Life hacks for nursing - Part 3. Tips and tricks

TED stocking struggles, code brown and NGT troubles? In this series of Life Hacks for Nurses we will be offering up tips and clever solutions to the problems we face everyday. In Part 3 we take a look at tips and tricks to make your shift easier.

1. Using a plastic bag to put TED stockings on can increase the risk of skin tears and pressure areas. Watch this awesome video for an easy technique.


2. Code brown is truly messy so to save your hands from unexpected poop exposure, try double gloving to ensure your hands are well protected from the mess. Remember to de-glove and wash your hands after the clean-up before you resume care of your patient.


3. Coffee grounds are excellent odour absorbers. A coffee bag containing real coffee grounds in an emesis basin will reduce unpleasant smells in room quickly.


4. Before inserting a Foley, instead of squirting the lube syringe into your kit, pop the plunger off and stick the tip of the Foley into the back of the syringe. Gives you more control over the Foley tip and lots of lube without a mess.


5. Is your patient getting a bedside central line and feeding tube placed? Wait and get both X-rays at the same time.


6. Soak your nasogastric tube in ice or place in the freezer 10-15 minutes  before insertion. Chilled nasogastric tubes are great as they reduce the unpleasant feeling of NGT insertion and they make for easier insertion.


7. Use the catheter tip syringe to prime your feeding tube.


8. Can’t get a female Foley? Have someone hold a pen light, aim high, and if you don’t get return just leave it in place and grab another and aim higher! If you’re worried you won’t get it, bring a few extra in the room before you start.


9. Can’t find a vein? Warm up a moist washcloth and set it on their skin for a few minutes. This can make veins pop better than a tourniquet!


10. Standing for most of your shift can result in tired, aching legs, varicose veins and fatigue. Consider wearing compression stockings during your shift to prevent lower body fatigue. The best range should be around 15 to 20 mmHg.