Originally Posted by MedicalLPN
This story takes the cake though, I had a patient who rang out for a her water pitcher to be filled, about 30 seconds later I hear on the intercom "Code Blue", the patient had pulled the code blue switch!! Needless to say all of us on the unit rush in, code team comes, physician and RT is there, when asked why she pulled it, she said "Oh I just knew you'd get here faster" She was discharged the next day hehe
Filled with warm water I hope...
If you are inundated with one at a time requests of course you can say "anything else?" each time. As you realize this is becoming a pattern add "are you sure??" with a smile. Then be up front about it. Tell them you need to get back to what you were doing so you can make a last trip but that's it, and you'll be around later, and call if there's a problem they need you for. Most people get the hint that by problem you mean physical pain etc. Then in about 30 min stop by the door and say "how ya doing?" so they know you are still available. Repeat as needed, and if you have a patient for a few days you can anticipate a lot of what they will ask for. Get it all at once and they will think you are the most attentive nurse ever.
For visitors that come to the desk nicely say you will finish what you are doing and you will be along. Remember to show up within 15 minutes or so. If the request is manageable by the CNA ask them if they would mind putting on their call bell next time, as "Betsy, the CNA" is out making her rounds and will usually be able to respond faster than those at the desk. "She has her system with linens and drinks you know. When the RN's start doing things we lose track of things, like intake and outputs, or who needs to get up. "
For frequent callers watch out for loneliness, fear or confusion. Take a few minutes and sit to exchange some words with them so they feel cared for, for a moment. Ask why they hit the light so often, are we missing something? is something wrong? Some people will out and out say they want to know how long it takes to respond, or if the call bell is working. Someone from a nursing home may be used to seeing a light go on over the door, and if it's not visible in the hospital they panic.
When all else fails just say "I need to finish what I'm doing and then I will be right there." Most people understand needing to complete one task before starting another.
In most cases where someone expresses a need I recommend walking by the door and making eye contact within 30min so they know you didn't ignore them. Try to educate about who does what and when if appropriate, and tell them what they are welcome to do themselves- like visitors getting drinks for the patient, or where they can get what they need. It takes guts to tell a visitor that we don't supply diapers for her baby, but if you tell her where she can buy some you set limits and don't feel like a total turd.
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