This entry is part 15 of 14 in the series Specialty NursesThe Gypsy Nurse could not be successful without the support and contributions of it’s readers. Today’s Specialty Spotlight is from reader and Specialty Nurse Lori Mercer, RN who works as a ER. Name: Lori Mercer, RN Job Title: ER List your education/certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NIH, TNCC Where do you work: I have always done ER in smaller facilities. I can take care of anyone from a neonate to a geriatric patient and love every aspect of all the age groups. How long have you worked this Specialty? Expert Greater than 5 years How/Why did you get involved? Was there someone/something that inspired you to choose this specialty? I am a adrenaline junkie. I do not like the same thing all the time. I have always said I have too much ADD to do anything besides ER What do you do in a typical day? A typical day, I triage, evaluate, teach, implement and of course use my critical thinking skills as to what is going on with the patient. What frustrates you about your job? The ones that are there for drugs. What about your job makes you proud to be a nurse? Is there a specific situation that stands out to you as a gratifying moment? I love it when the patients tell me thank you, or call in to tell the manager that I went above and beyond to make them feel better. Do you feel […]

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A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity.   Source: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DDTSTRS/default.aspx

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Researchers are making progress in identifying the exact genetics and   “triggers” that predispose some individuals to develop type 1 diabetes, but prevention remains elusive.   Source: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DDTSTRS/default.aspx

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The Tax Home “Abandonment” Issue In last month’s installment, we explored a relatively new rule some agencies impose after a traveler has worked 2 years of assignments, requiring the traveler to return home for 45 days. In some cases the traveler is required to work at home during the 45 day period before returning to travel. As we mentioned, there are variations of the rule, but in all of them, a substantial visit to home is required after two years of service. Where did this come from? For some, this may be a boring trip through the history of tax legislation, but for those of us who like to know “why” as well as “what”, understanding the rationale of a regulation is very insightful. Before 1992, back when I traveled (I’m dating myself obviously), there was no “one year rule” that limited an assignment in one geographical area before the per diems / reimbursements became taxable. Before 1992, one was not allowed to be away from home longer than a year regardless of location. There was a “rebuttable presumption” that any work away from home longer than a year was either permanent or caused the taxpayer to be treated as an itinerant (no tax home). The one year presumption could be overcome (rebut the presumption) if the taxpayer could provide evidence that they would return home permanently before the end of 2 years. Any series of assignments away from home more than 2 years, regardless of location, would cause the […]

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The causes of type 1 diabetes appear to be much different than those for type 2 diabetes, though the exact mechanisms for developing both diseases are unknown. The appearance of type 1 diabetes is suspected to follow exposure to an “environmental trigger,” such as an unidentified virus, stimulating an immune attack against the beta cells of the pancreas (that produce insulin) in some genetically predisposed people.   Source: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DDTSTRS/default.aspx

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The Gypsy Nurse recently had an opportunity to speak via phone with three of the Scrubbing In cast members. The Gypsy Nurse attempts to maintain neutrality in most situations in order to simply provide information and facts. This same stance was taken when speaking with the nurses from Scrubbing In. There is a ton of negative commentary floating around the nursing world in regards to “Scrubbing In” as well as the nurses that make up the cast.  I did the following series of interviews before ever seeing the first episode in attempt to see these nurses (cast members) as what they are…professionals, co-workers, peers and most importantly fellow Gypsy’s. I would like to introduce you to Chelsey, RN CCRN Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA  MTV’s Bio: “Chelsey married young, but as she says “I’m married, not dead!” Not one to pass up a chance to be with her friends, Chelsey wants to travel for work while she still can…before she has kids and really has to settle down. Her husband is NOT happy with the situation but reluctantly allows Chelsey to go. Does he really have reason to worry about Chelsey going out to California with her friends for 3 months? She does like to get a bit crazy! Only time will tell…“ Chelsey and I talked about some of the basics of travel nursing such as amount of experience prior to traveling.  Chelsey was a first time traveler.  We’ve all experienced what it’s like as a first-timer.  Chelsey states that the travel hospital […]

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People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will monitor their diabetes control and help them learn to manage their diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes may see endocrinologists, who may specialize in diabetes care; ophthalmologists for eye examinations; podiatrists for routine foot care; and dietitians and diabetes educators who teach the skills needed for daily diabetes management.   Source: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DDTSTRS/default.aspx

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The following is a Guest post by: Lisa Rhodes, RN This is 2013 not 1813 right?  I just wanted to make sure.  After reading the comments and concerns by nurses about MTV’s “Scrubbing In”, I had to consult my calendar to make sure I was in the right century. While admittedly I am not a fan of reality TV nor am I a huge fan of MTV (since there is no music left on Music Television). I can’t believe what I have been reading; or the fact that it has been written by nurses and mostly written by women. Why even in the 21st century do we hold female dominated professions to the same personal moral standard as the 1800s? Recently a Dallas high school Spanish teacher who posed naked for Playboy while in college has been fired.  Now we have even the ANA meddling in “Scrubbing In”?  If these were considered male dominated professions the news and internet would be silent. No one freaked out that Dr. House is a drug addict?  How about the Physicians of Nip/Tuck, I don’t see the same moral outrage over their adulterous behavior?  Granted these are series and not reality TV.  But why do we feel that female dominated professions should appear like Little House on the Parrie on TV or when in the spot light?  Does being naked in Playboy years before teaching make an ineffective teacher?  Does having a drink or having fun after work hours make a bad nurse?  We […]

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