I'm a new grad, currently on day #14 in the ICU....and I have a huge problem! Maybe some of you guys with a little more experience can help me out here--is this really a major deal, or am I just over-reacting?
On my unit we have nursing assistants, generally one to a unit, and every morning we nurses fill out a detailed sheet telling them what our patients need to have done. The responsibilities listed on the page are such things as hygeine, accuchecks, temps, I&O's, and turning. Every morning, I spend five or so minutes filling this out. Every morning, I fully expect that these things will be done as per the instruction sheet....AND EVERY DAY, THE ONLY THINGS THAT GET DONE ARE TEMPS/ I&O'S (IF I'M LUCKY!)
Now, I'm not an unreasonable person, but this drives me NUTS! I understand that often the assistants are as busy as we are, and I am always willing to help them out if I can....but, I DO have the expectation that they will at least TRY to do what they're supposed to do! I've asked nicely, that doesn't work. I've yelled and ordered, that doesn't work either. I don't know what to do. When I voiced concern about this to my preceptor, I was warned not to alienate the nursing assistants because they can be so much help to me. When I replied "Really? When?"--he just looked at me like I was stupid. So is it just me? Am I over-reacting because I'm new and don't yet understand how things work? Or is this a situation like the Emperor's new clothes, where everyone sees the reality and are afraid to acknowledge it for fear of reprisal?
I need help here, folks, because I've got to go back in there tomorrow and deal with these people--and, quite frankly, it's going to take all the self-control I have not to "alienate" them further for not doing their jobs...
