Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Top 10 Reasons To Ban Fracking

 
 
Top 10 Reasons to Ban Fracking

 

Although the technique of Fracking was developed 60 years ago, it has been all the rage in the news of late, with more and more companies using the procedure to tap into natural gas, and the subsequent uproar of the public on its many harmful effects to the environment.

 

Technically, “fracking” is short for hydraulic fracturing, where millions of gallons of chemically treated water are drilled at great force into the shale rock level of the earth, breaking apart the rock and thereby forcing huge amounts of natural gas and oil pockets out into a reserve well.

 

Several countries have already banned the practice and the United States is gaining signatures to pass legislature to follow suit.  

Stop Fracking Now T-Shirts
Click Link to Purchase Shirt:
http://www.zazzle.com/stop_fracking_now_t_shirts-235687819917366171?rf=238282136580680600
 

Although Massachusetts Senator John Kerry was quoted to say “We are the Saudi Arabia of natural gas,” he and the fracking industry are overlooking the many problems that arise from this process:

 

1.    Clearing natural land to construct roads and well sites damages the little natural habitat we have left.

2.    Trucks involved in the ground transport and handling of massive amount of toxic chemicals travel to and from the site, causing more air pollution and increasing the chances for spillage and accidents.

3.    Half of the remaining fracking mud left underground can’t be economically pumped out and is abandoned in hopes that it will “clean itself” or slowly seep into our water supply.

4.    The very act of injecting mass amounts of chemicals into the earth creates a poisonous layer of water that filters up to the ground level, mixing toxic waste with our drinking water.

5.    As the massive machinery virtually makes Swiss cheese of the earth’s crust, earthquake activity can increase from the weakened foundation.

6.    Contaminating the ground water creates a direct danger to our food supply as farmers water their crops and animals with contaminated water from nearby wells.

7.    There is an additional danger of toxic chemicals being spread when flooding occurs in the area or even flowing downriver, miles away from the well.

8.    Scientists at UCLA have already discovered how to use solar energy through the windows of skyscrapers, which could probably produce enough to power every big city, thereby greatly reducing the need for natural oil and gas.

9.    Since scientists have figured out how we can harvest methane gas from our landfills and sewage sludge, this gives us another process that could be used in lieu of hazardous fracking.

10.                    And lastly, our air.  Although experts say that natural gas emits 50% less carbon than coal or oil, it is polluted with mass amounts of volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons from the process of extracting the gas at the shale level.  

Recently, some industry leaders denied that fracking has caused water pollution; however former president of Shell Oil Company, John Hofmeister admitted, “Everybody knows that some wells go bad.”
 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Top 10 Boston Strong T-Shirts

Boston will never forget the tragedy on April 15th, 2013.  It's impact on the city was widespread, affecting families all across the country.  America was hurting but far from broken.  And Boston, well, it just became stronger than ever.  In remembrance of that tragic day, I put together a collection of some the best t-shirts available.  Wear it with pride Boston!! Wear it with pride. 

 www.cafepress.com/mf/77793673/boston-strong-gold-black_tank-top?aid=1115743Boston Strong Gold Black Tank Top
www.cafepress.com/mf/77793673/boston-strong-gold-black_tank-top?aid=1115743



Boston Strong T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77747269/boston-strong_tshirt?productId=839599086?aid=1115743

Boston Strong Gold T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77793700/boston-strong-gold_tshirt?aid=1115743


Boston Strong T-Shirt

www.cafepress.com/mf/77733498/boston-strong_tshirt?productId=839423980?aid=1115743




Boston Strong Ribbon T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77852294/boston-strong-ribbon_tshirt?aid=1115743


Boston Strong Flag Long Sleeve T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77776031/boston-strong-flag_long-sleeve-tshirt?productId=840040830?aid=1115743

BOSTON STRONG T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77955229/boston-strong_tshirt?aid=1115743


boston strong 58 T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77935485/boston-strong-58_tshirt?aid=1115743

BOSTON STRONG 1 Golf Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77806985/boston-strong-1_golf-shirt?aid=1115743

Boston Strong Boston Bruins Kids Dark T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/77832523/boston-strong-boston-bruins_tshirt?aid=1115743

 

Top 10 Funniest Nurse T-Shirts

Let's face it, having a good sense of humor in nursing is a must!  You almost can't survive a single day in the medical profession without it.  Admittedly, we nurses  sometimes laugh at things we shouldn't---but we can't help it.  Although, we do try to be discreet about it.  Sometimes.  It's the nature of the beast.  Stressful situations are best relieved with humor and laughter, there's nothing wrong with that, even in a critical care unit. Especially in a critical care situation---such as after a code blue.  When the adrenaline slows down, nurse's return to the nurse's station, invariably someone will comment on something that was funny about the code.  Mind you, there's no disrespect intended, it's simply a way to release stress. 

Anyway, here's some rather funny t-shirts, tote bags, buttons and mugs I found that really struck me as well---hilarious. 

1)
White T-Shirt
 http://www.cafepress.com/mf/51771796/new-nurse_tshirt?aid=1115743

 2)
Arrhythmias_Dark T-Shirt
http://www.cafepress.com/mf/25780019/arrhythmiasdark_tshirt?aid=1115743


3) 
i survived nursing WORDS T-Shirt
www.cafepress.com/mf/78163370/i-survived-nursing-words_tshirt?productId=846721450?aid=1115743



4)
Nurse Humor Ringer T
www.cafepress.com/mf/63952066/nurse-humor_tshirt?aid=1115743


5)
Nurse XX White T-Shirt
 www.cafepress.com/mf/24062908/nurse-xx_tshirt?productId=466850131?aid=1115743


6)
A Nurses's Brain Sweatshirt

www.cafepress.com/+a_nursess_brain_sweatshirt,606879009?aid=1115743

7)
Nurse Christmas Greeting Cards
www.cafepress.com/+nurse_christmas_greeting_cards,664010558?aid=1115743


8)
Funny Nurse T-Shirt
http://www.zazzle.com/funny_nurse_t_shirt-235424006365154984?rf=238282136580680600*



9)
Funny Cardiac Nurse T-Shirts
http://www.zazzle.com/funny_cardiac_nurse_t_shirts-235004132183155270?rf=238282136580680600*


10)

Funny Psych Nurse T-Shirts and Gifts Coffee Mug



 

Considering ICU or Critical Care Nursing?

Are you considering a nursing career in an ICU or Critical Care setting? Are you a new graduate and wondering if critical care nursing is right for you then read on. As an RN myself, I worked in many different aspects of the nursing profession, physician's offices, dialysis, hospice and ICU/Trauma. I loved them all and now, even though I'm retired, I feel I had a well rounded background in the nursing field. It served me well. However, if I had it all to do over again, I would have chosen Critical Care Nursing from the start. Why? Because honestly, it was the most rewarding and not as difficult as one might think. Here's why: Consider being fresh out of nursing school, a brand new graduate and yes, quite green. Your experience level is about a 0.5 on a 1-10 scale. The usual suggestion for new grads is to spend time on a medical-surgical floor, "gain some experience". Baloney. If you can get hired out of school into an ICU or Critical Care setting, then go for it. You will receive the best training and will be assigned to generally the best nurse qualified to train you. You will learn nursing on a 1:1 or 1:2 nurse patient ratio. If you choose a medical-surgical floor, you will more likely than not be assigned to 3-5 patients during your first week and can probably expect the nurse training you to be stressed. Or, if they are short staffed, you may end up with your assignment with a nurse co-assigned to monitor you. Talk about stress!!! Even better, get hired in a Level 1 hospital, you will see more, experience more and will learn a great deal more. Critical care nurses are experienced and are very willing to train you so that you will receive the most out of your orientation. After your training is over, you will have nurses close by always to pose questions to, unlike a med-surg floor, where you will have to hunt someone down. Not so in critical care, they will usually be standing within a few feet of you. I have found critical care nurses to be a cohesive group, working always in tandem with each other. If a nurse simply states, "I need help over here", several nurses run to assist. On a med-surg unit, again, the nurses have a larger case load and will be much busier and with patients with nearly the high acuity as they would be in an ICU setting. I say, go for it! Just go for it! There is a book that many nurses in our unit used on an almost daily basis and I highly recommend it to anyone considering or already working in an ICU or Critical Care setting. It's Kathy White's Fast Facts For Critical Care. It's available on Amazon.Com, Here is the Link to the book:

A few other books I suggest: Good luck! Enjoy your nursing career!

Retired Nurse Tales and Opinions: Gluten Sensitive? Gluten Intolerant?

Retired Nurse Tales and Opinions: Gluten Sensitive? Gluten Intolerant?

Monday, August 12, 2013

Eames Atomic Mid Century Era

Eames Atomic Inspired Bucket Bag
www.cafepress.com/gailgabel.906270360?aid=1115743


As a retired nurse and self-taught graphic designer, I really love the look of the Mid Century, Atomic Era.  I designed the bucket bag above to resemble a piece of fabric my grandmother had when she loved to sew.  I loved the funky abstract pattern with it's many swirls the use of only 4 colors.  This was typical of the Atomic Era.  This is a pillow I designed and is available for purchase by following the link just below it.  It is also available in light grey. 

Mid-Century Modern Pillow Atomic Inspired II
http://www.zazzle.com/mid_century_modern_pillow_atomic_inspired_ii-189121397766986825?rf=238282136580680600*




eames era 19 red and cream GAils Woven Throw Pillo
www.cafepress.com/gailgabel.897513064?aid=1115743

Mid-Century Modern Pillow Artsy

http://www.zazzle.com/mid_century_modern_pillow_artsy-189797799774813882?rf=238282136580680600

Mid-Century Modern Shower Curtain

http://www.cafepress.com/+midcentury_modern_shower_curtain,1339774471
Mid-Century Modern Pillow House Design
http://www.zazzle.com/mid_century_modern_pillow_house_design-189188205651895174?rf=238282136580680600


Mid Century Modern Wrapped Canvas Abstract #19 Canvas Prints
http://www.zazzle.com/mid_century_modern_wrapped_canvas_abstract_19-192791485727373931?view=113792671317041928&rf=238282136580680600




I now design duvet covers, pillows, clock faces, throw blankets, shower curtains, bucket bags and more by creating designs inspired by the Eames, Atomic Era period.  To view my entire collection of designs available for purchase thus far, click here:  :  www.cafepress.com/gailgabel/10106996?aid=1115743   **You may also contact me at
Hot4Tees_BG@Yahoo.Com for special requests. 

You can also follow me on Pinterest,  http://pinterest.com/gailgabel/eames-era-inspired-creations/where I have many of my products posted from the Mid Century, Atomic Era.  These classic designs are gaining popularity in the 21st century. 

Pinterest has a very cool link of homes, furniture styles, home accessories etc if you are interested in taking a look at some of the things from that time period.  Some of these items are available for purchase.  http://pinterest.com/buny71/atomic-era-goodies/  http://www.zazzle.com/mcmstyle  http://www.cafepress.com/gailgabel/11058621

If you're a baby boomer or older, you probably remember the classic look of the Atomic Era.  The funky abstracts design.  The atomic era came about after WWII from the 1940's to the 1960's and began the onset of the nuclear age and the architectural style homes of Frank Lloyd Wright.


www.gowright.org



www.thefranklloydwrighttour.com 


Gluten Sensitive? Gluten Intolerant?




Retired Nurse Tales and Opinions: Grieving For Gluten: I want a piece of cake with thick, buttercream frosting, any kind of cake will do.  Or, how about one of those French cream horns, flakey p...

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Top 5 Items Dialysis Patient's Need During Treatments

If you are going to be starting dialysis in an out-patient center, you will most likely be having your treatments three times a week to have your blood cleaned.  Generally speaking, the average time you will spend on a dialysis machine will be about 4 hours each time.  However, you will actually be at the center for around 5 hours altogether, while the nurse or technician preps you at the start of the treatment and preps you to go home at the end of the treatment.  Therefore, you will be sitting in a recliner type chair for approximately 5 hours, give or take.  Sometimes it's not easy to sit that long and some centers are kept on the cool side.  Not only that, but given the fact you have end stage kidney disease, you're probably already cold most of the time.  It's part of the disease process.

I would recommend 5 items to take with you each time you go for your treatments, to help in making you more comfortable sitting in the chair. 

1)  Get yourself a tote bag to carry items you want to take and use it each time you go, such as the one below, which is available at Cafepress.com  If you wish to purchase the tote bag below, just click the link below the picture. 

Dialysis Beach Tote
http://www.cafepress.com/+dialysis_beach_tote,493471860?aid=1115743

Dialysis III Tote Bag
http://www.cafepress.com/+dialysis_iii_tote_bag,600710552?aid=1115743

Dialysis Tote Bag
http://www.cafepress.com/+dialysis_tote_bag,538620945?aid=1115743

2)  The second item you will want to take with you is small blanket, such as a fleece throw to put over your lap while your there.  Here's a few cute ones I found, they are available for purchase just click the link below the picture.
Dialysis Blanket 1 Throw Blanket
http://www.cafepress.com/+dialysis_blanket_1_throw_blanket,903760848?aid=1115743

Dialysis Throw Blanket

http://www.cafepress.com/+dialysis_throw_blanket,538621546?aid=1115743

3)  The third item you may want to consider is a soft pillow to sit on, even though you will be sitting in a recliner, sometimes the vinyl isn't as soft as you might think, especially after sitting for a long period.  Or, a pillow may be used behind your back too. 
dialysis butt pillow 2 Throw Pillow
http://www.cafepress.com/+dialysis_butt_pillow_2_throw_pillow,903765201?aid=1115743

4)  If you are due to take any medication during the time you're going to be at the dialysis center, be sure to take those with you.  If they are blood pressure medications, please make sure you check with a nurse before taking them during the dialysis treatment as many medications are dialyzed out or removed from your blood during the cleaning process and you won't receive the benefit of them. 

5)  The last thing you may want to take is a book or a magazine to read.  Most all dialysis units have TV sets to watch to pass the time.  Or, you may take a nap while there.  If you like to listen to music, take your player and some ear phones. 

After you've had a few treatments, you will know more of what to expect.  It may seem frightening at first but you will soon relax and realize it's not as scary as it all seems. 

Hope this helps. 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Considering Dialysis Nursing?

Are you considering dialysis nursing and wondering what it entails?  Do you wonder if you have what it takes to do the job? 

I worked as a dialysis unit right after graduation from nursing school, so I had no experience at all.  The unit I worked in was a large, out-patient facility and dialyzed approximately 105 patients per day in  3 separate shifts.  It was busy, busy, busy.  I also worked on-call dialysis for any acute dialysis needs that occurred after hours and on weekends.  This was done at the hospital generally in an ICU, cardiac, burn unit type setting.  What could go wrong, DID go wrong, each and everyday.  Every single day you work in this field, you will learn something.  Just when you think you've seen and experienced it all....something else happens.  It's a given and quite interesting as a career choice.  Most people who enter dialysis either like it or hate it...and those that like it, remain working in dialysis for their entire working careers.  As for me, I did dialysis both chronic (out-patient) and acute (in-patient) for 7 years. 

Dialysis Nurse/Tech Funny Gifts T Shirts
To Purhcase This Shirt Click The Link:  http://www.zazzle.com/dialysis_nurse_tech_funny_gifts_t_shirts-235507314940087136?view=113390926697750663&rf=238282136580680600/*

If you are a registered nurse either fresh out of school as a new grad or an experienced RN, then you could be considered for a position as a dialysis nurse.  Most nurses entering dialysis as a career do not have prior experience and most all dialysis units have their own training programs. 

Training is generally a 6 week program which consists of classroom theory, touring the center and built in water treatment room as well as 1:1 hands on practice by an experienced RN or dialysis educator.  You will not be expected to dialyze a patient on your own until you have been deemed fully competent to do so.  More importantly, if you don't feel fully competent, speak up.  You do not want to dialyze someone unless you absolutely know what you are doing as there are too many things that can go wrong.  Pay close attention during your training, ask questions, take notes.  In time, it will all become second nature as with anything else you are learning for the first time.  However, if I can learn it and be successful doing it---so can you!  I must admit, learning dialysis didn't come easy for me, not at all.  In fact, I quit after a month, I was scared to death I would injure someone.  Not wanting to be defeated, I asked for a second chance a few months later and was kindly given one by the administrator of the unit.  In all honesty, I did well and never made any serious errors.  However, it wasn't until I worked in the field for over a year did I really feel comfortable.  The reason being was again, too many things can go wrong at any given moment. 
Hemodialysis "It's What We Do" Dialysis Nurse Gift Key Chains
To Purchase This Key Chain, Click the Link:  http://www.zazzle.com/hemodialysis_its_what_we_do_dialysis_nurse_gift_keychain-146552564124270845?rf=238282136580680600*

You will first be taught the dialysis machine, how it functions, how to set it up and prime it for a patient, how to disinfect it and what all the alarms mean.  Dialysis machines are all computerized and have built in alarms systems to notify you of high pressures, low pressures, empty fluid containers etc and when a treatment is complete.  While working in a dialysis unit, these alarms are sounding almost constantly.  Pay attention to them....they alarm for a reason! 

Next you will be taught needle insertion into a patient's AV-graft or AV-fistula as well as starting dialysis via a central line in the internal jugular, subclavian or femoral area. The central lines are always double access ports, one to withdraw blood and the other to return dialyzed blood.  You will also learn central line dressing changes and how to de-clot these catheters in the unit as well as removing them once they are discontinued. 
Dialysis Terminology Gifts Mugs
To Purchase This Mug, Click the Link:  http://www.zazzle.com/dialysis_terminology_gifts_mugs-168573549951692781?rf=238282136580680600*

As a rule in most centers, you will begin dialyzing just one patient at a time and slowly progress to 3-4 patients if you're working in an out-patient center.  As an RN, you will also be responsible for administering any and all IV meds during treatments, units of blood if needed, IV antibiotics and IV iron supplements to name a few. 

Working as a dialysis nurse can be stressful both physically and mentally.  You will need to be quick on your feet and organized as everything is time oriented.  There's some lifting involved such as removing large bags of contaminated trash at end of each treatment session, carrying heavy containers of solutions, assisting patients in and out of chairs and off of gurneys, depending on the unit you are in.  As for patient teaching, it will be on-going and daily.  Dialysis patients and their families require support and education as far as meds, diet and fluid allowances. 

When you are dialyzing patients, you always want to pay attention to them and their machines, even if they aren't alarming.  For example, a needle in a patient's arm can become dislodged or fall out.  Under normal circumstances, the machine would alarm for the loss of pressure.  However, if the needle/tubing that fell out is against the side of the chair and the patient's arm is applying the right amount of pressure, the machine may not detect it.  The patient may be asleep...and in a matter of a minute or two....a patient can lose a large amount of blood---onto the floor and behind the chair they're sitting in, without anyone knowing it.  The amount of blood removed is anywhere from 400ml.min-600ml/min.  So yes, exsanguination is entirely possible and does happen, especially partial exsanguinations.  I've seen it, many times and trust me, it's not pretty!  So no matter how long you've worked as dialysis nurse or tech, always, always keep a close eye on your patients and the patients of other nurses and techs. 

The other most common problem to occur with patients is low blood pressure or sudden drop in blood pressure during or after the treatment.  Blood pressures are checked frequently but it's the sudden drops in between checks you must watch out for.  If you see a patient yawn, check their pressure, yawning is generally indicative of a blood pressure drop.  You will also be trained on monitoring closely what a patient weighs and comparing it to previous weights/treatments.  If patients aren't eating well and lose body weight, it can cause some major problems during the treatment.  The same goes for gain in body weight if their appetite improves.  Weight gains/losses of body weight are not to be confused with fluid weight gain/loss.  There is a difference and it's a big one.  You will learn how to decipher the difference.  You will be taught to ask a check-list of questions on every patient starting a treatment, pay attention to the answers they give you.  Always.  I can't stress this enough. 

Overall, I must say, I loved working in dialysis. You really get to know your patients and you will see most of them more than you do your own family as they come three times a week.  It can be stressful but it will surely be a rewarding career and you will learn so much.  If you're serious about wanting to become a dialysis nurse, call a few centers and inquire about shadowing a nurse for a half day to see if it is something you may want to do. 

Dialysis Nurse Gifts Cards
To Purchase This Card, Click the Link: http://www.zazzle.com/dialysis_nurse_gifts_cards-137354460377035539?rf=238282136580680600