As a charge nurse on a med/surg unit during the 7p shift, I am guaranteed to hear this at least one time each shift.
Yes, it's a busy shift; yes, I know you have another 4-5 patients; yes, I know Mr. Johnson needs his dressing changed and Mrs. Conner needs her PRN Norco...but it's your turn. You're up, everyone else has had an admit.
It's a simple fact on our floor--patient come to hospital; s/he is ill or has a surgical procedure planned; s/he is needing to be admitted; each admission needs a nurse. What is so hard to understand.
I help "my" staff lots with admits. I open and set up the room (if our aides are busy). I get all the stuff ready so you don't have to hunt for it--IV pole there; O2, Flowmeter, Christmas tree ready; tele monitor and leads there; admission kit on table; wound care supplies there if needed; NG tube or oral suction ready and waiting. And I'm gonna be in the room, so if there's something missing, I'll run and get it.
I help get the patient settled in and grab the orders.
I put the chart together, enter the orders, write out the MAR's, fill out the home med sheet and immunization sheet--if I can. The only thing I HAVE to do is put the chart together and enter the orders. The rest I do to help So basically the RN/LVN gets the patient in bed, assesses him, connects any tubes/lines, then take the completed paperwork. If there's any problems, I'll call the doc. I won't leave anybody hanging.
So that admit really wasn't that bad--half your stuff (paperwork) is done, your room was set up appropriately, all your orders are in.
I can't make it easier than that--do the computer assessment and care plan and you're done. (I do the computer stuff too, about 50% of the time).
Why is it such a big deal to get an admit? Why do you have to **** and moan about it? Why are you arguing that "it's not fair" or "it's not my turn"?
Put your big girl panties on, hush your mouth, and take the patient!
Thank you for letting me VENT!!!