rnchat: A reminder to all the wonderful Twitter nurses: Join us tonite for #RNchat @ 9 PM EST

moderated by @EllenRichter ~Pull up a keyboard & chat!

8/19/2010 07:34

rnchat: How Many Docs & Nurses Are on Twitter? - http://bit.ly/cpDsYY #RNchat
8/19/2010 14:45

EdBennett: A balanced article on risks / rewards of social media for nurses. Features @PhilBaumann
and #RNChat http://bit.ly/c5JuhI
8/19/2010 16:40

rnchat: 10 minutes til #RNchat starts. I'm headed to Tweetgrid.com cuz I like that one, but theres
also Tweetchat.com & Twitterfall.com :)
8/19/2010 20:52

rnchat: Thanks to everyone that took the time to retweet the time of tonite's #RNchat to their
followers :)
8/19/2010 20:54

rnchat: I'm just keeping a constant caffeine level steady-state by sipping on my 5th cup of coffee
today! #RNchat
8/19/2010 20:58

NurseCircle: We're ready for #RNchat!

8/19/2010 20:58

NursesNightOut: Gotta love the enthusiasm! “@dorameulman: Raising my resveratrol level waiting for
#RNChat to start #NursesNightOut :))”
8/19/2010 20:59

rnchat: @NurseCircle Awesome. I'm ready too. Lets begin by introducing ourselves in 140
characters! What do U do, where from? :) #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:00

rnchat: @NursesNightOut I like your account name!! :) #RNchat

8/19/2010 21:00

nursekris99: My grape is Greek tonight! #RNChat

8/19/2010 21:01

rnchat: #RNchat is a way for nurses (& all others in health care!) to meet, tweet & share feelings,
thoughts, ideas! We welcome silent lurkers!
8/19/2010 21:02

rnchat: I'm @EllenRichter a critical care RN working in south Florida & I also work with attorneys
on medical litigation. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:03

ClearMedNetwork: Looks like the nurses are ready 4 fun...lol “@dorameulman: Raising my resveratrol level
waiting for #RNChat to start #NursesNightOut :))”
8/19/2010 21:04

rnchat: I must keep my fingers crossed that my internet connection stays put. It was lost for
almost an hour this evening! :( #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:04

nursekris99: I'm Kris: an onocology nurse, patient advocate, and insurance-stalker. I'm also a smart-
 a$$, if you haven't noticed... ;) #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:05

dorameulman: Hi everyone I'm Dora I work in a 29 bed MICU #RNChat

8/19/2010 21:05

jtknowles007: Hi, I'm John. I'm a nursing student from Indiana. !fb #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:05

rnchat: You can join our chat or follow along at websites like tweetchat, tweetgrid or twitterfall! Or
use Twitter's search & our hashtag #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:06

NursesNightOut: @nursekris99 We like smart $@&es! lol. #RNchat

8/19/2010 21:07

rnchat: The topics will be labeled T1, T2, etc. Please remember to add topic label & hashtag
#RNchat to ea tweet so we can track your responses!
8/19/2010 21:08

rnchat: Nice to see all of you who joined! Welcome :) #RNchat

8/19/2010 21:10

dorameulman: @RNchat lots of us on here tonight so much fun. Most nurses are smart a$$'s that's how
we survive #RNChat #Nurses NightOut :)
8/19/2010 21:10

rnchat: First topic coming up. #RNchat

8/19/2010 21:10

rnchat: T1 One Medicare Never Event is Foley catheter-related UTI. How does your practice
strive to reduce this complication? Is it working? #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:11

ClearMedical: @RyanJonSheets @SteveCarran @Biebert @TRCochran you should check out the
#RNchat discussion right now. Neat stuff!
8/19/2010 21:11

rnchat: @dorameulman Having fun while still being a nurse is always fun, even if its during off
time like now! ;) #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:12

dlwdillon: RT @jrobinsonRN: I'm Jennifer, a legal nurse consultant from TX #RNChat

8/19/2010 21:13

rnchat: T1 One Medicare Never Event is Foley catheter-related UTI. How does your practice
strive to reduce this complication? Is it working? #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:13

CaliPNP: I'm Sue. I'm a PNP in Radiology in a teaching hospital. #rnchat

8/19/2010 21:14

nursekris99: T1: Luckily, I'm outpatient. But we see folks sent home w/indwelling and no care
intructions til they see urologist in 2 weeks! #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:15

dorameulman: T1 my unit does well we don't have many UTI's. Unless like yesterday pts pull them out
 with the balloon still inflated :-O #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:15

rnchat: T1 At my facility our goal is to remove Foley caths on all patients. They need a VERY
good reason to stay beyond 2 days. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:15

nursekris99: @dorameulman HAHA! I had one on Tuesday do the same thing! #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:16

rnchat: T1 I also see patients undergo some inpatient surgery without ever having a Foley
inserted. Only if they cant void do we put 1 in. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:17

rnchat: T1 @nursekris99 Thats sad to see. No home catheter-care instructions are given at all?
Yikes. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:18

dorameulman: T1 in ICU I would say 95%of pts have a foley. #RNChat

8/19/2010 21:18

nursekris99: My folks are usually post-op, prostate seed implant. Needed until swelling goes down.
#RNChat
8/19/2010 21:18

nursekris99: @RNchat T1 Minimal instruction combined with rural education makes for multiple F/C
problems in my population. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:21

rnchat: T1@dorameulman You are in MICU. I bet many pts require it for unstable
hemodynamics--thats a good reason to keep it #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:21

jrobinsonRN: T1-am still seeing lots of foley infections in records I review, while pts w/o foleys aren't
having urine output monitored-bad news #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:21

rnchat: T1 @jrobinsonRN The push for SCIP postop protocol for UTI prevention is fairly new, like
2 yrs old? Maybe your charts are older? #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:23

TeriRNBSN: T1: We use foley's as a last resort if it will aid in patient comfort. We teach families foley
hygiene to help reduce UTI's #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:24

rnchat: T1 Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), a national quality improvement project
designed to improve surgical care in hospitals #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:24

jrobinsonRN: @rnchat charts aren't older, SOL for suits in TX is 2 yrs #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:24

rnchat: T1 @jrobinsonRN But if your record reviews are just non-acute medical pts with
catheters, thats bad. Change needs to occur! #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:25

dorameulman: T1 we get them out as soon as poss but for us they're almost always necessary. I use
 Condom Caths when I can on men. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:25

Rampracer: WHEELIE cATHOLIC: The Cripper Arrives! - http://ow.ly/2sbIR #sci #rnchat #hcsm
8/19/2010 21:27

TeriRNBSN: T1: When I worked in Sub acute we tried to get the foley's out ASAP also. Then we set
up a bowel and bladder program. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:28

rnchat: T1 We need to realize that catheter-acquired UTIs will not be reimbursed and can cause
chronic problems too #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:28

ERNurseJoy: We put stickers on foley bags that tell when/who inserted them- inpatient units don't have
to dig in the charts find insertion dates #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:29

jrobinsonRN: Apparently foley care has gone the way of the dinosaur. Am wondering if they even teach
it in CNA & nrsg school anymore. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:30

TeriRNBSN: T1: We left foley's in our pt's w/stg 3 & 4 Decubs until healed. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:30

rnchat: T1 @TeriRNBSN Yes, bladder programs are much more difficult than just keeping a
Foley but its the right way to prevent catheter-UTIs #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:31

jrobinsonRN: @TeriRNBSN Not much you can do if you are going to get those decubs healed if pt is
incontinent. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:31

nursingpins: Hey all - got called in - will read back. #RNchat

8/19/2010 21:31

TeriRNBSN: @jrobinsonRN From some of the CNA's I watch bathing patient's I wonder if they are
trained in proper way to do pericare period. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:32

dorameulman: T1 we get lectured in our huddles about this. #RNChat falls are our new pet peeve plus
restraints!
8/19/2010 21:32

jrobinsonRN: @TeriRNBSN If they are trained, then it's gotta be pure laziness. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:32

TeriRNBSN: @rnchat It helps if all are on board in doing what is best for pt. I hate to see nurses &
CNA's not follow the plan. A pet peeve #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:33

TeriRNBSN: @jrobinsonRN You can pretty much tell it is laziness. Saddens me. And if I said
something management came down on me not CNA. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:35

rnchat: T2 I was recently "family member/visitor" instd of RN. I wanted unlimited visiting time.
What do U think? Is it OK to break rules? #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:35
nursekris99: T2: I feel if pt benefits from presence of family, they should be in there! I broke rules to let
folks stay a lot back in the day #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:37

rnchat: T2 LOL I love this topic. I'm a big fan of unlimited visiting, as long as the health care folks
can do their work. But many disagree #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:37

TeriRNBSN: T2: As a hospice nurse I say YES! I feel it helps the pt w/orientation, less need for
restraints & accommodates the changing world. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:37

jrobinsonRN: T2 - Don't have a problem w/open visiting if no interference in care of ALL pts, not just
the ones they R visiting #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:37

nursekris99: T2 However, if family disruptive or interferes with good care, they gotta GO. Also, family
need a break when they don't realize it #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:38

dorameulman: T2 fantastic I've been eager to discuss this topic. We have Family Centered Care
throughout our hospital including all the ICU's #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:38

nursingpins: T2 My ideas have changed over the years - think family should be able to stay anytime
now. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:38

TeriRNBSN: T2: Not every one is a 9-5 worker anymore. We need to adapt to meet the needs of the
pt & family. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:38

nursekris99: T2 Family does pt no good if they're exhausted and burnt out. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:39

jrobinsonRN: @nursekris99 T2 - true, but if no one else avail to stay, no way I'd leave my family alone
even if I'd been there for days w/o sleep #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:40

nextHealthMedia: Isn't unlimited visiting a basic tenet of Planetree hospitals? #RNchat

8/19/2010 21:40

DebErupts: Advocate for unlimited visitation. #RNChat

8/19/2010 21:41

rnchat: T2 I think family and S.O. should be taught to give some of the care if they choose to stay
past visiting hrs. It can benefit both! #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:41

nextHealthMedia: There's no less miserable alternative than a Foley in the works as of yet? If you haven't
had one... #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:41

TeriRNBSN: @rnchat I agree. Also starts the DC process so that families are comfortable w/care when
they go home #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:42
nursekris99: @RNchat T2 TOTALLY agree about family help! Our job is to get pt to a point where they
don't need us any more! #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:42

DebErupts: There was no way I was going to leave my frightened daughter alone after her spinal cord
injury. Family took turns being with her. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:43

rnchat: T2 So glad to see so many advocates of unlimited visiting! I think families do better as a
whole when they are involved in the care! #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:43

jrobinsonRN: @rnchat T2 - too many think hospital is 5star hotel - they don't want to learn how to do
their care even when dcing home soon. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:43

CaliPNP: T2 Only time family shouldn't be in is report time in NICU setting (my last life). Parents
would listen to other pts' report. HIPPA #rnchat
8/19/2010 21:44

dorameulman: T1 family at bedside 24/7 helps ICU pts I've learned to get the family to help me with
mouthcare turning etc #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:45

rnchat: T2 @DebErupts I can relate. I could never leave a frightened family member in the
hospital alone! We take shifts among ourselves #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:46

DebErupts: When my daughter was hospitalized they did bedside reports and allowed me to
participate. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:46

rnchat: T2 @CaliPNP Great point about eavesdropping and HIPPA violations during change of
shift. Thats not good either. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:46

rnchat: T2 @dorameulman I do the same thing! Teach them little things like mouth care, ROM,
help with turns, even on critically ill. :) #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:47

nursingpins: As @DebErupts says - Pt family can be much more helpful than prev. thought. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:47

dorameulman: T2 occ we have family drama's always interesting. Plus what's that yellow no green no
red no. Constant questions are difficult #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:48

DebErupts: Daughter had trach, jaw wired shut, no use of hands. Communicated by nodding head to
letter board for 2 wks. Family very important! #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:49

rnchat: T2 I think with children, its almost expected that the parents will sit vigil at their bedsides
but adult pts need some of that too! #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:49

jrobinsonRN: @dorameulman yes, constant interuptions make things difficult - have to find a balance,
set boundaries with some families #RNChat
 8/19/2010 21:49

nursingpins: Like @rnchat - I teach family to help too - who knows, we may event be able to give them
a couple more pts. LOL #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:50

CaliPNP: @RNchat T2 we used to have NICU parents mixing up info telling it to another pts'
parents & getting everyone into huge conundrum #rnchat
8/19/2010 21:50

RNMark: T2 Have had families challenge and argue about each and every nursing intervention.
Unlimited visiting could hazard pt care. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:50

jrobinsonRN: @nursingpins T2 OK, I must have worked in wrong place, have had too many pt/family
refusing to participate in self/family care #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:51

rnchat: T2 @NurseCircle Now thats cool! Let us know what kind of responses you get on FB! :)
#RNchat
8/19/2010 21:51

dorameulman: T1 we allow family to stay for procedures ie EGD's or even codes and assign a pt rep or
nurse to help them #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:51

jrobinsonRN: @RNMark Yes, so have I - that is where you need to set boundaries - I like family
involvement but not shy about setting rules up #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:52

rnchat: T2 @nursingpins LMAO...imagine if staffing ratios increased because of all the family
helpers assisting us! ;) #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:52

nursingpins: That has been a big prob. in the past @RNMark - will always be a prob. for some - but
things are changing believe it or not. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:52

RNMark: T2 How do we bring equity and sanity to visits? Behavioral contracts? BTW best
experience I had included 30 family in one room. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:52

rnchat: T2 @RNMark Absolutely agree. There are those family members we want to string up &
flog but most times they are just stressed to max #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:53

DebErupts: Kept track of every damn thing they did. Families can prevent errors and assist with care.
Use them! #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:53

nursingpins: Will just be another assignment sheet to fill out - family assignment. - hospitals will limit
them too. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:53

nursekris99: T2: Could see insurers refusing to pay if skilled nursing was assisted by family. You know
they would!!! LOL! #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:55
rnchat: Wow, I cant believe its almost an hour! We never even got to T3! Think I'll save it for next
week! We can stay with T1 & T2 for now! #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:55

RNMark: @RNchat Flogging takes too much time and cant be delegated. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:55

nursingpins: Family staying all the time is a big issue with some nurses - many older nurses are
against it - new nurses quicker to accept it. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:56

DebErupts: Limiting visitors to a few at a time is reasonable. Need to use common sense. Provide a
lounge for family members to hang out. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:56

rnchat: T2 @nursekris99 The family may help with skilled nursing care but the RNs still do all the
documentation & thats what insurance sees #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:56

jrobinsonRN: T2 Taking time to educate families can help a lot with their behavior and whether or not
they are help or hindrance. #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:57

rnchat: @RNMark LMAO! ;) I just saw your flog response! #RNchat

8/19/2010 21:57

nursingpins: RT @DebErupts: Limiting visitors to a few at a time is reasonable. Need to use common
sense. #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:57

nursingpins: The biggest issue in nursing is unsafe ratios - it is killing nursing! #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:58

jrobinsonRN: T2 hospitals that still have semi pvt rooms are a problem w/ visitors #RNChat
8/19/2010 21:58

RNMark: @rnchat TY #RNChat

8/19/2010 21:58

rnchat: T2 So, I guess I won't feel bad that I pushed my way into unlimited visiting hours with my
dad after his surgery. I know it helped #RNchat
8/19/2010 21:59

jrobinsonRN: T2 - nurses are still responsible for care - CANNOT just expect family to do things w/o
followup and ensuring appropriate care given #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:00

rnchat: T2 @jrobinsonRN Yes semi-private rooms make unlimited visiting tough. I admit, my dad
was in a private room. ICU rooms are private #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:00

nursekris99: @RNchat Yes, they see the documentation. But just saying the industry, if able, would
turn a great thing into a not-so-great thing #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:01

jrobinsonRN: @rnchat U actually tried to be nice about it - when my fam. in hospital, staff know up
front who I am & I'm not leaving - period. #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:02
dorameulman: T2 I've felt the urge to flog many times lol. We have no visitors between 6-8 to allow for
shift change. It's bliss #RNChat :)
8/19/2010 22:02

nursingpins: We as nurses need to support pt. advocacy groups too - they will help expose unsafe
practices allowed by hospitals. #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:02

nursekris99: T2: I really love when family show interest in helping the pt. If nothing else, gives me
confidence that pt may do well at d/c #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:02

rnchat: I'm want to thank everyone who participated. Great, great responses to the topics!! Terrific
nurses on Twitter! ;) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:03

jrobinsonRN: @nursekris99 Family shouldn't be doing skilled nursing tasks, that is what educated
nurses are for. #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:03

rnchat: @DebErupts Oh geez....that sounds like it was a nightmare! #RNchat

8/19/2010 22:03

RNMark: @jrobinsonRN I never voluntarily tell staff that I'm an RN when I visit. I've gotten strong
negative vibes. #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:04

DebErupts: Family should not be doing skilled nursing procedures due to liability issues, unless part
of discharge teaching. #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:04

nursingpins: Thanks Ellen - got to run - teaching ACLS to a group of family members -:) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:05

rnchat: Totally agree RT @nursingpins We as RNs need to support pt. advocacy groups - they
help expose unsafe practices allowed by hospitals #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:05

rnchat: @nursingpins Vernon! Enjoy! Thanks for participating while at work! :) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:06

DebErupts: To @RNMark @jrobinsonRN Can you imagine the reaction when I tell them I'm a Nurse
Attorney. Usually keep it to myself. #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:07

rnchat: Well, everyone enjoy the rest of the week! TGIF in a few hours. See you next time!
Anyone new, please follow me @EllenRichter :) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:08

rnchat: @DebErupts Yes, that nurse-attorney title must shut people up pretty fast! ;) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:08

nursekris99: @RNchat Thank you Ellen!! Great discussions! #RNChat

8/19/2010 22:08

rnchat: @nursekris99 No, thanks to you all, who made the discussions come to life! :) #RNchat
 8/19/2010 22:09

dorameulman: @RNchat thanks Ellen enjoyed #RNChat tonight. Nurses ROCK :))
8/19/2010 22:10

rnchat: Be on the look-out for @PhilBaumann's tweet with the link to the transcript of tonite's
chat. There are always tweets I missed! :) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:10

jrobinsonRN: @nursingpins ACLS to family huh? LOL #RNChat

8/19/2010 22:11

rnchat: @dorameulman Yes, nurses DO rock! Even the wise-a$$ ones! ;) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:11

DebErupts: Thank-you, it's been fun. #RNChat

8/19/2010 22:12

jrobinsonRN: @DebErupts Bet the looks on the faces when you do tell them you're RN, JD is priceless
:) #RNChat
8/19/2010 22:13

rnchat: I'm signing off the @RNchat account! Enjoy your night, folks! Keep up the discussions if
you so desire! G'nite!!:) #RNchat
8/19/2010 22:13

maryannagordon: RT @nursingpins: The biggest issue in nursing is unsafe ratios - it is killing nursing!
#RNchat
8/19/2010 22:18

DebErupts: @APBBlue LOL! I forget others are reading our #RNChat

8/19/2010 22:20