Simulation tips

I did simulation and found it extremely confusing so I wanted to share things with you all so that it goes smoother for you.

You'll get a yellow pt history page. Maybe it's an ER report? And then the white doctors orders sheet. You'll get report from the previous nurses (but if you're first?). Bring a pen and a blank nursing chart, like we do in the hospital, to record the report and data you receive. That would help a lot.

Vitals are all on the tv monitor...continuous. So don't forget to address those.

You will also likely have an additional skill from lab that you shoudl perform. Organize with your partner who will do what, but don't forget the pt's most pressing needs.

Likely you'll piggyback one IV of the two meds given.

I uploaded my cheat sheet to the google site. It's just my copies of the meds and potassium info. You are able to bring that sheet to the room with you apparently.

Jolene gave us 5 things to learn to find quickly in our IV book, on any med:
1. What the med is used for
2. Appropriate dosage
3. Time to give it over. Excuse the english there. Under "intermittent IV" it'll say 45 minutes or 1 hour. And you need to adjust your speed mL/hr so that the dose is completely given in that time. You piggyback is likely a 100mL bag.
4. Is it supposed to be given concurrent or piggyback? Most, if not all are piggyback unless orders direct you others.
5. Is it compatible with the IV fluid? Look in the back to find a chart to check compatibility with the 2 IV fluids mentioned to us. Or it's also within the text.

You may want to add things to your cheat sheet to cover this.

There were also other medications not listed that were appropriate for the pt to receive. Grab the med book and look them up quickly. Unlike the hospital there isn't a standing order for medication the pt is likely to need.

Use the phone to call the Doctor, to call the lab, to call the pharmacy for meds you need that aren't readily available, to call IV therapy if your IV isn't working. I even called supply to ask for something I couldn't find in the room and she explained where to look for it.

I hope this helps your simulation to go well!