Awful day

[cmm4ever]

Well Sunday was my first day alone. I REALLY tried to be positive, but leaving that day I was definitely not feeling that way! The little time off I had flew by, and am dreading going in Thursday/Friday. I wish I never signed up for the extra shift tomorrow.Having personal/family issues doesnt help either.Still tying to find out more about the new position. I didnt want to bug the new manager, but its been over a week, and havent talked to her since. I mean I think Im entitled to know details regarding the position. I have to make a few phone calls today. Lets just say I got out late Sunday, tried to get on the floor early to get ahead, and they didnt assign rooms to us until at least 20 minutes past start of shift. This one guy must of had c-diff or something, he was going all day. I changed his pad/gown at least 5 times. Toward the end of shift, I was doing my final rounds and got caught up with the same guy. He was pretty aware, but he didnt tell me he went, but I checked him anyways. He went again. I thought I would clean him up and be out of the room in a few minutes. Here the guy is screaming, continuing to go constantly everytime I try and clean him. I finally got help, but I was very behind after that. I charted my I's and O's fast before I left. I really hope I did everything I had to. My head was spinning I couldnt even think straight. Also this one lady had restraints, and I never used them before. Her freakin roomate kept on untying her..like ***. I asked for someone to show me how to tie them. The second time I had to retie the restraints, I guess I did it wrong. I was in the room with the man that was going all day, and there paging me to go into that room. I pressed the call light and they finally answer like a few minutes later with a slight attitude, and I told them, I was in this room, and they are like doing what? I told them cleaning up this man. She goes you know the nurse is looking for you, and I said I know. I see the nurse and she told me I did it wrong, and that I could get into trouble. So anyways I was shown again by someone else how to tie the restraints, but I still really cant get it down. I really dont know why. I kept on forgetting how. Some things I can get like that, but others I cant. Maybe the stress and exhaustion of being sleep deprived doesnt help. So it was awful. Also if someone is being admitted isnt the nurse supposed to let you know? The nurse goes to me, did you get the vitals in that room, and I was like no not yet. I had no idea someone was even admitted. Also Im not sure if its the charge nurse or the unit clerk who writes on the boards in the morning, but I guess they let you know that someones NPO when they feel like it. 2 people were NPO, and it only said that by one persons name. I had her the previous day so I knew that anyways. The other guy I didnt know about. I dont know it just seems disorganized. This was with four of us on. They probably forgot I was on my own that day. There usually is 3 at the most on. I seriously dont want to go back. This one girl on my side, did not cover for me when I was on break. I came back to two patients being soiled. When I covered for her, this one lady was left on the bed pan for at least a half an hour, and she never even notified me. Later on the same women was left on the commode. Her food tray also was just left there and she could not get to it. I really was trying to hold out and get through this, but I can not wait another month if it does take that long.

[pumpkinking]

Welcome to nursing! I know it's HARD at first. But as time goes on, it will get easier and you'll get more efficient. Once you get to know the patients, you can get down a routine that is a bit quicker. It'll take a month or 2, but your confidence will grow and your work will show it. Keep residents safe, CYA and be a team player. You'll be fine, don't give up!

[cmm4ever]

Thanks, but well its a hospital, so you are getting new patients all the time. Do you have tips for how to correctly tie a slip knot for restraints? If your not aware, Im waiting to hear from my soon to be new manager, I got offered a position for a unit clerk. Im trying to find out more though. I think I would of been able to switch over sooner, but 2 women are out on leave. Just not looking forward to going in.

[Ytellu]

You NEED to speak to your DON about your lack of training regarding restraints. You are VERY lucky the patient didn't get hurt. You don't need hints from someone on a message board-you need hands on training in person.

Regarding NPO's- in my hospital we put a sign outside the patients door and we are told during report.

[cmm4ever]

Yeah, they went over quickly in orientation some restraints, but not enough. I dont know if I was just stressed/exhausted, but even after being shown a few times I just couldnt get it! I feel slow. I mean some things Im really good at, but some hands on things I have difficulty remembering how to do. The nurse manager isnt always there. If I do tell her, she will probably say didnt you ask someone to show you? It was such a hectic day, and I just still couldnt seem to get it right. I dont know, but I wish I knew when Im switching over. The nurses dont even seem to give "report". The one nurse the other day seemed like she was bothered to answer anything. Having a sign outside the door sounds like a good idea.

[blackandyellow]

Thanks, but well its a hospital, so you are getting new patients all the time. Do you have tips for how to correctly tie a slip knot for restraints? If your not aware, Im waiting to hear from my soon to be new manager, I got offered a position for a unit clerk. Im trying to find out more though. I think I would of been able to switch over sooner, but 2 women are out on leave. Just not looking forward to going in.

It took me many tries to get the slip knot restraints down. It doesn't help that there isn't many places to tie it. I brought a pair of restraints home with me and practiced. It isn't difficult once you get it.