CS

Hollywood Darling: Kristen Ciasulli

Sep 26, 2013

KC
Stage· 242 messages
Sep 26, 2013

RN you glad you came to this Tawk? C. Brian welcomes Kristin Ciasulli, one of Hollywood's favorite (real-life) nurses, who has worked Level 1 trauma centers across the United States.

CS

C. Brian Smith · 12:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Hey @Maggie- ya think Kristin is freaking out from the countdown right now, or is this nothing compared to the ER?”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:00 AM

Find your seats, everyone, we’re going to get started.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:00 AM

Hi, guys (Jordan and Maggie). Yes, I'm a little nervous.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:00 AM

If this is your first Tawk, we need you to please draw the curtains and turn on your webcams. Cage the dogs. Do a couple deep knee bends. Make sure you have enough space.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:01 AM

Ah, webcam humor.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:01 AM

Welcome to “Hollywood Darlings” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZxQOXT6yyE
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:01 AM

Unfortunately the maiden voyage of this show with Claudia Lonow was canceled a couple weeks ago due to some technical issues, but the booking agent is working hard to get Claudia back, so stay tuned for that.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:01 AM

Robin, I do have a glass of wine with me.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:01 AM

My guest tonight is a Hollywood Darling in her own right, please welcome Kristin Ciasulli! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Am_Ljw1SmU
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:02 AM

How you doing, dear?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:02 AM

Doing well. Have a glass of wine under my belt so less nervous now
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:02 AM

We'll save a seat for ya.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:03 AM

I'm ready. Let's get started.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:03 AM

Kristin has worked at leading trauma centers in Connecticut, Georgia, and California, which are all states. If you were to follow her name with all the credentials she has obtained, it would look like this: Kristin Ciasulli, RN, BSN, LOL, MEd, CC
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:03 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km27QN8Zq00
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:04 AM

Guilty! I added the “LOL” trying to make you all ROTFLOL!
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:04 AM

Stop with that.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:04 AM

What do all these letters actually mean, Kristin?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:04 AM

RN - should be obvious. BSN is my bachelor of science in nursing. MEd, masters in education with focus on health
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:05 AM

Fancy.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:05 AM

CCRN - certified critical care nurse. LOL - you're an asshole. And TNCC - trauma nurse core certified
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:05 AM

In addition to nursing, Kristin is also the de facto medical consigliore to the Jim Vallely and Maggie Rowe Laugh Academy in Hollywood, California, where she has served us all generously and courageously for many years. Thank you for your service.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:05 AM

A quick word to the audience:
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:05 AM

You're welcome. And I'm still waiting for payment.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:05 AM

Car.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:06 AM

We’re glad you’re here. Don’t just lurk while you’re clicking around the Internet typing with one hand. Speak up, rawk the tawk™. Be active. If comments are “liked” we will see them. If we “like” the comments, we’ll spotlight them
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Maggie Rowe

“I hope you like me!”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:07 AM

Like so.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Bakay

“What's the grossest thing you've ever removed from a rectum?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:07 AM

I get this question a lot. And to be honest, gross isn't the word to use. Things, things will suffice
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:07 AM

Is that for me or Kristin?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:07 AM

I"ll take this one unless you want to, Brian
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:08 AM

My penis is pretty gross when I remove it from a rectum.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:08 AM

So Kristin. You look very lovely tonight. Handsome, even. And that’s a premium compliment from a gay man.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:08 AM

In no particular order, light bulbs, dildos (some of them still on), toilet paper rolls, rolls of quarters, juice box, plastic easter egg not filled with jelly beans or easter candy
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:08 AM

Well, Brian, you're biased
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:08 AM

And thank you
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:09 AM

There’s a lot I’d like to tawk with you about tonight, and we only have an hour, so let’s jump in. Before we do, the Tawkers lawyer is sitting here (on my lap, actually, it’s weird) but he wanted to make sure everyone knows that while you are a train
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:09 AM

medical professional, I am neither medical nor professional nor trained – I’m essentially sitting here playing one-player jenga with my own shit – but anyway, there are some disclaimers I’m sure we need to get out there, right. Hungry HIPPA something
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:10 AM

Ha. HIPPA. Sure. I will not use actual names of patients. I will be vague so that for those of you who know me you won't be able to guess where/when incident took place
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:10 AM

If Kristin references you, it's coincidental.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:10 AM

Everything here is confidential until someone posts on Facebook or Twitter
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:10 AM

Ha1
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:10 AM

No but really, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj-MSH_supc. for the next 45 minutes, we’re going to get real and talk about some serious stuff, so no stupid jokes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahIa06viObs
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:11 AM

You ready to go, lovely?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Tina Huang

“I dont understand how a dildo gets stuck in a rectum.Shouldnt it come out the way it went in?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:11 AM

yes, ready
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:11 AM

I think Tina needs an answer, first.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:11 AM

Tina would like an answer to this question, which I just provided to her since she's sitting next to me. So we can move forward
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:12 AM

ah. kind of a scratch n' sniff deal?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:12 AM

That's gross.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Bakay

“I think I know the grossest thing C.Brian's removed.”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:12 AM

Blaney, from downtown!
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:12 AM

So Kristin, what should/n't one do in the hospital either as a patient or family member?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:13 AM

Well, for starters how about not ending up in the hospital in the first place?
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:13 AM

Actually, in preparing for this Tawk, you were nice enough to share with me some do’s and don’ts. I thought I’d share them here and maybe it will spark some Tawking in the audience
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:14 AM

When you’re a patient in the hospital DO:n• Use your nurse for information. She has it and she wants you to know it
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:14 AM

(Seems like a given)
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:14 AM

When that doesn't work out, it's best to keep a card in your wallet with medical information (health problems, allergies, medications) listed as well as emergency contact person, DNR status, organ donor status
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:14 AM

Right, Brian
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:14 AM

Wow, should I have a card like that in my wallet presently?
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:15 AM

Does ANYONE in the audience presently have a card like that in their wallet/purse presently?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:15 AM

I am there to assist you. It isn't necessary to wait for the doctor to ask your question. I'm (nurses) are fully capable and will most of the time answer the question more satisfactorily than a Dr
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Bakay

“Organ donor on ones drivers license.”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:16 AM

Yes, Robin, but that's not binding in all states
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:16 AM

Here are some more "DO's" according to Kristin:
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:16 AM

Some states/hospitals have moved to make what appears on your license valid while others will disobey organ donor status if family objects
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:16 AM

Create a webpage (e.g., Facebook, Caringbridge), if you wish, so that extended family/friends can be kept up to daten * Keep a journal or pad/paper with you at all times to write questions/organize thoughtsn• Tell us thank you.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:17 AM

As you know, I was in the hospital this year, and fell in love with my nurses. One of whom, who will remain nameless but is a Facebook friend of mine, in the same day, wiped my ass, showered me, cooked me dinner with her own hands (after washing them
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:17 AM

Yes, always have a pen/paper handy. You never know when a question's going to pop into your head
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Tina Huang

“Do doctors/nurses actually read the charts before entering the room? Do they actually read the answers you have previously given a million times?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:17 AM

Sometimes, Tina
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:17 AM

spoke to my mother and father on my cell phone, gave me a laymans tutorial on neurological vasculitis, and watched the first half of the Giants Monday Night Football game with me. She was my doctor, my mommy, my buddy,
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:17 AM

my disciplinarian, and my therapist all in one sitting. Never properly thanked her.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:18 AM

For Drs, they usually get their information from residents, or nurses
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Gary Shapiro

“Has anyone seen my juice box?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:18 AM

I always start my shift by reading pt chart/history/treatments. I like to be prepared but then again I have a little more time than doctors bc I only have 1 or 2 patients compared to 20
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:19 AM

Since the negative is always a little juicier, let’s move on: When you’re a patient in the hospital DON’T:
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:19 AM

• Micromanage or get caught up on the vital signs, that's my job
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:19 AM

• It's a hospital room, not a hotel room and not your living room. Don't treat it as such. Clean up after yourselves and leave the lawn jockeys on the lawn.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:20 AM

(Wait people brought Middle Easterners into the hospital?)
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:20 AM

Yes, I understand why patients/family members constantly look at the monitor for vital signs but you just drive yourself crazy because the numbers won't have meaning to you outside of knowing what's normal or not
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:20 AM

OH, I thought you said Camel Jockeys.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Bakay

“Is it hard to deal with patients you have no chemistry with?”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:20 AM

You mean to tell me you’ve had friends/family members bring in these things? http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2011/05/lawn-jockey.html
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:21 AM

Not at all Robin. I don't need chemistry to do my job
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:21 AM

Walter White does.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:21 AM

Yes, Brian. An actual lawn jockey about 3 feet high
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:22 AM

Freaked me out everytime I walked into the patient's room
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:22 AM

Here are some more donts according to you: Leave the family drama somewhere else. Nurses' primary responsibility is the patient, so don't attempt to drag us into your stuff.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:22 AM

they thought it would brighten the patient's spirits
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Isn't chemistry important in medications?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:22 AM

Yes, Jordan, extremely. But not important for nurse to patient relationship since I'm not trying to date any of my patients
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:23 AM

Are you tough on family members?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:23 AM

Families will often times tell me about money problems, or who doesn't speak to whom, want us to police the visitors, then there's the infidelities
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:23 AM

I bet you're a total badass.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:23 AM

Tough? I guess you can say that
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:24 AM

I set limits for behavior and boundaries and I have expectations for behavior, too
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:24 AM

Let's hear about an infidelity story story
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:24 AM

Like, and this has happened, if a family member shows up intoxicated/high, I ask them to leave
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:24 AM

Infidelity story? Really?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:24 AM

Ok
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Maggie Rowe

“have you ever dated a patient?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:25 AM

rec'd a call of man with CPR in progress coming from a "spa". He had a heart condition but also took viagra
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:25 AM

Maggie Rowe is such a gossip.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:26 AM

Bad combo?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:26 AM

so many things happen in a millisecond that I assumed the woman with him was his wife. When I started asking medical history from her, she fessed up and said she wasn't wife. Just then, his wife walked into the room
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Joy Hurwitz

“A spa Kristin or a "massage parlor"?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:26 AM

"spa"
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:26 AM

Wanna get away?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Tina Huang

“Is ICU dementia a real thing?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:27 AM

Yes, Tina. ICU dementia, or ICU induced psychosis is a real thing
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:27 AM

God there's your sitcom.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:27 AM

I'd like to move on...
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:28 AM

A patient is subjected to a hospital time schedule, sometimes secluded in dimly lit rooms, low stimulation, medications, disease process, night/day rhythm thrown off. All of this contributes to ICU psychosis
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Gary Shapiro

“How reliable is the Wong-Baker facial grimace scale? And what's the best way to get them to increase your pain meds? (asking for a friend)”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:28 AM

Like any scale, Gary, it's subjective
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:28 AM

Never change, Gary.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:29 AM

I recently came across something called the Johns Hopkins Precursors Study pertaining to end of life care that really surprised me – I was specifically surprised by what physicians’ want when it comes to end-of-life decisions
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:29 AM

Best way is to just say that your current medications aren't alleviating your paih
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:29 AM

Shoot, Brian
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:29 AM

and I thought I’d run through a hypothetical with you and see how you respond.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:29 AM

Ready
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:29 AM

So, let’s say you have a disease that has left you chronically unable to recognize others or to speak, let’s say ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s terminal.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:30 AM

(Sorry about that, by the way.)
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Maggie Rowe

“Gary's pretty consistent.”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:30 AM

Thanks. I'll live. Or not.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Joy Hurwitz

“Kristin how do you an Emergency Room/ICU Nurse deal with the restriction placed on same sex partners wanting access to the patient and information about their well being?”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:30 AM

Would you want the following to be done to you:
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:30 AM

Ventilation
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:31 AM

I'm assuming you mean intubation (breathing tube)? The answer's no
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:31 AM

Dialysis
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:31 AM

Joy, a same sex partner is a significant other. I give them the information.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:31 AM

Dialysis - No
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:31 AM

Chemotherapy
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:32 AM

Chemotherapy- we're talking end of life - No. If we're talking newly diagnosed, Yes
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:32 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Bakay

“Trauma nurses. Elective surgery nurses. Who'd win in a street fight?”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:32 AM

Any of these?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:32 AM

Trauma nurses. No brainer
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:32 AM

SurgerynnInvasive TestingnnFeeding TubennBlood Transfusion nnAntibiotics nnIV hydrationnnPain medicine
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:32 AM

Pain meds only
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Joy Hurwitz

“I was under the impression that this was at issue regarding passing same sex marriage legislation.”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:34 AM

Really?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:34 AM

When it comes right down to it, Joy, we're going to give the information to the partner. We do it all the time. A significant other is a family member and who am I/we to say that they aren't privileged to the same information?
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:34 AM

See I definitely would have said yes to all of these things and doubled down on the pain meds.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:34 AM

Some hospitals set a policy against it. None that I've worked in.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:34 AM

And most laymans answered the same way. Yes to all.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:35 AM

Well, Brian, there comes a point in time when a life is no longer being saved but a death being prolonged
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rich Hagberg

“Kristen, same question as Joy's, but what if the patient's family does not want/allow the information to be disclosed to a same sex partner?”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:35 AM

Yeah, I guess that's why, when doctors were asked which interventions they would want, only 8 percent said they’d want Ventilation.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:35 AM

Rich, we get social workers involved and something always gets worked out
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:35 AM

always
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:36 AM

5 percent would want Dialysis.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:36 AM

★ Spotlighted from Tina Huang

“but dont you need the hydration? Like for comfort...even if it is end of life? And @Maggie those leg squeezers are pretty awesome”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:36 AM

Chemotherapy, 6%
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:36 AM

Invasive surgery, testing, feeding tube : 11%
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:36 AM

Not if you're not aware of your own discomfort, Tina
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:36 AM

But pain medicine, 88% said fuck. Yeah.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:36 AM

Sometimes a lot of things we do is for appearances and to make the family feel comfortable
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:37 AM

What are some other things you do like that?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:37 AM

Because, Brian, who wouldn't like to go out riding a purple elephant on a cloud?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:37 AM

Sorry, Brian. Do like what?
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:37 AM

Rainbows are awesome.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:38 AM

Things for the family
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:38 AM

for show
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:38 AM

Extra blankets are a big thing. Some freak out when they touch cold hands or feet and want blankets piled high
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:38 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum

“Is prolonged death why health care is so expensive?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:39 AM

Yes, Jordan. The majority of money spent on health care is spent in a patient/person's last year of life
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:39 AM

Great question, J.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:39 AM

In the billions
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:39 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rich Hagberg

“I have heard cases where the family had them removed”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:39 AM

So if everyone answered these questions the way you did...
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:39 AM

That would kind of solve our problem?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:39 AM

Yes, Rich. some have done that. I have not. And when it comes to a situation like that, we usually work out a visitation schedule so they're never their at the same time
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Joy Hurwitz

“That's why there is Hospice and it is up to the family members to take the terminal patient out of the hospital either to home or hospice to die in peace.”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Maggie Rowe

“If I'm on the last year, I want Kevin Spacey to snap my neck like he did the dog in the first episode of House of Cards.”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:41 AM

Yes, Joy. But death panels! Which is why hospice is underutilized
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:41 AM

I think that can be arranged, Mag. You might need to work in a hot 20 year old male nurse into the picture to get Kevin's attention.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:41 AM

In the RadioLab story they say something amazing – shocking, really
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:41 AM

Maggie! I had to pause that episode because I couldn't believe that's what they wanted us to believe!
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:41 AM

that we wouldn’t do many of these procedures to terrorists, they’re so in humane.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:42 AM

Namely, in order to properly set up a respirator, the patient is paralyzed because otherwise their reflex reactions make it impossible to get the breathing tube in.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:42 AM

Is that really true?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:42 AM

Well, we would do them to terrorists. We did it to Johkar. Or however you spell his name
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:42 AM

★ Spotlighted from Gary Shapiro

“Do the new catheters REALLY hurt less on the way out, or should I book a different hotel?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:43 AM

Yep. Patients are given a cocktail of drugs prior to intubation. And a sedative is ALWAYS included not just a paralytic
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:43 AM

Gary! (Ask for the lidocaine jelly)
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:43 AM

And that 80% of the time CPR is done, at least one rib is broken.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:43 AM

I say it all the time if I'm resuscitating someone I don't want to. How cruel and inhumane it is
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:44 AM

At least one, Brian. And a lot of times the sternum (breast plate)
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:44 AM

The CPR thing is really interesting, I think. They looked at al the medical shows, ER, Chicago Hope, Rescue 911, etc, and in them the patient is saved 75% of the time when CPR is applied.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:44 AM

But what's that number really like?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Tina Huang

“can some one opt to smoke marijuana or vape or eat it in the hospital if they are in pain and at the end of life?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:45 AM

Not in the US, Tina. But go to Israel.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:45 AM

Can of worms, Brian
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:45 AM

It's like 8%, right?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:46 AM

Medical TV shows/movies never get it right. Too many patients survive
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:46 AM

8%. And even then, it’s not all roses and butterflies. So we’re all like, Hell yeah, rub those things together, yell “clear!” and have at it, “Abyss” me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q60x_5WOqk
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:46 AM

Yes. But for me, there's higher success because of trauma. I often can see the flatline coming and can preemptively act
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:46 AM

But in actuality, that’s just not how it goes.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:47 AM

That's call "coding" eh?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:47 AM

We also never rub paddles and yell "Clear!" Paddles don't exist anymore, they're adhesive pads now
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:47 AM

Yes. It's called coding
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:48 AM

what's another thing you'd like to see film/tv get right when it comes to medical stuff?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:48 AM

Have more nurses who are portrayed correctly
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:48 AM

Go on...
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Joy Hurwitz

“You mean like Nurse Jackie, Kristin?”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:50 AM

Honestly, I haven't watched much of Nurse Jackie, a few episodes here and there. Her demeanor was pretty close to an actual nurse
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:50 AM

Nurses are portrayed as stereotype. Secretaries and play things.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:50 AM

Just pissed off most of the time?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:51 AM

Nurse Jackie? Yes. She's burned out and turned to drugs
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:51 AM

I do have to say that I have never, that I know of, worked with a nurse who's an addict and steals drugs like Jackie
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:51 AM

I imagine that's a big issue, slipping some opiates
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:52 AM

It is. But there are fail safes. Medications are housed in a machine to which you have to have a access code and provide your finger print
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:52 AM

Not foolproof. There are ways to get drugs if you want them
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Bakay

“Is there a place we can call to speak to nurses for a quick question?”

CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:53 AM

Like don't you need a witness when you're getting rid of certain shots?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:54 AM

Robin, if you're insured, on the back of all insurance cards is a 800 number that allows you to speak to a nurse 24/7. Outside of that, hang outside a hospital and start making nursing friends. Or contact me
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:54 AM

No, Brian, you do need a witness for narcotics
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:55 AM

But, let's say I need to withdraw 2 mg of morphine and it's supplied as 4 mg
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:55 AM

I ask another nurse to witness that I'm taking out 4 mg and wasting 2
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:55 AM

To Robin's point, aren't you starting a medical consultancy program?
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Joy Hurwitz

“I have worked with one nurse back in the day who did steal from her patients and replace the drugs with saline. She was eventually busted by LAPD when patients complained of not being relived of pain.”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:56 AM

This nurse will input her access code, provide finger print and confirm that I'm going to waste 2 mg of morphine. Whether she sticks around to watch me waste or not is up to her. Most of us don't stick around
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:56 AM

i mg for you, one mg for me
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:57 AM

This hour went by fast
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:57 AM

But tell us, dear, how would one get in touch with you if they were looking for an experienced nurse's opinion on something. I imagine you could be really valuable to someone in uncharted territory.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:58 AM

Or just the RN's guide to long term hospital stays
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:58 AM

Thanks. You can email me at nursemern@gmail.com and then we can go from there
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:58 AM

navigating health care is tricky, frustrating and infuriating to say the least. Please reach out.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:59 AM

Well, lovely, we're out of time. Will you come back and do another one with me sometime?
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:59 AM

Ha, Jordan
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:59 AM

Of course I will.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:59 AM

There's so much to talk about
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 1:59 AM

Tawk
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:59 AM

Thanks everyone for being here. And join us again next Wednesday, when I’ll be speaking with the next Hollywood Darling! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZxQOXT6yyEnhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0xtUfjv4zE
CS

C. Brian Smith · 1:59 AM

Good night (Princes of Maine, Kings of New England)
CS

C. Brian Smith · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Bakay

“Happy trails, all. Stay healthy.”

KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 2:00 AM

We're done, right?
CS

C. Brian Smith · 2:01 AM

That's what she said.
CS

C. Brian Smith · 2:01 AM

Yes, darling. Good night. Thank you so much for doing this. We'll get you back real soon.
KC

Kristin Ciasulli · 2:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from JIm Vallely

“great talk!!!”