Another "Newbie" at work question

[MClvn]

Hello Fellow Nurses!

I'm a newbie for everything. New grad, new nurse, new job. I just landed an opportunity to practice my vocational nursing license and been in the Private Duty work now for a month. my supervisor will be doing a supervisory visit next week and I'm nervous as heck. She assured me to not be nervous and carry on with my routine when the visit comes. Can anyone give me a few pointers on what to expect during this visit as it will help to calm nerves :)

Thank you all,

MC

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

Your supervisor will see how you interact with the patient, and family too if they are home. Usually they will observe the care you are giving. It's really not a big deal, I look forward to my supervisor visiting. I'm sure you'll do fine.

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Hello there,

I am in private duty home health and here are some pointers:

1. Gather all the pertinent dates like recent and future doctors' appointments, last BM, latest weight and when it was taken, dates that trachs and similar tubes and lines were changed, last seizure if your patient has a seizure disorder and any other detail that is pertinent to your patient but does not occur on a daily basis. It is good to keep a calendar in the patient's home with such information so that you are prepared to rattle them off like a pro. The family will also benefit from such a calendar if they have to report this information if you are not around.

2. Gather recent changes to the patient's treatment plan. New orders should be forwarded to your agencies' main office as they arrive but summarize it all up for your supervisor anyway. Make sure that your supervisor's records are consistent with the changes that you know have occurred.

3. Plan your care so that the patient is clean, fresh and OK to be repositioned during the time of the visit. Time your feedings so that your supervisor can lay your patient down and turn him or her without fear of aspiration. If the patient has any pain issues, premedicate them if this is prudent since your supervisor will be doing a head-to-toe.

4. If your patient needs suctioning, suction the patient shortly beforehand. Clear mouths, noses and lungs are nice. If suctioning is stressful for your patient, give him or her enough time to recuperate. Save the suction canister for your supervisor to see the color and consistency of the mucus for him/herself.

The fact that you are asking for feedback is reflects a healthy concern for the quality of your work. Keep it up and let us know how it goes!

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Another thing----

The chart may have the paperwork your supervisor filled out during past monthly visits. Read through them so you can anticipate details that he or she will ask.