Thank you for the opportunity to hone my skills by inviting me to start IVs on your most challenging patients. I just have a few comments:
1. Please limit the number of sticks before calling the NICU for help. 2 attempts is probably not enough. 10 is definitely too many. If the patient is a baby who was discharged from any area NICU within the last week and is significantly dehydrated 3 or 4 attempts is plenty. YMMV with the other NICU nurses on that last.
2. When I arrive in your ER to start the IV, please do not decide that it's a good time to have me help hold the patient while you draw blood.
3. If the patient is going to be admitted to the NICU, you can forget about drawing the blood. We'll do that upstairs. We'd prefer that. I know the other units in the hospital have a different attitude. It's just that we're used to having total control over our patients from the moment they enter the hospital.
4. When I tell you the catheter is in a vein, do not argue with me because, yes, I would know.
5. I had no idea that your new onset DKA patients could be alert and converse with me when the pH on the blood gas is 6.9. Our babies don't look so good when they're that acidotic. OK, your patient didn't look so good either, but he was talking to me the whole time I was looking for a vein. Amazing!
6. Seriously, I appreciate the opportunity to start IVs on your most challenging patients. Thanks for calling. If I'm not too busy, I will always come. Again, YMMV with the rest of the NICU staff -- especially on anyone over a year old.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Road to Eagle, Part II: the early ranks
The newest member of our troop, a young man with no previous Cub Scouting experience, just earned his Scout badge. It's technically not a rank and has only a few requirements. If he'd spent much time in a Cub Pack, he'd probably have earned that patch on his first day in the troop. There's a reason the requirements for the Scout badge are called Joining Requirements. The only one of them that can't be completed at the first meeting is the pamphlet exercises about preventing child abuse which MUST be completed with the new Scout's parent or guardian. Once that is done, the rest can be completed at a Scoutmaster's conference.
In our troop, as in all truly boy-led troops, most of the requirements for the early ranks can be signed off by higher-ranking Scouts and the rest by adult leaders. We try to encourage our younger Scouts to work with the older ones and we strongly discourage parents - even leaders - from signing off requirements for their own Scout. It isn't that we don't trust them, we just prefer that the boys reach out of their comfort level a little when seeking advancements.Your Scout will need to find out who can sign off each requirement and take responsibility for presenting his Boy Scout Handbook to them once he has mastered or completed each one. It is best not to wait too long after completing a requirement to have it signed off.
In our troop, the boys are also responsible for showing their Handbook to the advancement coordinator (me) periodically for recording in the Troopmaster software I use to track progress. Some troops keep a wall chart or paper log book. Whatever the means, that secondary record can be a lifesaver if a boy loses his book.
The early ranks are Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. There isn't a specific time frame for earning each rank and boys should be working on requirements for them simultaneously rather than sequentially, even though the ranks have to be earned in order. It is easier, for example, to complete the First Class requirement to identify 10 native plants when the ground is not covered with snow -- even if the scout hasn't completed the Tenderfoot physical fitness requirement. Summer camp is a good time to complete the Second Class and First Class swimming requirements regardless of the Scout's current rank.
If a Scout has a permanent or long-term condition which would prevent him from completing one or more of the requirements before his 18th birthday, it is possible to request alternate requirements It's a fairly complex process which starts after a boy has completed all the requirements he is able to complete to the best of his ability.
In our troop, as in all truly boy-led troops, most of the requirements for the early ranks can be signed off by higher-ranking Scouts and the rest by adult leaders. We try to encourage our younger Scouts to work with the older ones and we strongly discourage parents - even leaders - from signing off requirements for their own Scout. It isn't that we don't trust them, we just prefer that the boys reach out of their comfort level a little when seeking advancements.Your Scout will need to find out who can sign off each requirement and take responsibility for presenting his Boy Scout Handbook to them once he has mastered or completed each one. It is best not to wait too long after completing a requirement to have it signed off.
In our troop, the boys are also responsible for showing their Handbook to the advancement coordinator (me) periodically for recording in the Troopmaster software I use to track progress. Some troops keep a wall chart or paper log book. Whatever the means, that secondary record can be a lifesaver if a boy loses his book.
The early ranks are Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. There isn't a specific time frame for earning each rank and boys should be working on requirements for them simultaneously rather than sequentially, even though the ranks have to be earned in order. It is easier, for example, to complete the First Class requirement to identify 10 native plants when the ground is not covered with snow -- even if the scout hasn't completed the Tenderfoot physical fitness requirement. Summer camp is a good time to complete the Second Class and First Class swimming requirements regardless of the Scout's current rank.
If a Scout has a permanent or long-term condition which would prevent him from completing one or more of the requirements before his 18th birthday, it is possible to request alternate requirements It's a fairly complex process which starts after a boy has completed all the requirements he is able to complete to the best of his ability.
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Road to Eagle - Part I - Finding a Troop or Pack
My youngest son recently earned his Eagle rank. Anyone involved in Scouting knows just how proud I am of him for this. I am proud of all my sons, but this puts him in a very small percentage of Boy Scouts who have achieved this highest rank.
His comment shortly after his Eagle Court of Honor was, "Mom, you should write about this in your blog." He wasn't asking for kudos - that's just not him. He realizes that he had an advantage that many Scouts don't have. Both his parents are Scout leaders. We've been doing it since long before he was born, so we had an advantage in helping him find his path to Eagle. He wants me to share what I've learned in the 33+ years I've been involved with BSA and the even longer time his father has been a Scouter.
The first step is to find a good Troop or Pack -- depends on your son's age. If you have significant experience in Scouting, the quality of the program is less critical because you'll be able to help make it a good unit. The first stop may be Be a Scout . org This is the BSA troop/pack/crew locator site. You can use it to find the units located closest to your home. You'll probably want the unit to be close, because meetings are generally held weekly and other activities may be closer to you as well. Unless you have friends in one of the units, it is best to visit at least the 3 closest to you. It isn't necessary to be a Cub Scout before being a Boy Scout, but it doesn't hurt either.
Look for the following:
Are they organized? I don't mean are the kids sitting down doing activities - that's not always a good thing. I mean does the chaos look like it is focused in some direction?
Are the boys having fun? Pretty self-explanatory, but are nearly all of them engaged in the activity most of the time. With older Scouts, the activity may be instructional more than exciting at times, but it shouldn't look boring for more than a couple of minutes at a time.
Are the leaders yelling at the boys? This is NOT a good thing. The leaders should be able to maintain control without raising their voices more than occasionally. I never had to yell at a den -- NEVER. Not even with 12+ boys in it. I was a den leader twice, for a total of 6 years and an assistant Webelos leader for 2. I've never had to raise my voice to a Boy Scout either and I've spent a lot more years working with them. It doesn't hurt that I am, by nature, somewhat loud and can put on a happy face no matter how much my feet hurt. Quiet people can be very effective - perhaps more effective.
In a Boy Scout troop, are there boy leaders running much of the show? You want a troop that is boy-led to the extent possible. Some things need adult leadership, but much of the program should be in the hands of the older scouts. We have our older scouts teach the younger ones fire safety, knife and ax handling, outdoor cooking, first aid, etc. We haven't had any serious injuries and the younger kids particularly enjoy the "don't do it this way" demos which make their points with humor.
Is your son welcomed when he arrives? Do the other boys seem happy to have another potential Scout in their unit? Do the leaders?
Do you see any warning signs that the BSA Youth Protection Guidelines are being ignored? This is a HUGE red flag. Stay away from any unit that isn't following BSA's Youth Protection guidelines . They are all important, but the rules about 2-deep leadership and use of the buddy system are among the most important. If you see violations of those rules, don't just leave - call your local Scout Executive.
Additional suggestions on finding a unit are welcome!
His comment shortly after his Eagle Court of Honor was, "Mom, you should write about this in your blog." He wasn't asking for kudos - that's just not him. He realizes that he had an advantage that many Scouts don't have. Both his parents are Scout leaders. We've been doing it since long before he was born, so we had an advantage in helping him find his path to Eagle. He wants me to share what I've learned in the 33+ years I've been involved with BSA and the even longer time his father has been a Scouter.
The first step is to find a good Troop or Pack -- depends on your son's age. If you have significant experience in Scouting, the quality of the program is less critical because you'll be able to help make it a good unit. The first stop may be Be a Scout . org This is the BSA troop/pack/crew locator site. You can use it to find the units located closest to your home. You'll probably want the unit to be close, because meetings are generally held weekly and other activities may be closer to you as well. Unless you have friends in one of the units, it is best to visit at least the 3 closest to you. It isn't necessary to be a Cub Scout before being a Boy Scout, but it doesn't hurt either.
Look for the following:
Are they organized? I don't mean are the kids sitting down doing activities - that's not always a good thing. I mean does the chaos look like it is focused in some direction?
Are the boys having fun? Pretty self-explanatory, but are nearly all of them engaged in the activity most of the time. With older Scouts, the activity may be instructional more than exciting at times, but it shouldn't look boring for more than a couple of minutes at a time.
Are the leaders yelling at the boys? This is NOT a good thing. The leaders should be able to maintain control without raising their voices more than occasionally. I never had to yell at a den -- NEVER. Not even with 12+ boys in it. I was a den leader twice, for a total of 6 years and an assistant Webelos leader for 2. I've never had to raise my voice to a Boy Scout either and I've spent a lot more years working with them. It doesn't hurt that I am, by nature, somewhat loud and can put on a happy face no matter how much my feet hurt. Quiet people can be very effective - perhaps more effective.
In a Boy Scout troop, are there boy leaders running much of the show? You want a troop that is boy-led to the extent possible. Some things need adult leadership, but much of the program should be in the hands of the older scouts. We have our older scouts teach the younger ones fire safety, knife and ax handling, outdoor cooking, first aid, etc. We haven't had any serious injuries and the younger kids particularly enjoy the "don't do it this way" demos which make their points with humor.
Is your son welcomed when he arrives? Do the other boys seem happy to have another potential Scout in their unit? Do the leaders?
Do you see any warning signs that the BSA Youth Protection Guidelines are being ignored? This is a HUGE red flag. Stay away from any unit that isn't following BSA's Youth Protection guidelines . They are all important, but the rules about 2-deep leadership and use of the buddy system are among the most important. If you see violations of those rules, don't just leave - call your local Scout Executive.
Additional suggestions on finding a unit are welcome!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Light a candle with me
October 15 is the date chosen to celebrate the lives of babies who never celebrate a birthday with their families -- Babies whose moms and dads mourn their loss prior to birth or within the first days afterwards.
I know women who name their babies and celebrate their lives on birthdays or other days. I know women who only reluctantly share their pain and then usually only with other women experiencing the same agony. There are other responses as well. I believe that all are legitimate. We all mourn differently.
Whatever your mourning style, today is the day set aside to remember that loss. At 7 pm tonight in your time zone, light a candle and keep it burning for at least an hour. Together we can create a wave of light around the world.
Image courtesy
of Darren Roberts
on Free Digital Photos
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Baby on Board!
I was running some errands this morning and had an interesting road rage experience.
I put on my turn signal, braked and pulled off the road. The massive SUV behind me honked and flew past only to swerve off the road into the same parking lot. The driver came to a stop just in front of my car, leaped out and came screaming toward me.
Screaming.
"Don't tell me you slammed on your brakes and pulled over without signalling when I had my two babies in the car!"
"Well, no, I didn't slam on my brakes and yes, I did signal. Maybe you need to allow a little more following distance"
More screaming from her, more calm (I think) suggestions that not tailgating might make her safer on the road.
I backed up and headed out onto the road as she climbed back into her car. One errand postponed. I didn't plan on speaking to the woman without the metal shelter of my car.
When I took Drivers' Ed so very many years ago, I was taught that when the person in front of you brakes, you'd better not hit them. No matter how suddenly they brake and that if you do, it's your responsibility. Apparently she missed that lesson.
I was also taught that you need 1 car length for every 10 miles per hour of driving speed. I realize that's not always going to happen, but it should be a goal. The SmartMotorist.com web site uses a 3 second rule instead. Spot a fixed object as the car ahead of you passes it. Count to three slowly (one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand). If you pass the object before you get to three, you're too close. That's in good weather. In bad weather, you need to allow more distance. Check out the distance tables on that Smart Motorist page. They're very interesting.
There are some interesting statistics on the Smart Motorist page, too. People driving family or economy cars are less likely to tailgate. Men in sports cars are more likely to tailgate than women. Women are more likely to tailgate than men if they're driving SUVs. In fact, women in SUVs are the most likely to tailgate and twice as likely as men or women in family cars.
I leave more than the recommended following distance as often as I can and I no longer have small children in the car to distract me. I've never rear ended anyone and I've only been rear ended once - slow speed, distracted driver, no damage to either car.
So what happened back there? I drive a small sporty vehicle that is very responsive and decelerates quickly with light pressure on the brake. She was driving a large SUV and claimed to have 2 babies in the car. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and presume that the kids distracted her rather than her cell phone. I wouldn't have braked if I thought it would be dangerous. Getting run over by an SUV does not have a place on my bucket list. Chiefly because it could potentially be the very last thing to get checked off.
Another thing not on my bucket list -- jumping out of my car to confront strangers about their driving. I sure wouldn't every have put my babies at risk by doing that with them in the car. I hope she gets some help for her anger management issues before the kids get old enough to make her mad.
I put on my turn signal, braked and pulled off the road. The massive SUV behind me honked and flew past only to swerve off the road into the same parking lot. The driver came to a stop just in front of my car, leaped out and came screaming toward me.
Screaming.
"Don't tell me you slammed on your brakes and pulled over without signalling when I had my two babies in the car!"
"Well, no, I didn't slam on my brakes and yes, I did signal. Maybe you need to allow a little more following distance"
More screaming from her, more calm (I think) suggestions that not tailgating might make her safer on the road.
I backed up and headed out onto the road as she climbed back into her car. One errand postponed. I didn't plan on speaking to the woman without the metal shelter of my car.
When I took Drivers' Ed so very many years ago, I was taught that when the person in front of you brakes, you'd better not hit them. No matter how suddenly they brake and that if you do, it's your responsibility. Apparently she missed that lesson.
I was also taught that you need 1 car length for every 10 miles per hour of driving speed. I realize that's not always going to happen, but it should be a goal. The SmartMotorist.com web site uses a 3 second rule instead. Spot a fixed object as the car ahead of you passes it. Count to three slowly (one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand). If you pass the object before you get to three, you're too close. That's in good weather. In bad weather, you need to allow more distance. Check out the distance tables on that Smart Motorist page. They're very interesting.
There are some interesting statistics on the Smart Motorist page, too. People driving family or economy cars are less likely to tailgate. Men in sports cars are more likely to tailgate than women. Women are more likely to tailgate than men if they're driving SUVs. In fact, women in SUVs are the most likely to tailgate and twice as likely as men or women in family cars.
I leave more than the recommended following distance as often as I can and I no longer have small children in the car to distract me. I've never rear ended anyone and I've only been rear ended once - slow speed, distracted driver, no damage to either car.
So what happened back there? I drive a small sporty vehicle that is very responsive and decelerates quickly with light pressure on the brake. She was driving a large SUV and claimed to have 2 babies in the car. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and presume that the kids distracted her rather than her cell phone. I wouldn't have braked if I thought it would be dangerous. Getting run over by an SUV does not have a place on my bucket list. Chiefly because it could potentially be the very last thing to get checked off.
Another thing not on my bucket list -- jumping out of my car to confront strangers about their driving. I sure wouldn't every have put my babies at risk by doing that with them in the car. I hope she gets some help for her anger management issues before the kids get old enough to make her mad.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Open letter to the President of the United States
Mr. President,
The recent decision by your administration to proceed with the violation of the First Amendment rights of millions of American citizens offends me. Your administration dares to ignore the very clear words and intent of our founders by demanding that faith-based employers ignore their conscience and the doctrines of their faith BECAUSE YOU SAY SO.
Mr. President, this will not happen. those of us who believe that we are not permitted by our God to participate in sterilization, abortion, and contraception by paying for it will simply not obey your orders. We choose to obey our God.
Furthermore, I believe that you will find that many who disagree with us as regards sterilization, abortion, and contraception will agree that the First Amendment prohibits the government of the United States from making such demands. They are wise enough to know that they cannot simply ignore this violation of the First Amendment then whine when their rights are trampled.
In case you have forgotten, the First Amendment states:
You are doubtless aware of the hundreds of thousands of citizens who marched on Washington in support of Life last Monday. That was nothing compared to the numbers of people who are angry about this assault on our First Amendment rights. We vote. We campaign. We will not tolerate this.
The recent decision by your administration to proceed with the violation of the First Amendment rights of millions of American citizens offends me. Your administration dares to ignore the very clear words and intent of our founders by demanding that faith-based employers ignore their conscience and the doctrines of their faith BECAUSE YOU SAY SO.
Mr. President, this will not happen. those of us who believe that we are not permitted by our God to participate in sterilization, abortion, and contraception by paying for it will simply not obey your orders. We choose to obey our God.
Furthermore, I believe that you will find that many who disagree with us as regards sterilization, abortion, and contraception will agree that the First Amendment prohibits the government of the United States from making such demands. They are wise enough to know that they cannot simply ignore this violation of the First Amendment then whine when their rights are trampled.
In case you have forgotten, the First Amendment states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
You are doubtless aware of the hundreds of thousands of citizens who marched on Washington in support of Life last Monday. That was nothing compared to the numbers of people who are angry about this assault on our First Amendment rights. We vote. We campaign. We will not tolerate this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)