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There was a day at clinical way back when I was in There was a day at clinical way back when I was in nursing school 10 years ago. It’s funny how some of the simplest of conversations you remember forever. 

My preceptor asked me how I liked my coffee, and scared and passive little me mumbled “oh, however…”

She looked at me and told me, “Always know what you want. So how do you like your coffee?”

Black I said. 

Always know what you want. ☕️

#nursingschoolproblems #crnaschool #srna #anesthesiaschool #anesthesia #nursingschoolprobs #futurenurse #futurenurses #registerednurse #registerednurses #bsnrn #icunurse #icunurses #nurseanesthesia #nurseanesthetist
Precedex Education! 💉⁣ We love precedex in th Precedex Education! 💉⁣
We love precedex in the OR, but I didn’t so much in the ICU 😂 ⁣
Who’s a fan and who’s not?⁣ & save this post for reference!
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#crnaschool #anesthesia #anesthesiaeducation #icunursing #icu #icunurse #icurn #crna #srna #srnalife #srnaprobs #futurecrna #nurseanesthetist #nurseanesthesiologist #anesthesiology #nursingschooleducation #nursingeducation⁣
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Another quarter down only ONE MORE to go 😀 3 mo Another quarter down only ONE MORE to go 😀
3 more months until graduation!! 🎓👩🏻‍🎓
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⏰ 2,200 hours of clinical experience down and some more to go BUT
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The countdown begins 🎉
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#crna #srna #srnalife #srnaproblems #nurseanesthesia #nurseanesthetist #nurseanesthesiologist #anesthesiology #nurseanesthesiology #futurecrna #srnatocrna #nurseblog #icurn #crnaweek #nurseanesthesia #crna #crnaschool #srnatocrna #nurseanesthetists
I highly do not recommend tag-teaming a case with I highly do not recommend tag-teaming a case with your friend cause you will end up dying from laughter at each other the entire time. 🫀💉 @ed.tee 
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#crnaschool #arewedoneyet #futurecrna #futurecrnas #srna #srnalife #srnaprobs #srnaproblems #nurseanesthesia #nursesweek2022 #nursesweek #anesthesia #aneathesiaschool #nurseanesthetist #nurseanesthesiologist #operatingroom #scrublife
PROPOFOL FACTS🤍😴💤 Did you know the last 2 PROPOFOL FACTS🤍😴💤
Did you know the last 2 slides? 🤓
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Don’t forget to save this for later!
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#propofol #milkofamnesia #anesthesia #anesthesialife #crnaschool #srna #srnalife #srnaprobs #srnatocrna #futurecrna #icunursing #icunurse #icunurses
Nurse Anesthetist loaaaaadingggggg… ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Nurse Anesthetist loaaaaadingggggg…
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4.5 months til’ the title!! 🎓
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#futurecrna #crna #nurseanesthetist #anesthesiaschool #nurseanesthesiologists #nurseanesthesiologist #srnalife #srnatocrna
I thought I’d be all coordinated and wear this c I thought I’d be all coordinated and wear this cap for dental cases, then the OR nurse asked me if there were butt cracks on my cap & now I’ll never unsee it 😂 🍑 looks like this is my new endo cap 💩

#crnaschool #srna #srnalife #scrubcap #scrubcaps #mallampati #futurecrna #anesthesia #anesthesiaschool #icunurse #gastrointestinal #dentalanesthesia
I’ve been seeing so many versions of what happen I’ve been seeing so many versions of what happened with #radondavaught that me & my roommate found the official court documents & photo evidence for those who are interested in what happened in the words of RaDonda herself. In general, don’t ever trust what comments you read on social media, & read the facts before forming your opinion, regardless of what stance you take. This is an unfortunate circumstance for everyone involved & I am so SO ready for the nursing profession to start to feel passionate and empowered again. 😕 Swipe to read, what do you guys think?
Let’s talk about blood transfusion! 🩸⁣ ⁣ Let’s talk about blood transfusion! 🩸⁣
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𝐩𝐑𝐁𝐂𝐬 ⁣
🔴 Transfusing 1 unit of pRBCs raises Hgb ~ 1g/dL & Hct by 2-3%. This provides a good estimate of where you should be at without drawing labs.⁣
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🔴 There are 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 that increase the shelf-life of blood. ⁣
- 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞: anticoagulant. You don’t want your blood clotting in the bag! It inhibits calcium. Keep this in mind if giving multiple units, could lead to hypocalcemia. ⁣
- 𝐃𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞: substrate for glycolysis for energy (ATP). This prevents the RBC from using the oxygen they’re transporting to the tissues. ⁣
- 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞: a buffer that prevents acidosis⁣
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🔴 Although these additives are great to prolong banked blood, they also come with consequences the longer the blood sits there. ⁣
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𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 include:⁣
- ↓ 𝐩𝐇 = ↑ lactic acid = bad⁣
- ↑ 𝐊 (keep in mind for renal fail pts). Hyperkalemia can result from an impaired RBC cell membrane that happens with stored blood, causing K to leak out. ⁣
- ↓ 𝟐,𝟑 𝐃𝐏𝐆 = ↓O2 release to the tissues. Which is the whole point of RBCs right. To deliver oxygen to the body. This is why with ECMO patients we used to ask blood bank for our blood to be <10 days old, to get the max benefit for these sick hypoxic patients. ⁣
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🔴What does 𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘬𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 mean? You’ll see this a lot on your blood bags. Leuko = WBC, reduced. This reduces/removes WBCs from pRBCs. This decreases the risk of febrile transfusion reactions & other adverse effects. ⁣
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💾 Save this post for reference! Want more posts like this? Let me know in the comments 👇🏼
It was a cool day. I remember the first time an an It was a cool day. I remember the first time an anesthesiologist went to intubate and he let me peek at the vocal cords when I was 15. I fell in love with anesthesia that day. 

Early on in clinical, I would think of that moment sometimes & wonder how he was able to do that so gracefully. I remember being so overwhelmed with intubating - how was he able to keep that perfect view for so long and so casually? I felt like I had seconds before I would lose my view and struggle to find it again. I felt like that would never be me and that I was a failure. 

I remember being asked by preceptors to explain each step of what I was doing during induction, and how my mind would literally black out cause I was trying so hard to focus on the tasks. How could they expect me to say everything out loud and the rationale plus answer their questions during such a critical moment? 

Today there were 2 nursing students shadowing in the OR, & my preceptor told me to explain everything I was doing & then I did. And when I went to intubate I got my view & asked them both if they wanted to see & then they did. And idk if I’m emotional because I’ve had 3 hours of sleep or cause that was just kinda cool because I finally felt competent enough to do what that MD did 15 years ago but yeah it was a good day.

Sassy Anesthesia

Nursing

Why You Need to Get Your CCRN

February 27, 2017April 4, 2017

Why you should get your CCRN with stethoscope and pin
So you’re interested in taking the CCRN exam. Or if you’re not and you’re an ICU nurse, you should be! Of course the idea of taking this exam is daunting, but when you get to add those four letters behind your name, it’s all worth the hours of studying. When I’ve asked some of my coworkers if they’re certified, I’ve heard a lot of “why would I do that?” or “what’s the point? I don’t need it.” So if you’re one of those nurses, I hope I can try and persuade you to take on the challenge of this exam.

So why should you take the CCRN? Here’s why I decided to sit for this test.

1. Getting certified is good for your patients! The ICU gets patients as sick as they come, and compared to other units, nurses actually have a big say in the plan of care. The critical care doctors (usually) respect and consider what ICU nurses suggest in regards to the patient, so with more knowledge = more power! The CCRN exam is also updated every couple of years so the education is new and recent, giving you the opportunity as a nurse to even disagree with physicians on older practice, and possibly suggest the more current treatment option backed by the evidence you’ve learned. I found this interesting: In November 2002, there was a poll taken that revealed that 78% of general public respondents have knowledge that nurses can be certified. So you could say that 78% of your patients may be curious if they have a nurse that is certified that shift! Are you one of them? It’s obvious that the more knowledge you have in the ICU, the better. After all the prep I did for the CCRN, I was amazed at how much I had learned that I didn’t know or understand before. Taking the exam could be the difference between life or death for your patient.


2. Certification is good for hospitals. Most hospitals recognize and celebrate their nurses getting certified. Some even offer a differential. The CCRN benefits the nurse in a way that they will make safer choices with less risk, which leads to less medication/other errors. This is obviously good for the hospitals but for patients too. Additionally, it can’t hurt to have a resume boost. Having your certification will help if you’re thinking of transferring to another hospital, or going to CRNA or NP school. Nurses also have reported higher satisfaction with their job after getting certified, another plus for employers.

3. Getting certified benefits YOU. Duh. As ICU nurses we all love a good challenge, so why not challenge yourself and validate your knowledge. The NCLEX assesses basic competence as a nurse. The CCRN validates critical thinking and expertise in critical care. And as you all know, it’s not required to take the CCRN. So taking this step by choice shows your commitment to the ever changing and fascinating world of critical care. You will continue to be a role model on your unit and be recognized by your coworkers and patients.

CCRN study book and stethoscope on wood


So stop being afraid and take the test! Knowing myself, I purposely bought the exam before I had even started studying. That way it forced me to be ready in 3 months (the max time allowed after purchasing the exam). The test is TOUGH, but I think if I was able to do it during my very complicated recovery from an injury, anyone can do it. Maybe the Percocet helped me study better…? Right.

Start your journey to excellence here.

Questions about the exam? Comment below. I’ll be posting how I studied for the CCRN this month as well, in honor of Certified Nurses Day, March 19.


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10 comments on “Why You Need to Get Your CCRN”

  1. Delta
    December 29, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    I love your blog. Thank you for the great information. Question please. Just starting my journey in nursing. Starting a second career in this phase of my life. Honest opinions please. LPN vs RN?

    Reply
    • lipstickandlifesaving
      December 29, 2017 at 10:02 pm

      Thank you so much for reading! If you want to work in the hospital get your RN. LPN is a dying license. If you’re ok with working in a clinic or skilled nursing facility then by all means get your LPN. If you want to work in a hospital you need your RN, and not only that, most big hospitals now are only hiring BSN nurses because it helps them get closer to Magnet designation or maintains that. RN is more difficult but worth it in every way.

      Reply
  2. How I Studied for the CCRN - Lipstick & Lifesaving
    April 4, 2017 at 5:33 am

    […] Need motivation to take this exam? Check out my blog post on Why You Need to Get Your CCRN. […]

    Reply
  3. How I Studied for the CCRN – Lipstick & Lifesaving
    March 19, 2017 at 7:02 am

    […] Need motivation to take this exam? Check out my blog post on Why You Need to Get Your CCRN. […]

    Reply
  4. Edward Berriman
    March 16, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    Just discovered your blog. I really like it and find it informative. I am a new nurse and nursing is my second career having spent 25+ years in the Automotive industry. I’m excited at the prospect of working in the ICU at my new job which I should be starting in a couple of weeks. I’ll be sure to check in frequently for tips, knowledge, and inspiration. Peace and love. 🙂

    Reply
    • Marissa
      March 16, 2017 at 5:38 pm

      Thank you so much! Good luck with your new job! How exciting 🙂

      Reply
  5. Smiley Nurse
    March 12, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    Great post

    Reply
  6. Flippin Fanchers
    March 2, 2017 at 8:10 pm

    I have a cousin that has recently graduated from nursing school. I’ll definitely ask if she has taken this test. Sounds like it is something that would be beneficial to everyone, especially the patients!

    Reply
    • crystal
      March 14, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      She can start studying it will help her if she is new to ICU. She can only take this certification test after working in the ICU for 2 years.

      Reply
      • Flippin Fanchers
        March 14, 2017 at 1:13 pm

        Thanks, I’ll definitely let her know!

        Reply

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Hi, I'm Marissa.

I'm a first year SRNA. Here you can find some education & motivation, along with a touch of sass to keep you sane in a difficult but rewarding career path. Thank you for stopping by!
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There was a day at clinical way back when I was in There was a day at clinical way back when I was in nursing school 10 years ago. It’s funny how some of the simplest of conversations you remember forever. 

My preceptor asked me how I liked my coffee, and scared and passive little me mumbled “oh, however…”

She looked at me and told me, “Always know what you want. So how do you like your coffee?”

Black I said. 

Always know what you want. ☕️

#nursingschoolproblems #crnaschool #srna #anesthesiaschool #anesthesia #nursingschoolprobs #futurenurse #futurenurses #registerednurse #registerednurses #bsnrn #icunurse #icunurses #nurseanesthesia #nurseanesthetist
Precedex Education! 💉⁣ We love precedex in th Precedex Education! 💉⁣
We love precedex in the OR, but I didn’t so much in the ICU 😂 ⁣
Who’s a fan and who’s not?⁣ & save this post for reference!
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#crnaschool #anesthesia #anesthesiaeducation #icunursing #icu #icunurse #icurn #crna #srna #srnalife #srnaprobs #futurecrna #nurseanesthetist #nurseanesthesiologist #anesthesiology #nursingschooleducation #nursingeducation⁣
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Another quarter down only ONE MORE to go 😀 3 mo Another quarter down only ONE MORE to go 😀
3 more months until graduation!! 🎓👩🏻‍🎓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⏰ 2,200 hours of clinical experience down and some more to go BUT
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The countdown begins 🎉
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#crna #srna #srnalife #srnaproblems #nurseanesthesia #nurseanesthetist #nurseanesthesiologist #anesthesiology #nurseanesthesiology #futurecrna #srnatocrna #nurseblog #icurn #crnaweek #nurseanesthesia #crna #crnaschool #srnatocrna #nurseanesthetists
I highly do not recommend tag-teaming a case with I highly do not recommend tag-teaming a case with your friend cause you will end up dying from laughter at each other the entire time. 🫀💉 @ed.tee 
.
.
.
.
.
#crnaschool #arewedoneyet #futurecrna #futurecrnas #srna #srnalife #srnaprobs #srnaproblems #nurseanesthesia #nursesweek2022 #nursesweek #anesthesia #aneathesiaschool #nurseanesthetist #nurseanesthesiologist #operatingroom #scrublife
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