Clinical Presentation for RN to BSN Program

[akane]

Hello! We are students at Rowan University in their RN to BSN program. In order to fulfill a requirement for a clinical presentation project, we must publish our script to a nursing blog. Our assignment is to develop an evidence- based presentation on a current clinical issue. Our clinical issue is scheduling and the challenges it poses to staff nurses and nurse managers. Enjoy reading and please give any feedback!

Scenario 1: What Not To Do!

RN: UGH! I wish I had off tomorrow! It's my boyfriend's birthday and we are supposed to go to AC and drink our faces off!

RN#2: That sucks. Too bad you are going to miss that.

RN: Wait, wait, wait. Don't YOU have off tomorrow?!

(meanwhile, patient in bed witnessing conversation)

RN#2: Well....yeah, but I have plans. Plus, I've already covered a shift this week and they won't want to pay me any overtime.

RN: Dude, please? Remember when your mom was sick and I covered your shift? Come on, seriously?

(Patient looking uncomfortable)

RN#2: No, dude, sorry. I'm not going to risk getting in trouble for you.

RN: (voice escalates) I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!

Manager: (walking by patient's room, hears the commotion) What is going on? First, I would like to apologize to you Miss Smith. Ladies, can I see you in my office?

Both RN's: Yes (exit pt.'s room)

Manager: Ladies, if there is an issue, you do not ever discuss it in front of a patient. That was very unprofessional behavior. Now, let's discuss your issue.

Scenario 2: What Not to Do!

RN: I cannot believe Katie called out again. IF I called out as much as she did, I would have been fired two years ago!

RN#2: So, what does that mean for us tonight? Is someone else coming in or covering for her tonight?

RN: Nope. Now we all have 3 additional patients!

RN#2: What! That's totally unsafe! Now we all have 10 patients to care for!

RN: It would be nice if Jill found some coverage- this is going to be a looooong night!

(Family member standing outside patient room hearing conversation)

Manger(overhearing conversation in hallway): Guys, what's the problem?

RN: Um, it would be nice if you found coverage for tonight. I'm not getting paid extra for taking care of these extra patients.

Family Member: Excuse me. This is unacceptable. You guys are arguing pretty much in front of me as my dad lies in bed in pain. If it is true that you each have ten patients, then I'm concerned he won't get the attention he needs.

Manager to Family Member: Ma'am, we will handle this. I'm sorry you had to witness this. This situation is under control. (To RN's): Ladies, can you accompany me to my office?

Manager(in office): I understand you're frustrated, but someone will be coming in. However, your concerns can never be addressed in front of a patient's family. Understand?

Scenario 3: A Win/ Win Situation Through Compromise

(In Employee Breakroom)

RN: Hey, Amber, can I speak with you for a minute- its about the schedule.

Manager: Sure, what's up?

RN: Well, my family is coming in from out of town for Christmas and I would really like to spend it with them, but I am on the schedule to work.

Manager: I understand, but we have to think about the other nurses as well. Have you worked a holiday recently?

RN: Yes, I actually worked on Thanksgiving.

Manager: Well, I need to have 7 nurses to balance the nurse/patient ratio. So as long as you find someone to cover you, that shouldn't be a problem.

RN: I noticed you're not working on Christmas, and I would really like to have off. Would you be willing to switch with me?

RN#2: Yea, I actually wanted off on New Year's. So if you will work for me then, that would work out perfectly.

RN: Sure, sounds great! I really appreciate it! I will tell Amber and fill out the employee shift change form.

By: Amber K., Stephani C., Jill P., Erica S.