New Grad Radio

I’m back to work after a few weeks holiday; and as I turns out, 2/2 shifts I’ve either worked towards, or have performed an Extubation. Keeping along this train of thought, I thought I’d cover what we look at prior to extubating a patient; the differences between positive and negative pressure ventilation, the different modes we trial, and the procedure of extubation.

As I reflect on the vast array of experiences which have occurred over the last 6 months, I share with you a moment from the very first 10 Minutes of my first buddied shift. It was a heart warming experience I’ll remember for the rest of my career. I feel so proud to be a nurse, and to provide care during this dark moment of their lives.

In the short 6 months I’ve worked as an ICU Grad, I’ve come across a variety of nursing positions I didn’t know existed. Whilst I may not know a tonne about the specifics of their roles just yet, I take this opportunity of outline who they are, and basically what they do.

At the start of each and every shift I perform a variety of safety checks. In this episode I break down each check, and explain why I do it.

Following on from Part 1, I use the same scenario, to break down what I was looking at, and linking it directly to a Primary Survey.

Over the last 6 months, I’ve been developing my routine for starting each shift. To begin with, it felt like complete stimulus overload; not knowing where to look first. But over time, with experience, I’ve started to develop a routine that has worked for me. In Part 1, I outline the scenario, and walk through in real time what I’m looking at.

There are a few things I like to do, to make the transition from my shift, to the next, more seamless and efficient for the next nurse. It’s taken a solid 6 months to develop, but like anything, practice makes perfect. As I mention, not all are always achievable, but if possible, makes for a solid, and satisfying conclusion to your busy shift.

Most days, I have some form of contact with either family, or friends within the ICU; and with that, brings some challenges. In this episode, I outline a few of the unexpected challenges i've faced, and provide helpful hints of what I do in those situations.

The moment has finally arrived, after 6 months of waiting, I’ve finally experienced by first transfer to CT. I did it independently, and as many have already mentioned, this would have been the easiest CT of my career. Either way, I had a blast, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Over the last 6 months, to say I’ve experienced a lot, would be an understatement. Here is a quick Top 5 of lessons I’ve learned, mostly from either mistakes, or hints from other nurses that I’ve observed, to make my day-to-day practice more efficient.

The purpose of this episode, is to provide a real example of the type of troubleshooting I do every day as a graduate in the ICU. I take you step-by-step of what I was thinking in the moment, and reflect on lessons as a whole.

Today I handed in my first assignment for my transition program in the ICU. What an experience it has been completing this assignment. I have learned more about myself, and my abilities than I ever thought possible. In this episode, I go over the assignment itself, and more important, I share my thoughts of the journey itself: structuring my time, testing my limits, preparing for postgraduate study.

I’m back!!! For the past few weeks I’ve been working hard in finishing my first assignment for my transition program. It’s almost finished, and will be handed in on Monday. In the meantime, I can’t wait to share an experience I had recently. First time using another rescue medication: Glycopyrrolate! I’ve had so many new experiences over the last few weeks; and with two weeks holiday coming up soon, I can’t wait to make episodes, and share them with you.

Who would have thought, as I sat in my dorm room in Melbourne, Australia, that I would have been communicating with some of the most well-known, and experienced professionals in the job I have recently entered. In this episode, I share my personal recounts of communicating with two of my favourite nurse influencers; and the power social media has to bring the nursing community together as a whole. There is so much to learn from one another, if we jump in and get involved. Have a wonderful day everyone! Nurse Nacole - IG - @nursenacole Sean Dent - IG - @seanpdent

A few months ago, I was asked by my friend Gino, to be featured on one of the first episodes of the Keep Going, Student Nurse! Podcast. Based in the UK, Gino is a passionate student nurse who has started an incredible initiative, that connects student nurses in a supportive, and enriching community. Gino is an incredible host, and his interview style is commendable! In the episode I talk about my journey into nursing, my experiences during uni, and what i'm up to now with the New Grad Radio Podcast, and my grad year as a whole. Thank you so much to Gino for making this episode possible. Go and check him out on Twitter: @StN_Gino or @KeepGoingStN. I'd love to hear some feedback on this one guys!!! https://www.facebook.com/newgradradio/

I distinctly remember the concept of medication calculation quizzes at Uni, absolutely haunting my dreams, at the concept of having to achieve 100% to pass. Now, having spent the last 6 months in ICU, I share how a I have been using maths, and why it’s not as scary as you may think.

Prior to a recent shift, I was flicking through my notebook that I’ve had for the past 6 months, looking at how I have been taking notes. It really hit me to see just how drastically my note taking has changed. In this episode I talk about my experiences of receiving Handover; and I share my perspective of what I’m listening out for in particular.

If you’ve ever experienced caring for a Delirious patient, you’d know that it can be quite taxing, both physically and emotionally. In this episode I talk about a few of my experiences of caring for these patients; some of the techniques I use, and some of the reasons why my patients have been Delirious. I hope you enjoy!

I thought i'd mix today's episode up, by creating a bunch of small segments, for the duration of my night shift. Follow as I prepare for my shift, discuss my routine, listen as I stair climb, and possibly answer a few questions you may have had about night shifts. I hope you enjoy.

The journey for friends and family through their loved-ones progress to ICU can be incredibly emotional, and intense. One intervention that is put in place to answer questions, and provide support is the ‘Family Meeting’. One Doctor, One Nurse and the family members sit down to go over everything so far. Often, this Family Meeting will occur within hours of the patients presentation to ICU. Here are my experiences so far.