Responding to a Heart Attack

Responding to a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death for the victim. Though the vast majority of us nurses can readily assist someone, most people aren't sure what to do. That is why presenting the information simply to non-healthcare providers is so important. Spreading awareness can arm anyone with the knowledge necessary to save lives. Anyone can become a guardian for not only their family, but the public by taking the time to simply learn this basic first aid. Become a guardian with the heart attack response education center's free online training. This brief tutorial walks you through how to recognize, and respond to a heart attack. Enjoy!

Cool ACLS Study Material

I found an online library that guides you to all of the ACLS Algorithms you could want. Best of all, its completely free, no buying manuals or subscriptions. ACLS Algorithms Online has included algorithms for VT/VF, Asystole/PEA, and many more. I found as I prepare for my ACLS Certification, that this info helps guide me through each one of these algorithms. Though, this library doesn't include every technical detail, it does show the algorithms themselves in depth with flow charts, and covers other material at a high level. I have been enjoying working through these, and will definitely be adding them to my list of helpful links. Through this library you can access the following:

Ventricular Fibrillation | Ventricular Tachycardia | Pulseless Electrical Activity | Asystole | Bradycardia with Pulse | Tachycardia with Pulse | Immediate Post Cardiac Arrest Care | Acute Coronary Syndrome

Love Working With Childeren

Though I haven't a whole lot of experience yet in my neonatal nursing career, I have observed both the joy's and tears of sadness this profession includes. I know that I will have to grow a thicker skin to continue doing this, but I will never allow myself to become cold. Joy or sadness, the families of these innocent little children need support from everywhere they can get it. I am hoping to grow as a person to rejoice with families when the news is good, but be strong for them when the news is bad. I think that a good nurse should be able to do this. I don't believe that being in healthcare is just another job, but a desire to help people, a passion. Too often I believe that patients fall into the healthcare machine, which at times can be counterproductive, uncaring, and frustrating. Though I cannot alone change the system, I can be a light in it, where patients can feel comfort that someone, a stranger, in difficult times genuinely cares about them and their situation, and doesn't simply not have the time, or has become jaded. I know the majority of my peers do genuinely care, but I think we all need to do a better job at showing this, and I need to learn to do this without my heart on my sleeve. I realize that this post may cause some anger from my peers, but I don't think anything here is way off base, just a reality of having to do so much with so little.

What to do about ACLS and PALS?

Looking for some help here. I have successfully completed a Basic Life Support (BLS) course, but am looking to get ACLS and PALS certification also. I know that these will help improve my skills and knowledge, and should help me keep up on continuing medical education credits. New to the field, you have to understand my knowledge on these subjects is limited. I could spend hours and hours researching it, but am hoping I can start moving the right direction with some of your help. I have been reading about doing this type of certification online, but have also heard a lot of negative comments about the legitimacy of an online course. That being said, I have an incredibly tight schedule, and would like to keep away from a two day 12 hour course. Please, if you have any suggestions or insight on this topic, please comment. I will keep you updated on this, so that if anyone else stumbles upon this post and has the same question, I can help save you some time.

It's Never Too Late

It's never too late to pursue your dreams. A 37 year old mother of 3 always has the opportunity to start onto a new path. I spent the majority of my life wondering if there was something more, as I spent my youth making a home. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and children, but I had always wanted to become a nurse. In discussing this with my husband, there was always some reluctance on his part, we decided with the kids in school, a little extra income, and me making my dream a reality was worth it. That decision took place 4 long years ago, and I am happy to say today I have made it. I am a neonatal nurse ready to start on my new quest, helping children other than my own. Not saying I am abandoning my children, mommy will still be around for them also, but to make a difference in peoples life's gets me very excited! Feel free to share your stories by adding comments to this post. I plan to continue posting my little adventures!