Consults??

[fiveoclocksomewhere]

Just a quick question regarding consults, I'm just starting out as a new RN and I get so confused when a doctor calls me and simply states that he was "consulted"...what exactly am I supposed to say? Just give them a basic report on the patient? They always get mad at me because I either wasn't aware of the consult or don't know what info they need. I know it's kind of a dumb question but I figure this community would be happy to answer Thanks!

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

"Hi, Dr so-and-so, hang on a minute while I open the patient's chart." At our facility we need full name and DOB. So that gives me a minute to gather my bearings on what is going on. Usually they want a dr-to-dr call anyway, so I facilitate that.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Consulting doctors have been requested to evaluate the patient. Unless the order reads to consult AND participate..they cannot write orders .

Certainly you would give them you nursing input if asked. It is NOT your responsibility to perform their assessment.

[DSkelton711]

I haven't worked in a hospital for awhile, but most of the time it was just basic info they wanted: age, dx/reason for consult, room number, etc. If you are not aware that a consult has been ordered, tell the caller you need to pull the chart for the info and that way you can check the order to make sure a consult was ordered and what for.

[fiveoclocksomewhere]

Thank you all SO much for all of the helpful info!! All of your replies really helped me get a better grasp on what consults are. I am still way too sensitive when docs yell at me but I think I will get more confident as I progress and I now know that there is no way I can speak to the consulting doc without being near the chart or computer! They just always seem to catch me off guard.

[SaoirseRN]

Consulting doctors have been requested to evaluate the patient. Unless the order reads to consult AND participate..they cannot write orders .

Certainly you would give them you nursing input if asked. It is NOT your responsibility to perform their assessment.

Not necessarily. At my facility, all that is required is a consult order. As long as the consulting physician has privileges at my hospital, they can and will write orders.