I had a great second clinical day. (Monday)  I had two patients who were both interesting and challenging.  One was of advanced age and one a hematological disorder.  There was an immediate chest pain emergency when I arrived on the floor after pre- conference.  So I got to see that treatment protocol in action.  It was a great experience. (for me not for the patient.)

This was actually the first day that I felt like a nurse in my whole time in nursing school.  Additionally, I felt more confident in my Head to toe assessment of my two patients.  I don’t know why magically I am more confident than I was just last week.  It amazes me.

The RT that was covering my floor,  I know and work with at my current job, and my I spoke with them on two separate occasions and it felt really weird.  First I asked them if they would consider speaking with the doctor regarding pep therapy for my patient who was doing less than 250 on the IS even with coaching. (although later he did do 500). Secondly, I had to contact them for a requested breathing treatment.  I said to the patient “I’ll call respiratory.”  It felt really weird to say that.  And I made sure to thank him for coming.  All too often we don’t get a thank you.  Even though it is the job of an RT to come give tx it is always nice to get a thank you.

Something interesting that I learned  for the treatment of hyperkalemia was that 50 glucose or dextrose and be used along with insulin to shift extracellular (serum) Potassium back into the extracellular space.  I am supposed to bring to clinical next week literature that states how this occurrence happens.  I have yet to find this specific information.  Maybe I should know already, I don’t know. I just know that it works.  Maybe that’s enough.

I’m really kind of excited for next week.  To see what I can improve.