Change in condition during report (sort of)

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I've been having problems with another nurse at an LTC. I am usually the oncoming nurse for PM shift. When the AM med nurse gives me a report, she downplays certain residents' conditions. For example, she will tell me she noticed someone has a cough, but does nothing about it. Doesn't call the MD, nothing. So as soon as we're done with report a family member complains to me about the cough. She tells me another resident was given MOM for constipation, but when I assessed her she was SEVERELY impacted. Recently she gave me a report that a resident's O2 sat was 88, and she told me "she seems fine, she's probably okay." Respirations were 22, recently had PNA and no orders for oxygen. It was two minutes into my shift. I told her although she might think the resident "was fine" I disagreed. She then went to get the resident an O2 concentrator, all the while huffing and puffing saying "I shouldn't be doing this!" However now I will not allow her to under assess residents. I will no longer accept half-asses reports from her. This nurse has zero compassion for residents whatsoever. They are just a nuisance to her and I'm sick of the princess behavior! Wondering if you all think I'm approaching this the right way....

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

She has to be held accountable for her lack of actions. That being said, before I threw 02 on someone I'd do a thorough respiratory assessment.

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I think you are approaching it the right way. Is this a new nurse that doesn't know any better or one that is just taking advantage of you? Some nurses will dump stuff on you if you consistently allow them to. It sounds like you are ready to break this pattern. When she gives you a report about a cough, low O2 etc ask her WHAT SHE DID ABOUT IT. If she tries to brush it off as nothing. Ask for more information, such as VS, assessments, interventions she did, if she notified MD etc. Then when she says she hasnt you can say "Well you will take care of that before you leave." If she refuses or asks you to do it, tell her it happened on her shift and it's her responsibility to follow-up and you don't have time because XYZ. Just ignore her huffing and puffing about how she doesn't have time for things...it doesn't sound it is directed towards you anyway, more like her venting out loud. If you stand your ground she will learn to take care of things before you come on shift. If this behavior continues you might need to talk to a supervisor about it.

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Everything said before and keep a little log so that you can present a complete picture in writing should the matter have to go up the supervisory chain. No need for you to have to continue to take gruff from this lazy worker.

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Specializes in NICU.

," recently had PNA "..

..I dont work in your area what is this?

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Specializes in NICU.

To me this RN is potential for trouble and actually causing harm to someone.Follow up and keep track,

I once reported the hospital "sweetheart". when I had the final straw with her filthy habits .She did improve after that .

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," recently had PNA "..

..I dont work in your area what is this?

In acute care it stands for pneumonia. I will assume it means the same in LTC since the use of the term by the OP is respiratory in nature.

Buuutttt ..... I've used this abbreviation in psych ~my newish field ~ and not many people have ever heard of it.

Hope this helps:)

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