Rules for Med-Surge

If you need something, you need something and don't worry about annoying your nurse. However, it would be nice if you got your ducks in a row and tried to remember everything you need while I'm in the room.

If your nurse has asked you to put on the call light whenever you need to get up to the bathroom, PLEASE do so. It does not matter that you have been capable of walking yourself to the bathroom for the past 46 years---you are in the hospital now, and she's seen too many "young and healthy" people just like you black out and hit the linoleum.

Please be specific. "I need to see my nurse" sometimes means "I want another carton of milk or I dropped my straw" There are usually techs nearby who can help while I am on the phone with a MD or administering pain meds for another.

I have to prioritize. I cannot be in 4 places at one time. If someone has chest pain or another emergency, they will come before your need to have your arm wrapped for a shower.

I really don't know when the doctor is coming. I can give you an idea of when they usually round, but my magic 8 ball doesn't work at the hospital. (If it gets really late in the day, or if my patient need something- I will call.) However, I will NOT call the doctor at 0745 to find out when they will be arriving.

Remember when your doctor says you can be discharged, he/she still has other patient's to see, he/she has to take the chart and dictate, write the Rx, etc. I am the last one in line to get the chart so it will be a little while before I actually get to do your discharge paperwork. I still have other patients to care for. Their needs are just as important as yours.

I am acutely aware of customer service and try to address all my patient's needs in a timely manner, however, nursing duties will always come first with me.

some of these sound heartless (gulp)

Please have a list of your regular home meds, doseage, and time taken when you are admitted by the nurse. Allergies too. Yes, we know you have told at least 3 other people, but we may have not seen your chart and it is important WE know. We often give the pre-op, if you are allergic to Demerol, we will be the one to call the doctor for new orders, not the pharmacy. So please remember, we are attempting to give you the best care we can and protect you against error. Do not sign a consent for any type of treatment or procedure unless you have been given a full explanation of why, what it's for, what the expected outcome it, and how long a recovery time is expected. Now, you may wonder why I say this, well I have actually had patients sign consents and then tell me the doctor has not discussed the procedure with them. I withhold this consent and call the physician immediately for further discussion. Everyone needs to be informed when they consent to any medical care. Do not lay in bed, sllently, in pain, call for the nurse, ask for pain med and listen to what the nurse explains regarding the med and possible side-effects. The list of things to do could go on and on, I think we have all given you a good idea of what to expect. I hope we do not sound cold. We really do want you to have a good experience while under our care, we really do care you have a positive outcome, but the experience will be more positive if you become a willing, active, knowledgeable participant in your care.
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Don't worry about "bothering" the nurse if you have a genuine problem - whatever that problem is - s/he should be happy to help you.

Please don't leave it until you're desperate though, call in good time. For example, I hate it when people who are bed bound, or need help mobilising, wait until they're literally busting a gut before pressing the bell!! That usually ends in puddles (or worse) & embarrassment!!

Glad you started this thread. Having been a patient myself too many times, I find myself avoiding that call button like the plague. I know how busy all the nurses are, and further, am so afraid of being labeled as a "drug seeker" that I'll lay there and suffer for it. I guess I try so hard not to be a pain in the a$$, I end up being just that sometimes. :-)

How about...
1. If you start having chest pain/flank pain/(insert)severe pain of any kind please do NOT lay there for 2 hours and then decide to tell me when I stop by to see how you are doing. That's what the call light is for!!!
2. If your pain is really 10/10 you wouldn't be ambulatory enough to go outside to smoke.
3. Just because your relative is a nurse does not give them the right to ruthlessly grill me about what they feel is crap care. i.e I did not spend 90% of my shift catering to their relatives whims. I actually had real emergencies like the chest pain mentioned above.
4. If you are going to have "no one to give you a ride home" on d/c day and need a cab voucher, fine. Just don't have your friends and family packed in your room like sardines on every day prior to that (and asking for meal tickets on top of that)!


God, I feel like a meanie