Getting needed clerical support

[Oedgar]

So here is a developing situation. I spend my days running like mad, literally working so fast and hard I am sweating. I stay late every evening anywhere from 30 mins to an hour after the front office has left. I stay late on our Friday pm's when we are closed and supposed to be "off" to chart, make phone calls, mail letters to people who have not completed labs, etc.

I received a call for a rather complicated OB patient who had recently been admitted/discharged from a hospital with MFM specialists. Her floor nurse asked for her chart to be faxed to her new specialist that she is following up with. The chart is THICK. I predict there will be griping and moaning if I leave the chart with the front staff to be faxed.

I am of the mindset that when I am not busy, I willingly do things that could be delegated to someone else. When I worked the hospital floor, I changed many beds, etc. But when I had meds due, and the CNA was nowhere to be found, that ticked me off. What I am saying is I am swamped with other work, and really don't feel I should add to the time I already stay late and am delayed in my responsibilities at home to fax this huge chart.

What would you all do when the griping begins?

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would tell them that it's their job as clerical staff to do clerical duties, the new provider needs the chart, and that I expect it will be done by the end of the day. And then I would walk away and not engage any more. This is not a debate that needs to be had, and you need to cut it off before it gets to that point.

And if it doesn't get done, I would write the person up for failure to comply with the duties required of them, in spite of a clear understanding of expectations.

[Oedgar]

I do feel for them. They are overworked and understaffed as well. But, they all get to leave on time every day. One gal is the first one out the door every day. After the day I had yesterday, I fear the severity of what may come out of my mouth if they give me any crap.

[pfchang]

Leave the chart to be faxed by the person whose job is to fax charts. Too many nurses feel they need to handle everything if someone else won't do it. How would this be handled if you were off or no longer working there? Don't be a martyr.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

So here is a developing situation. I spend my days running like mad, literally working so fast and hard I am sweating. I stay late every evening anywhere from 30 mins to an hour after the front office has left. I stay late on our Friday pm's when we are closed and supposed to be "off" to chart, make phone calls, mail letters to people who have not completed labs, etc.

I received a call for a rather complicated OB patient who had recently been admitted/discharged from a hospital with MFM specialists. Her floor nurse asked for her chart to be faxed to her new specialist that she is following up with. The chart is THICK. I predict there will be griping and moaning if I leave the chart with the front staff to be faxed.

I am of the mindset that when I am not busy, I willingly do things that could be delegated to someone else. When I worked the hospital floor, I changed many beds, etc. But when I had meds due, and the CNA was nowhere to be found, that ticked me off. What I am saying is I am swamped with other work, and really don't feel I should add to the time I already stay late and am delayed in my responsibilities at home to fax this huge chart.

What would you all do when the griping begins?

I have a hard time delagating tasks as well. Mainly because I know they won't get done. Management does not address problems and I do not have the authority to write anyone up. I used to stay late every day, miss my lunches, and come in early to get everything done. I don't anymore. Sure I may miss a lunch or two, but I am no longer here an hour after my shift. What gets done gets done. What doesn't either will have to be handled by someone else or will wait for the next day.