Nursing is crazy, but worth it.

When someone comes to triage with chest pain, we take them back immediately and they get an EKG. The goal is: patient gets an EKG and it is read by a doc within 10 minutes of  arrival.  If it is a STEMI (ST elevation MI), we activate a system that is called a Level I MI protocol. A cardiologist is notified along with the CV lab team.  We start an IV, give aspirin, Plavix. Labs are drawn.  We start a nitroglycerin and heparin infusion.  We may give  Lopressor. Our ER has become so good at this that we have actually had patients go to the cath lab in 15 minutes.  Often times we will hear later that they had significant blockage and how many stents were placed.  Because we are such a good team, the patient suffered no heart damage.

When someone comes in with stroke symptoms that started less than 3 hours prior to arrival they go immediately back.  We activate our Level I Stroke Protocol.  A neurologist is called.  The patient is taken to CT for a head scan right away. Once it is determined that there is no hemorrhage in the brain and that the patient meets criteria, TPA, a clot busting drug is started. I have seen people come in with stroke symptoms that are resolved before they leave the ER.  They suffer no residual effects of the stroke.

Those are two examples of why, despite the stress and craziness of the job, I remain a nurse. We can make such a difference in peoples lives.

Want to share your own feelings on being a nurse?  Head on over to Facebook and post your story on our wall.  If you want to read more content like this, check out madness: tales of an emergency room nurse.

Thanks for visiting our blog to celebrate Nurses Week.  Check out Tafford.com for great Nurses Week gift ideas including medical scrubs or give the gift of choice with a Tafford scrubs gift certificate.

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I wanted to be a nurse when I was a kid (I read every Cherry Ames book at least ten times!) but there didn’t seem to be any way to do it. So I learned to type, got a secretarial job, met my husband and had a family.

After my two kids were done with college, I starting thinking about the old dream. I went to a “Return to Learning” night at the local college and put in an application that night. I did all my prerequisites, got accepted into the local hospital’s nursing diploma program, and graduated in the top 10% of my class three weeks before my 55th birthday.

I went to work at the local hospital’s Neurosciences/Stroke Unit, then last month I transferred to the Mom/Baby Unit. I’m doing what I always dreamed of – taking care of new Moms and their babies – and loving every minute of it!! I’m halfway through a BSN program and thinking about going for my Master’s. I’m so happy I took that leap of faith and went for it. It’s never too late to achieve your dreams!!!

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Thanks for visiting our blog to celebrate Nurses Week.  Check out Tafford.com for great Nurses Week ideas including amazing Tafford scrubs, or give the gift of choice with a Tafford scrubs gift certificate!

Most little girls play with dolls. They hold and caress them and tend to their every need.  They love them and imitate their parents and other adults around them in the manner in which they care for their plastic little angels. They feed, clothe, and protect these toys that are representations of infants and children.

In a similar tradition of the  doll play experienced by little girls, many nurses can proudly proclaim that they always knew they wanted to be a nurse. They remember being able to proudly answer “nurse” whenever asked, and even if it didn’t happen early in life, at some point, they became what their they dreamed of as a child.

Even they  hadn’t always dreamed of being a nurse, likely, before they invest the time, money, and tremendous amount of effort into becoming a nurse, most come to the realization that nursing is something they want to do.

I wish I could say that I was one of those people. I wish I could say that I had dreamed about being a nurse as a little girl, while I cared for my dolls, and was proudly able to answer “nurse” any time someone questioned what I wanted to be when I grew up. But, alas, my answer to that question seemed to change with the season. I can remember wanting to be anything from scientist to a lawyer. But nurse? No… I never remember dreaming about being a nurse. I never even remember thinking to myself that I wanted to be a nurse.

When I filled in the blank of major, on my college applications, I knew I could be a nurse. I was sure it was something I could do. But, I went full-fledge into nursing school without ever knowing that I wanted to be a nurse.  I told myself on occasion that I wanted to be a nurse, but I know that lust for the profession, that so many others seem to be born with, was not there for me at first.

I didn’t dream about being a nurse until 6 months after I passed my NCLEX and was practicing on the floor.  For me It took diving in, head first, in order to realize just how wonderful and exciting the nursing profession can be.

One morning, after I had made my rounds and was hurriedly working on my plan for the day, there was a moment when I suddenly felt a calm come over me. The heaviness of what it meant to be a nurse suddenly presented itself to me, but in a wonderful case of irony, this heaviness was not a burden, but a justification, of sorts for why I became a nurse. The proverbial light bulb went off, and  I would almost bet money that if you were standing beside me at the time, there would have seen one floating above my head.   This flash finally illuminated to me why I became a nurse: Nursing is about doing the right thing.

My path became illuminated. I understood what it meant when  the nursing teachers kept preaching about integrity. It all made sense to me now. Nursing is not just about caring for patients, completing technical task, and documenting care. Nursing is about fighting the good fight. Nursing is about understanding the comic book phrase of Uncle Ben “With great power comes great responsibility”.

Being a nurse is so much more than patient care. It is an opportunity to stand up for what is right. Every day we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our patients by doing the right thing.  It is that responsibility and that faith that my patients place in me that have made me want to be a nurse.

Want to share your own feelings on being a nurse?  Head on over to Facebook and post your story on our wall.  If you want to read more content like this, check out The Nerdy Nurse.

Thanks for visiting our blog to celebrate Nurses Week.  Check out Tafford.com for great Nurses Week gift ideas including nursing scrubs or give the gift of choice with a Tafford nurse gift certificate.

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Well, when I was asked to do this guest post I was naturally very flattered and excited, but as I got to thinking about it throughout the week I realized that it was going to be much more of a challenge than I initially thought. As easy as it is for me to write about ridiculous complaints in triage or the crazy things people do under the influence of drugs and alcohol, it is much harder for me to articulate my real feelings about becoming a nurse.

I think it’s partially because my entire nursing career up to this point has pretty much been one giant gut decision. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ever since I was very young I’ve felt a duty to take care of and protect others, something that I really did not know how to go about doing. I had a void to fill that left me confused and frustrated, one that at times led me to making some questionable decisions. I dabbled in tons of interests until I settled on art, but it was obvious by my first semester of college that this wasn’t how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I remember calling my mom the day I realized this completely in a panic. We talked about a few options and she mentioned nursing, and something told me to “just go do it”. So I did. I went through 4 years of hellacious school on what was basically a hunch, and it was the first time in my life I didn’t feel a little bit lost. It was incredibly difficult but very natural at the same time.

My decision to go into ER nursing was very much the same. I’d had literally 6 hours of ER experience in my entire nursing school career, but I just knew it was where I belonged. My internship here was no doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Besides having to learn to be an ER nurse as a new graduate with absolutely no work experience, I had a young eating preceptor from hell and most of my patient encounters brought to mind an episode of Cops rather than an episode of E.R. The self doubt and frustration was enough to make me cry on a near daily basis. And it was worth every second.

Becoming a nurse has granted me a serenity that I can’t adequately describe.  All I can really say is that my sense of duty, the void that weighed me down so deeply through my adolescence is noticeably absent. Just the day to day things- teaching something new to my patients, making them laugh even though they’re hurting, watching the worry leave someone’s face as I explain something they fear brings me such great joy. My journey to get where I am today seems an arbitrary and random one.  But now that I’m here I have no doubt that I was just following the path that was set before me.  And not a day passes that I’m not thankful to be here.

Want to share your own feelings on being a nurse?  Head on over to Facebook and post your story on our wall.  If you want to read more content like this, check out New Nurse, In the Hood.

Thanks for visiting our blog to celebrate Nurses Week.  Check out Tafford.com for great Nurses Week gift ideas including scrubs or give the gift of choice with a Tafford scrubs gift certificate.

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To honor all of the Certified Nurses out there we want to give you a very special gift.  As a thank you we would like to give you 10% off and free shipping on your next order!   All you need to do is use promo code CNDBP at check out to receive your discount. (offer valid through 03/31/10) If you have a friend or family member who is a nurse please share this offer with them. Happy Certified Nurses Day!

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It has been over two weeks since a devastating earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti. Within days of this tragic event medical professionals from around the world sprang into action and made their way to Haiti.  Tafford is proud to support the American Nurses Association and their efforts in Haiti.  This week we packed up over 400 scrub tops and pants to be sent down to volunteers in the disaster zone.  In addition to the scrub domination we started a campaign that allows our customers to help as well.  From now through February 2^ndwe will donate $1 for every heart scrub top or jacket purchased using promotional code TAFHEART2. The donations will benefit the American Nurses Foundation Haiti Relief Fund and will go toward disaster relief, including rebuilding the Haitian nursing infrastructure and assisting the National Association of Haitian Nurses, Association Nationale des Infirmieres Licenciees d’Haiti.

While the disaster in Haiti is receiving a lot of media attention there are places around the world that need help every day.  A group of volunteers led by Dr. Yell Inverso is planning a two week trip to Kenya to help locals with hearing and ear health care issues. Their goal is to emphasize the link between good hearing and quality of life and providing sustainable audiological services. As we did last year, Tafford will be donating scrubs for the group to wear during their trip.  To find out more about their trip follow their blog (if you see any solid scrub in the pictures – they’re Tafford Essentials)!

2010 has been declared as the by the United Nations as the “International Year of the Nurse.”  Nurses play a vital role in healthcare world wide, but sadly they often do not receive the credit they deserve.  The goal of the International Year of the Nurse is to not only bring awareness to the roles that nurses play in the global health but also to inspire nurses to bond together to help their local, national and global communities with acts of service.

This year was selected because it marks an historic event, the 100^th anniversary of the passing of arguably the most famous nurse of all time, Florence Nightingale.  Nightingale had a lasting impact on the nursing field that is still felt today.  To honor her spirit this year all of the estimated 15 million nurses world wide are asked to go out and perform good — not only at their jobs but also in their communities. Groups such as the nurses from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center are holding events like the “Celebration of Caring” to start the year.

Tafford is proud to support nurses and all of the invaluable services they provide.

“During my military career I had life-altering experiences taking care of not only wounded solders as a medic, but as a care-provider to impoverished and sickened patients in our treatment tents,” said Davis.  “It was these life-changing experiences that led me to make the decision of nursing as a career.”

Frederick Giertz Jr., a BSN student at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, faced a tough decision after losing his job as an auto worker.  “I decided that I would learn to do something that would do more that just earn me a paycheck. I want to do something that will make a difference,” said Giertz.

Frederick made the decision on a new career while his father was in the hospital. “I watched the care that my father received after heart surgery, and I knew I could be a nurse,” Giertz continued.  After spending two years completing the necessary prerequisites, Frederick is now enrolled in the BSN program at Oakland University.

“Frederick and Kerry are two extremely deserving recipients of the Tafford Uniforms Nursing Scholarship,” said Gene S. Godick, CEO of Tafford Uniforms.  “Military veterans and auto workers face serious challenges in today’s environment, and we are pleased to help Frederick and Kerry complete their pursuit of nursing degrees.  We look forward to watching them achieve their goals.

Tafford Uniforms anticipates to continue awarding nursing scholarships twice per year on an ongoing basis.  Students eligible to apply must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program towards an associate’s (or LPN, LVN) bachelor’s (BSN) or master’s (MSN) degree in nursing.  Tafford is currently accepting applications for the next round of scholarships to be awarded in early 2010.  To apply for a Tafford Uniforms Nursing Scholarship please visit: www.tafford.com/scholarship.htm

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Scrubs Camps give students opportunity to explore health care careers - In the coming months a number of events aimed at giving high school students a glimpse into the medical professions will be held throughout South Dakota.  Students will be exposed to a variety of professions within the medical field to discover if a career in medicine is for them. 

‘A happy ending’ after nurse assists struggling diner at Dewey Destin’s - While dining out at a local restaurant a nurse sprung into action when another patron had a heart attack.  With the help of a defibrillator and fast action the patron survived. 

Retired Arizona nurse among 10 Americans chosen to receive national award - Frances Stout, a retired registered nurse and chairperson of the Tohono O’odham Nursing Care Authority (TONCA) in Sells, Ariz., to receive a Community Health Leaders Award.  Stout has used her 33 years of experience to establish nursing facility for elderly Native Americans. 

Thanks for stopping by the Tafford blog!  To receive 15% off of your order  and free shipping on orders over $50  please use promo code TE9C4  between now and Sunday, October 11th!

Nurses Get Learning Boost from Robotic Patients: Several nursing schools throughout the county including, Trinitas School of Nursing in Elizabeth, New Jersey, have begun to use robots to give students hands-on opportunities to work with differing medical conditions.

Nurse Helps Cancer Patients Chart Their Course: Heather Czaja, a registered nurse of 13 years, helps to guide women through some of the most difficult situations.  Heather’s technical knowledge  and experiance help her to explain complex procedures to people who are at the very least worried and sometimes frightened.

Colorado Doctors, Nurses Donate Time to Save Zoo Gorilla:   Joseph Hegarty, an ear surgeon and a team from Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs pitched in to save Rafiki, a 25 year old silver back gorilla, with a serious ear infection.

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