Yesterday, I had the patient assignment from hell. My side was full, a bunch in isolation, and about 6 that were so much work, I had little time to help the other two nurses that I was assigned to. The aide on the other side is just off of orientation (and she got a much longer orientation than I did). At least three times yesterday, I had nurses from the other side come to me and ask where the aide for their side was. I'd seen her twice during the day. Once when I was in the pantry getting washcloths ready for baths, and again about 1:00 when she decided she was going to lunch. (Never mind I got no lunch yesterday, but that's another story).
Since the other nurses obviously needed help since they asked me where the aide was, I offered to help. I do this a lot, and I really don't mind. One nurse got an admission, and since I was doing vitals on my side, I offered to do this patient's admission vitals. While we were in the room, I could tell the nurse was livid about not being able to find the aide. After the patient was settled, we left the room so the family could go in and she thanked me. I told her it wasn't a problem, and she said "Yes, it IS a problem. You shouldn't have to stop your work and do hers." I told her I didn't mind, but I could tell she was still really angry, so I let it go.
Then the other nurse comes to me and asked if I saw the other aide. I said "not for about 2 hours" and asked if she needed help. She said she did, but then she said the aide "said she was coming right back."
Should I have helped her? I got the feeling she didn't want my help, so I went back to my vitals.
