Change ... I could've just cried today ....

[OntCaRPN]

.... after work. We're just beginning primary care nursing. We keep getting told it's a 'learning curve' but my goodness! I'm actually coping pretty well (which surprises me) and so ... I did some of the other staffs' baths and both admissions ... you get the picture. There is such a difference in how your shift goes depending on who you work with. I suppose in a few years we'll all be up to speed and look back on this and laugh but ... phew!

I can't decide if this is just a thought or if I'm really worried about it ... do you suppose some staff may take this opportunity to slow down? Knowing full well that someone will come along and help them or tidy up after them? I used to think this one RPN was trying to make a point. That if she worked slow enough, management would notice and lighten our loads :)

Any way .... I'm soo tired and am after almost every shift. I just can't stand the thought of someone not getting care because their nurse is part of a learning curve.

[apaisRN, RN, CRNA]

Huh? I thought primary nursing meant that the nurse did most of the care for her own patients. Team nursing is when you have an RN/LPN/CNA team carrying an assignment together. Task-oriented nursing is when you have a bath nurse, a medication nurse, etc.

[OntCaRPN]

Well, we are SUPPOSED to be starting primary care, but we've always been team nursing and you just get into the habit of making sure everything is done up. When it was shortly after 11 am and I knew that some patients hadn't had basic care, I went to help. My total patient care was up to date.

I guess my concern is that some nurses are not coming up-to-speed and some of the rest of us are either helping or empowering that.