Feel Unsafe

Nurses Safety

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

I'd love some quick replies. I've been working all night (got called in at 2200) in PACU. We had one case after another. Just got home, it's 0430 my time. I have to be back to work at 0700. I'm not the type of person to "jump into bed and fall asleep" no matter how tired I am. It doesn't work for me. I need some down time, like I'm doing now. By the time I get my down time, it will be time to jump into the shower, breakfast and back to work.

Here is my quandary: Due to short staffing, and very few cases tomorrow, she is floating me to work in the Prep/recovery area of endoscopy by myself. I have 4 patients to get ready and recover. They often come out "GORKED" from too much medication. By the time I go in at 0700, I will have been up without sleep for 26 hours. I feel I would be unsafe to be alone working ANYWHERE that would require me to be sharp and quick.

Would it be wrong to ask to remain in PACU where I could have other nurses around to double check my meds and such and generally keep an eye on me so I don't miss anything or hurt anyone?

I know this will p*ss off my boss, but I don't want to hurt anyone, or my lose my RN.

Any suggestions?

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.
I'd love some quick replies. I've been working all night (got called in at 2200) in PACU. We had one case after another. Just got home, it's 0430 my time. I have to be back to work at 0700. I'm not the type of person to "jump into bed and fall asleep" no matter how tired I am. It doesn't work for me. I need some down time, like I'm doing now. By the time I get my down time, it will be time to jump into the shower, breakfast and back to work.

Here is my quandary: Due to short staffing, and very few cases tomorrow, she is floating me to work in the Prep/recovery area of endoscopy by myself. I have 4 patients to get ready and recover. They often come out "GORKED" from too much medication. By the time I go in at 0700, I will have been up without sleep for 26 hours. I feel I would be unsafe to be alone working ANYWHERE that would require me to be sharp and quick.

Would it be wrong to ask to remain in PACU where I could have other nurses around to double check my meds and such and generally keep an eye on me so I don't miss anything or hurt anyone?

I know this will p*ss off my boss, but I don't want to hurt anyone, or my lose my RN.

Any suggestions?

NO that doesnt sound wrong to ask at all. I cant believe when you get called in they expect you to be back at 0700 to work your regular shift!!! How unsafe!!

I worked PACU for almost 2 years and when we got called in they automatically took us off if we were on the following morning and the day shift worked short. It made them really assess whether someone actually needed to be called in or not.

Good luck with your day, I wouldnt be functioning well in your shoes and am sending much sympathy your way:(

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Quick question, were you on call last night? I agree that it would be unsafe for you to float. It would most likely be unsafe for you to work...PERIOD. Ask your boss if you can stay in the PACU. Tell her you are not risking your license by going to cover Endo by yourself after being up for 26 hours. If it was me, I would have just called in. There is no reason for you to be putting your license at stake.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

Yes, I was on call from 1600 last eve to 0700 today. Here, it is expected that you come in to work, no matter what. I don't feel it's right, but that is how it is.

Most of the time the boss will try to get your out early, but that isn't always the case. The bosses favorites are those that will work non stop, no matter what. They are also 10 or more years younger than me.

I know my limits. We have a staff meeting at 0700 that we have to attend, and cases start around 0830. I guess I'll take the bull by the horns and asked to be reassigned.

Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it. I'm sipping on coffee right now, hoping to get a second wind.

God bless

Babs

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Have a good day at work Babs. I hope it goes well.

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Specializes in Pediatrics (Burn ICU, CVICU).

There is absolutley no way I would do this. I don't know if your state has limits or not, but our Dept of Labor states that we are required to have a min. of 8hrs off between shifts. I would consider what you worked a shift.

Regardless though, I would call in sick.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

The way the hospital gets around the shift laws is this: They can only schedule you a maximum of 16 hour shift in one day.

If your taking call, your not actually scheduled to "work" the shift, only if needed, so they are not breaking any laws, at least in NY.

I worked yesterday 0800-1730, came home and tried to nap, but couldn't. Went to bed at 2200, and was called in 2210 - worked until 0430 and by the time I got home and unwound and felt ready to go to bed, it was time to shower as I had to be to work by 0700.

It is now 1130 - they let me leave early. 30.5 hours since I last slept.

I'm sooooo over tired at this point, I don't think I could sleep, so I've decided to close all the drapes in the living room, watch some TV, sometimes that put's me to sleep.

"goodnight" all, thanks or your advice.

Bye the way, my boss agreed to my request for assistance in Endo, I worked with another nurse until my boss was able to let me go home.

Later:zzzzz

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Night Babs. Get some rest, you deserve it.

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