is for "airway". Ensure the patient has a patent airway AND the cervical spine is stabilized if neck/head trauma is suspected.

ABCDE Principle

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

With the ABCDE principle in Nursing, A is for "airway". Ensure the patient has a patent airway AND the cervical spine is stabilized if neck/head trauma is suspected.

Educate patients on the use of the incentive spirometer. They should inhale slowly and deeply, and use the device ~ 10 times an hour while awake.

Incentive Spirometer

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients on the use of the incentive spirometer. They should inhale slowly and deeply, and use the device ~ 10 times an hour while awake.

Incentive Spirometer

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients on the use of the incentive spirometer. They should inhale slowly and deeply, and use the device ~ 10 times an hour while awake.

Two types of data the nurse should document include objective and subjective.

Objective versus Subjective Data

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Two types of data the nurse should document include objective and subjective.

Objective versus Subjective Data

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Two types of data the nurse should document include objective and subjective.

Laissez-Faire leadership style follows a hands-off approach, which leads to low productivity and frustration.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Laissez-Faire leadership style follows a hands-off approach, which leads to low productivity and frustration.

1 comment

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Laissez-Faire leadership style follows a hands-off approach, which leads to low productivity and frustration.

1 comment
Prevalence is the number of current cases (new and pre-existing) of a disease/injury in a population during a specified time. This figure does not include those who have died from the condition!

Prevalence

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevalence is the number of current cases (new and pre-existing) of a disease/injury in a population during a specified time. This figure does not include those who have died from...

Prevalence

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Prevalence is the number of current cases (new and pre-existing) of a disease/injury in a population during a specified time. This figure does not include those who have died from...

Patients with artificial airways may be unable to speak. Use alternative communication methods (e.g., writing board) to allow the patient to convey their needs.

Patients with Artificial Airways

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with artificial airways may be unable to speak. Use alternative communication methods (e.g., writing board) to allow the patient to convey their needs.

Patients with Artificial Airways

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Patients with artificial airways may be unable to speak. Use alternative communication methods (e.g., writing board) to allow the patient to convey their needs.

When recording I&Os, ice chips should be recorded as half their volume. For example, 8 oz of ice chips count as 4 oz of water.

Recording I&Os

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When recording I&Os, ice chips should be recorded as half their volume. For example, 8 oz of ice chips count as 4 oz of water.

Recording I&Os

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When recording I&Os, ice chips should be recorded as half their volume. For example, 8 oz of ice chips count as 4 oz of water.

When providing denture care, place towels into the sink to prevent damage should they fall during cleaning.

Denture Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When providing denture care, place towels into the sink to prevent damage should they fall during cleaning.

Denture Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When providing denture care, place towels into the sink to prevent damage should they fall during cleaning.

Venturi devices are used to provide the most precise FiO2 delivery (up to 40%) without intubation. The flow rate depends on the mask to which the device is attached.

Venturi Devices

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Venturi devices are used to provide the most precise FiO2 delivery (up to 40%) without intubation. The flow rate depends on the mask to which the device is attached.

Venturi Devices

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Venturi devices are used to provide the most precise FiO2 delivery (up to 40%) without intubation. The flow rate depends on the mask to which the device is attached.

Veracity is an ethical principle stating that the nurse should tell the truth. For example, the nurse should be honest with the patient about the possible side effects of a medication.

Veracity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Veracity is an ethical principle stating that the nurse should tell the truth. For example, the nurse should be honest with the patient about the possible side effects of a...

Veracity

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Veracity is an ethical principle stating that the nurse should tell the truth. For example, the nurse should be honest with the patient about the possible side effects of a...

To prevent injury, follow proper body mechanics: stand with feet shoulder width apart; avoid twisting the spine; bend using the knees instead of the waist; and hold objects close to the body when lifting.

Body Mechanics for Lifting

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent injury, follow proper body mechanics: stand with feet shoulder width apart; avoid twisting the spine; bend using the knees instead of the waist; and hold objects close to...

Body Mechanics for Lifting

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

To prevent injury, follow proper body mechanics: stand with feet shoulder width apart; avoid twisting the spine; bend using the knees instead of the waist; and hold objects close to...

Things you can delegate to your PN (LVN, LPN): Medication administration, foley catheter insertion, enteral feeding, NG tube insertion, suctioning, tracheostomy care, reinforcement of patient teaching.

Delegating to your PN

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to PN: Medication administration, foley catheter, enteral feeding, NG tube insertion, suctioning, tracheostomy care...

1 comment

Delegating to your PN

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to PN: Medication administration, foley catheter, enteral feeding, NG tube insertion, suctioning, tracheostomy care...

1 comment
Combatting the Effects of Immobility - LevelUpRN

Combatting the Effects of Immobility

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to combat the effects of immobility, encourage coughing/deep breathing/use of incentive spirometer, apply TED hose or SCDs to promote blood return, provide anticoagulation as ordered, and reposition the...

Combatting the Effects of Immobility

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to combat the effects of immobility, encourage coughing/deep breathing/use of incentive spirometer, apply TED hose or SCDs to promote blood return, provide anticoagulation as ordered, and reposition the...

Things you can delegate to your CNA/tech partner:  Bathing, toileting, dressing, ambulating, positioning, vital signs, bed making, specimen collection, feeding patients without swallowing precautions.

Delegating to your CNA

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to your CNA/tech partner: Bathing, toileting, dressing, ambulating, positioning, vital signs, bed making, specimen collection...

Delegating to your CNA

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Things can delegate to your CNA/tech partner: Bathing, toileting, dressing, ambulating, positioning, vital signs, bed making, specimen collection...

In order to uphold HIPAA laws, log off the computer when stepping away, and use secure, unique passwords that are changed frequently. Never share passwords with anyone.

HIPAA Laws: Password Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to uphold HIPAA laws, log off the computer when stepping away, and use secure, unique passwords that are changed frequently. Never share passwords with anyone.

HIPAA Laws: Password Safety

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In order to uphold HIPAA laws, log off the computer when stepping away, and use secure, unique passwords that are changed frequently. Never share passwords with anyone.

In the presence of blood, a fecal occult blood test card will turn blue. Report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In the presence of blood, a fecal occult blood test card will turn blue. Report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

In the presence of blood, a fecal occult blood test card will turn blue. Report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

If there is a tornado, avoid windows, and move patients to the middle of the building (e.g., hallways). If the patient cannot be moved, place a blanket over the patient for protection.

Tornado Nursing Procedures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If there is a tornado, avoid windows, and move patients to the middle of the building (e.g., hallways). If the patient cannot be moved, place a blanket over the patient...

Tornado Nursing Procedures

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If there is a tornado, avoid windows, and move patients to the middle of the building (e.g., hallways). If the patient cannot be moved, place a blanket over the patient...

If equipment malfunctions, tag the faulty equipment, take it out of use, and notify the appropriate department.

Faulty Equipment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If equipment malfunctions, tag the faulty equipment, take it out of use, and notify the appropriate department.

Faulty Equipment

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If equipment malfunctions, tag the faulty equipment, take it out of use, and notify the appropriate department.

When collecting a clean catch urine specimen, educate patients to clean the urethra with sterile wipes, waste the initial amount into the toilet and then position the sterile container into the stream.

Clean Catch Urine Specimen Collection

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When collecting a clean catch urine specimen, educate patients to clean the urethra with sterile wipes, waste the initial amount into the toilet and then position the sterile container into...

Clean Catch Urine Specimen Collection

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When collecting a clean catch urine specimen, educate patients to clean the urethra with sterile wipes, waste the initial amount into the toilet and then position the sterile container into...

When administering enemas, lubricate the tip and insert it approximately 3 - 4" into the rectum with the tip angled towards the umbilicus.

Administering an Enema

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When administering enemas, lubricate the tip and insert it approximately 3 - 4" into the rectum with the tip angled towards the umbilicus.

Administering an Enema

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When administering enemas, lubricate the tip and insert it approximately 3 - 4" into the rectum with the tip angled towards the umbilicus.

Ways to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include performing proper hand hygiene, performing line/tube/drain care per evidence-based facility policy, limiting invasive procedures, and removing invasive devices as soon as indicated.

Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ways to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include performing proper hand hygiene, performing line/tube/drain care per evidence-based facility policy, limiting invasive procedures, and removing invasive devices as soon as indicated.

Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ways to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include performing proper hand hygiene, performing line/tube/drain care per evidence-based facility policy, limiting invasive procedures, and removing invasive devices as soon as indicated.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ethnocentrism: The belief that one's own culture is superior to all others. View world from their own cultural viewpoint. Nurses should NOT practice ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Ethnocentrism: The belief that one's own culture is superior to all others. View world from their own cultural viewpoint. Nurses should NOT practice ethnocentrism.

If a patient is choosing to leave the hospital before recommended discharge, notify the provider, have the patient sign an "Against Medical Advice" (AMA) form, and remove any IV catheters. Do NOT call security!

Early Patient Discharge

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient is choosing to leave the hospital before recommended discharge, notify the provider, have the patient sign an "Against Medical Advice" (AMA) form, and remove any IV catheters....

Early Patient Discharge

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient is choosing to leave the hospital before recommended discharge, notify the provider, have the patient sign an "Against Medical Advice" (AMA) form, and remove any IV catheters....

Culturally competent care begins with identifying your own cultural beliefs and values!

Culturally Competent Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Culturally competent care begins with identifying your own cultural beliefs and values!

Culturally Competent Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Culturally competent care begins with identifying your own cultural beliefs and values!

For effective nonverbal communication, remember your ROLES: Relaxed body language, Open posture, Lean in, Eye contact, Sit squarely toward the patient.

Effective Nonverbal Communication

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For effective nonverbal communication, remember your ROLES: Relaxed body language, Open posture, Lean in, Eye contact, Sit squarely toward the patient.

Effective Nonverbal Communication

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For effective nonverbal communication, remember your ROLES: Relaxed body language, Open posture, Lean in, Eye contact, Sit squarely toward the patient.

Transformational leadership promotes teamwork and shared decision-making, and is considered the ideal leadership style.

Transformational Leadership

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Transformational leadership promotes teamwork and shared decision-making, and is considered the ideal leadership style.

Transformational Leadership

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Transformational leadership promotes teamwork and shared decision-making, and is considered the ideal leadership style.

Restraints should be removed immediately once a patient is no longer a risk to themselves or others.

Restraints: When to Remove

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Restraints should be removed immediately once a patient is no longer a risk to themselves or others.

Restraints: When to Remove

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Restraints should be removed immediately once a patient is no longer a risk to themselves or others.

Restraints should be applied to a portion of the bed frame which moves up and down with the bed, but cannot move on its own (i.e., not the side rail).

Restraints

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Restraints should be applied to a portion of the bed frame which moves up and down with the bed, but cannot move on its own (i.e., not the side rail).

Restraints

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Restraints should be applied to a portion of the bed frame which moves up and down with the bed, but cannot move on its own (i.e., not the side rail).

Lithotomy position

Lithotomy Position

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Lithotomy position has the patient supine with their knees flexed and legs abducted. This position is commonly used for gynecologic, rectal, or urologic procedures.

Lithotomy Position

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Lithotomy position has the patient supine with their knees flexed and legs abducted. This position is commonly used for gynecologic, rectal, or urologic procedures.

After general anesthesia, keep a patient NPO until their gag reflex/swallowing ability returns.

General Anesthesia: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

After general anesthesia, keep a patient NPO until their gag reflex/swallowing ability returns.

General Anesthesia: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

After general anesthesia, keep a patient NPO until their gag reflex/swallowing ability returns.

Cutaneous pain involves the skin (e.g., a paper cut) while somatic pain involves deeper tissues such as bones and joints.

Cutaneous Pain

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Cutaneous pain involves the skin (e.g., a paper cut) while somatic pain involves deeper tissues such as bones and joints.

Cutaneous Pain

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Cutaneous pain involves the skin (e.g., a paper cut) while somatic pain involves deeper tissues such as bones and joints.

A patient who is lying "supine" is lying on their back in a neutral position.

Supine Position

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient who is lying "supine" is lying on their back in a neutral position. 

1 comment

Supine Position

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A patient who is lying "supine" is lying on their back in a neutral position. 

1 comment
Isotonic fluids do not change the volume of the body's cells.

Isotonic Fluids

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Isotonic fluids do not change the volume of the body's cells. 

Isotonic Fluids

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Isotonic fluids do not change the volume of the body's cells. 

Orthodox Jewish diet

Orthodox Jewish diet

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Orthodox jewish individuals do not eat meat WITH dairy, pork products, or shellfish. A hamburger is OK, but not a cheeseburger!

Orthodox Jewish diet

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Orthodox jewish individuals do not eat meat WITH dairy, pork products, or shellfish. A hamburger is OK, but not a cheeseburger!

Closed-ended questions (i.e., yes/no questions) should be avoided because they do not encourage the patient to elaborate on their feelings.

Closed-Ended Questions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Closed-ended questions (i.e., yes/no questions) should be avoided because they do not encourage the patient to elaborate on their feelings.

1 comment

Closed-Ended Questions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Closed-ended questions (i.e., yes/no questions) should be avoided because they do not encourage the patient to elaborate on their feelings.

1 comment
Corrections to Documentation - LevelUpRN

Corrections to Documentation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If the nurse should make an error while documenting on a written error, cross out the error with one line and add initials, date, and time. Do not use correction...

Corrections to Documentation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If the nurse should make an error while documenting on a written error, cross out the error with one line and add initials, date, and time. Do not use correction...

OTs and ADLs

OTs and ADLs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a key member of the interprofessional team. They help patients regain their ability to perform their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Examples of ADLs: brushing...

OTs and ADLs

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a key member of the interprofessional team. They help patients regain their ability to perform their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Examples of ADLs: brushing...

As a patient ages, their thirst mechanism decreases. This puts the older adult at increased risk for dehydration.

Dehydration in Older Adults

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

As a patient ages, their thirst mechanism decreases. This puts the older adult at increased risk for dehydration.

Dehydration in Older Adults

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

As a patient ages, their thirst mechanism decreases. This puts the older adult at increased risk for dehydration.

When caring for a restrained patient, a new order is required every 24 hours.

Caring for a restrained patient

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When caring for a restrained patient, a new order is required every 24 hours.

Caring for a restrained patient

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

When caring for a restrained patient, a new order is required every 24 hours.

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) may perform hygiene, bathing, CPR, patient ambulation, routine vital signs, and charting of I&Os.

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) may perform hygiene, bathing, CPR, patient ambulation, routine vital signs, and charting of I&Os. 

1 comment

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) may perform hygiene, bathing, CPR, patient ambulation, routine vital signs, and charting of I&Os. 

1 comment
Some important nationally notifiable diseases include anthrax, botulism, chlamydia, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, meningococcal disease, pertussis, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

Nationally Notifiable Diseases

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Some important nationally notifiable diseases include anthrax, botulism, chlamydia, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, meningococcal disease, pertussis, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

Nationally Notifiable Diseases

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Some important nationally notifiable diseases include anthrax, botulism, chlamydia, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, meningococcal disease, pertussis, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

An ethics committee is an interdisciplinary team that may be used to provide guidance in the face of an ethical dilemma.

Ethics Committee

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

An ethics committee is an interdisciplinary team that may be used to provide guidance in the face of an ethical dilemma. 

Ethics Committee

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

An ethics committee is an interdisciplinary team that may be used to provide guidance in the face of an ethical dilemma. 

An occupational health nurse provides screening, surveillance, and education to prevent workplace illness and injury.

Occupational Health Nurse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

An occupational health nurse provides screening, surveillance, and education to prevent workplace illness and injury.

Occupational Health Nurse

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

An occupational health nurse provides screening, surveillance, and education to prevent workplace illness and injury.

Do not wait until the end of the shift to document. Instead, complete charting as soon as possible after performing a task or procedure.

Documentation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Do not wait until the end of the shift to document. Instead, complete charting as soon as possible after performing a task or procedure.

Documentation

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Do not wait until the end of the shift to document. Instead, complete charting as soon as possible after performing a task or procedure.

If a patient is on seizure precautions, pad the bed side rails, and ensure oxygen, suction, and vital signs equipment is in the patient's room.

Seizure Precautions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient is on seizure precautions, pad the bed side rails, and ensure oxygen, suction, and vital signs equipment is in the patient's room.

Seizure Precautions

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

If a patient is on seizure precautions, pad the bed side rails, and ensure oxygen, suction, and vital signs equipment is in the patient's room.

Anthrax is a deadly infectious disease which may be used as a bioterrorism agent. It can be treated with antitoxins and antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, ciprofloxacin).

Anthrax

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Anthrax is a deadly infectious disease which may be used as a bioterrorism agent. It can be treated with antitoxins and antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, ciprofloxacin).

Anthrax

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Anthrax is a deadly infectious disease which may be used as a bioterrorism agent. It can be treated with antitoxins and antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, ciprofloxacin).