Arriving early and not clocking in

pippylockstocking · Oct 20, 2010

I understand that some may want that extra time to get their "brain" written down. But I tend to agree with Tittytat on this one. If they are going to stand around, asking questions, and trying to get their preferred assignment then they are being royal PITA's. Lets say their's a particular rude or annoying patient, or several for that matter, on a particular section... If you go out of your way to come in early, so you can make sure you don't get assigned there then what does that say about you? Lazy? Not a good nurse?

tittytat said it right on the money... don't come in asking questions at the end of our shift when we are trying to tie up loose ends and getting prepared to give you an excellent report.

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 20, 2010

I understand that some may want that extra time to get their "brain" written down. But I tend to agree with Tittytat on this one. If they are going to stand around, asking questions, and trying to get their preferred assignment then they are being royal PITA's. Lets say their's a particular rude or annoying patient, or several for that matter, on a particular section... If you go out of your way to come in early, so you can make sure you don't get assigned there then what does that say about you? Lazy? Not a good nurse?

Where I work, assignments for the next shift are made about 2-4 hours before the shift starts. So coming in 20 minutes early would not influence what your pt assignment is.

don't come in asking questions at the end of our shift when we are trying to tie up loose ends and getting prepared to give you an excellent report.

I don't see any indication anywhere in the OP or in my posts that that was happening. In fact, I specifically said I am not asking questions, trying to get report from the nurse early, or doing anything but writing down some info on my paper.

nursynurseRN · Oct 20, 2010

some people do it and some people don't. I feel like the newer nurses need a little extra prep time. I used to do it but over the years I could just walk into just about any situation without any prep. I guess its just practice. Like some people can't just wake up and go, while other people need like 2 hours prep before they leave their house. Same thing I think....

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 20, 2010

some people do it and some people don't. I feel like the newer nurses need a little extra prep time. I used to do it but over the years I could just walk into just about any situation without any prep. I guess its just practice. Like some people can't just wake up and go, while other people need like 2 hours prep before they leave their house. Same thing I think....

I think it *can* be a matter of newer vs. experienced, but for me, it's just my personality. I'm very...particular. My brain has to be exactly the same way every time or it throws off my game.

Although, now that I think about it - the times when I want that extra 10 minutes to write stuff down is when I work couplet care, with 6-8 patients, which I don't do as often. Normally I do L&D, and I can walk in and take over in the middle of a delivery (and have!) without knowing a darn thing beforehand of the patient's history. That's where my comfort level is, so maybe you have something there WRT it being less necessary with experience.

And when you're used to taking care of ONE patient, and then have to work the floor where you have 8 patients and all of their relevant information, it's a bit of a culture shock.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Oct 20, 2010

I agree w/ KLONE. It all evens out. I come early so the departing shift can always leave on time, and they do the same for me. I HAVE to leave by 7:15, period, no exceptions. This is about respect for my colleagues, not a gift to administration. I wouldn't spit on most of them if they were on fire, lol. I arrive about 6:30, read the H&Ps and todays orders, etc. The off going nurse is likely at the bedside doing I&Os or something. I'm not in her way, I assure you. I get a broad picture and a cup of coffee and then I am ready to begin report at 6:44. We usually have 2-3 patients and report is usually done by 7 and the other nurse can leave. In 20 years, no one has ever had to wait for me to take report. Not once Nor do I suffer late colleague gladly. I don't expect you to come in early, not at all, but I do expect you to be there, and READY to begin no later than 6:45. Cause guess what, I am giving report at 6:45 whether you are there or not. If you want to hear it, you had already better have hung up your coat and gotten your coffee.

anotherNorCalRN · Oct 20, 2010

I tend to show up early, but then again, it's my job to make assignments for the shift, verify staffing and a few other misc. tasks. I CHOOSE to do this early, before report, rather than after. As a CN that also has a patient assignment, I want to have the admin stuff done and get some of my lookup done before report. Again, my choice.

I draw the line at performing any patient care, or even answering the phone before my shift begins though. It's a fine-line distinction....

soxfan80 · Oct 20, 2010

Let me add some more information to my original post...

The nurses who come in early don't hang out at the nurse's station. They get their patient assignment (which is usually completed an hour or 2 before the next shift) and then they do their research in our computer room where the MD's dictate. There are about 8 computers in there. We have no staff lounge.

The thing is, even though people come in early, the oncoming staff is lucky to get report on all 4 of their pts by 7:50 -8:00. There have been several times where it's 8:05 and I still havent rec'd report bc the night shift is still giving it to other oncoming nurses. It drives me nuts!! I'm at work for an hour, and I haven't even gotten report. And for those who come in early, maybe they are able to squeeze it in before 7 and get going sooner? :yawn:

So now, I'm thinking of going in earlier to get report sooner and start my day....but what should really be happending is that report should be given more efficiently!

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 20, 2010

Cause guess what, I am giving report at 6:45 whether you are there or not. If you want to hear it, you had already better have hung up your coat and gotten your coffee.

I had a coworker do that. We were sitting around the report room, waiting for the oncoming shift. 7:05 and they still weren't there, so she gave report to an empty room.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Oct 20, 2010

To each their own. If you want to do this then great, it will make your day easier being prepared in advance. If it was required then they would have to pay everyone. Maybe not start report until a half hour after shift start so people can do their home work, or have a copy of brains that get updated by each shift so you already have a global picture when you are getting report.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2010

I am much like Klone. I either get to work early (without clocking in) to look up hx/labs or I do it the night before. I can't tell you how many times I have caught discrepancies (wrong laterality in the e-chart for surgery, allergies listed in some notes, but not in others) or have found that there was not even a type and screen for a pt having a total shoulder arthroplasty (can't really put a tourniquet on that, now can we?!?). I know that I am not getting paid for my research, but I feel comforted that I am looking out for my pt.

I am not being completely altruistic, though. MY name is on that chart. If the MD doing the surgery is not going to be prepared by looking up the hx and something goes terribly wrong during surgery and is subsequently sued, I could possibly be named in the lawsuit. I am also protecting myself by being well prepared.

I am sure that we can all debate for days on this subject, and it is good to hear the opinions of others. This is only my opinion and my rationale for working off the clock. I can sleep better at night, and that is worth more than all the money in the world to me.

OttawaRPN · Oct 20, 2010

Let me add some more information to my original post...
The nurses who come in early don't hang out at the nurse's station. They get their patient assignment (which is usually completed an hour or 2 before the next shift) and then they do their research in our computer room where the MD's dictate. There are about 8 computers in there. We have no staff lounge.
The thing is, even though people come in early, the oncoming staff is lucky to get report on all 4 of their pts by 7:50 -8:00. There have been several times where it's 8:05 and I still havent rec'd report bc the night shift is still giving it to other oncoming nurses. It drives me nuts!! I'm at work for an hour, and I haven't even gotten report. And for those who come in early, maybe they are able to squeeze it in before 7 and get going sooner?
So now, I'm thinking of going in earlier to get report sooner and start my day....but what should really be happending is that report should be given more efficiently!

All this emphasis on report... yes, it's handy to jump start my shift, but by no means necessary for me to ensure quality care for my patient. If my replacement hasn't arrived on time to get my report? I scribble down the significant stuff and leave. It's up to them to get there on time.

Ayvah, RN · Oct 21, 2010

All this emphasis on report... yes, it's handy to jump start my shift, but by no means necessary for me to ensure quality care for my patient. If my replacement hasn't arrived on time to get my report? I scribble down the significant stuff and leave. It's up to them to get there on time.

Just to clarify for people who might read this post wrong, you can't just write your report and then go, you need to have the charge nurse or someone actually agree to take on the care of this patient until the replacement comes otherwise you are jeopardizing your license d/t patient abandonment.