#vhd: Heart Valve Assessment
Like many focused assessments, a cardiac assessment requires a systematic approach–partly so we don’t miss anything indicating dysfunction, and partly because there are so many important components that give a complete picture of cardiovascular function. Following a review of patient...
Handling the death of a patient
Whether a nurse’s first experience with the death of a patient is during their time as a student or as a nurse, the experience comes with responsibilities and emotions. It is an honor to bear witness to and provide dignity...
NCLEX updates for 2019
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops the nursing licensing examinations – NCLEX- RN and NCLEX-PN. In September, the NCSBN held their yearly conference to discuss the tests. Here are some of the things we want to...
Hey iSBAR, pick up the PACE!
Transferring the responsibility of caring for a patient between two nurses is commonly referred to as change-of-shift report or handoff report. This report ensures continuity of care across time. It is best done, at least partially, at the patient’s bedside...
Concept Mastery: Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis means the liver is scarred beyond repair. This normally rubbery, vascular, filtration organ, the liver, becomes so scarred that it cannot carry out its duties. In addition to not being able to perform correctly, a cirrhotic liver causes many...
Brain injury basics
The brain contains nerve cells that manage thoughts, behaviors, sensation, and movement. The brain is divided into two hemispheres lobes, each with specific tasks to control. The cerebrum, cerebellum, and the brainstem communicate with the spinal cord and nerves to...
Critical Thinking, UGH!
Critical thinking – Critical reasoning – Clinical reasoning – Clinical Judgment From day 1, the nursing professors and instructors talk about how students have to use critical thinking. WHAT IS THAT? Critical thinking is a mental process. It requires observation, experience,...
Nurses Support Everyone
Nursing and NCLEX Mastery is passionate about working with nurses and our nursing community about the phenomenon of nurses “eating their own” and lateral violence issues. When we post to social media about this cause, we hear from our users in...
Planning your week
Nursing school is easily a 40 hour per week job. For many of us, that is in addition to a paying job and parenting. How to juggle it all? You may find that your traditional 8am-5pm planner with its little...
Professional Communication — Phone Calls
When a phone call is required, consider what you need to say. Seems obvious, but unless you are calling your mom or bestie, keep rambling to a minimum. Calling Health Care Providers Simple, right? I-SBAR! Not so fast, dear nurse!...