Does this seem unfair to you???? Please advise.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jun 10, 2003

Just go up to the nurse with no pts and say "I need to give you report on a pt that just came in. I already have someone with Pit going and I need to get back to her."

mother/babyRN, RN · Jun 10, 2003

It has been my esperience as the new ( although sesoned) person, that nurses somehow, often and truly under the guise of offering the new person some experience, tend to slough off the tough stuff to others. That may in some cases be unintentional, but certainly intentional in others. Every one needs a break from intensity, however truly they love it. One day nurse the other morning told me she was all labored out. Not one of her peers offered to take over the labor patient I had so I approached the rest of them and proceeded to give report, simply suggesting that they choose amongst themselves. I have had to let people know who assume I will always take the tough stuff every time, that I appreciate their attempting to get me involoved and laden with experience, but that I need a break from labor that day...Try subtle things like that and, if that fails, mention that to your superiors..The nurses might not realize this is happening but in the event that they do, it doesn't hurt to speak up, otherwise the human factor will simply allow this to continue..Good luck....We have all been there, I would presume. I know I have....You learn as you go...{{{}}}

NancyB,LPN · Jun 10, 2003

Oh, sweetie, I understand

I take it these nurses have been around for awhile, you and your relatively new-ness are being taken advantage of. Put your foot down (I'd better be able to hear it in Indiana), strengthen your backbone, and tell them to get a clue! You are ONE person. I have absolutely no experience in L/D, I work at the other end of the life cycle, but if I were in labor, I would like to have somebody around that know's what she's (or he, sorry guys) doing. and have her/his undivided attention while in the active stages of labor.

If the problem persists, follow your chain of command, or just try having a non-confrontational chat (hard to do, I know) with your co-"workers". Remember, what goes around comes around

ST_NURSE_MLD · Jun 10, 2003

I'm still in Nursing school; however, have 13 years management experience plus 2 other degrees. First, I'd ask for help and promote a TEAM environment. If that didn't get their attention; then, it would be off to the head nurse. If that didn't work... I would be at the nurses station telling them to go @#$@#$%# themselves because one-day they would be working for ME... They know exactly what they are doing. Don't let anyone do that to patients!! Although I've never been fired, I'm not afraid of it... Especially, if I'm RIGHT!! I know all this sounds harsh but, when you put things into prospective. YOU ARE THE PATIENTS ADVOCATE. Somebody would be getting up off their cans and helping those patients.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jun 10, 2003

It must be painfullly clear to you by now that yes, you were being dumped on, and no, it wasn't your imagination. Just because you CAN legally take two laboring patients doesn't mean it's a great option, and certainly not when there are plenty of other options.

Personally, were I in a similar position, my response would have been initially to the unit secretary, "I will settle the patient in the room while you call for a nurse who does not already have an actively laboring patient. Thank you." This leaves no question what is expected. If you then get flack from the other nurses, a simple reiteration of the situation - i.e. "me - have patient; you - don't have patient; you - take new patient" should make things pretty crystal clear. Never be cranky unless absolutely necessary - smile, but be firm.

I admire a good work ethic. Don't let others use it to trounce on you. Better days are ahead when you practice some of the great advice from the other posters.

lovemyguys · Jun 10, 2003

Wow, you have all given me some great things to think about. I'm realizing that you're right, I AM getting walked on, and that, even though it's difficult for me, I'm just going to have to stand up for myself.

Thank you for all of the thoughtful input. I'll keep you guys posted.

mother/babyRN, RN · Jun 10, 2003

Everyone here feels for you and I am glad you feel better about it...For the person in school with management experience, you also have some great ideas, however,in nursing and especially in OB, the tough tactic can backfire. These are people you want to get to know and work with...However you may disagree or downright hate the way things are, most seasoned nurses are not intimidated by current management practices. They are,however, affected by knowing where you stand and how helpful or loyal you are and will be with them...If you get right into being tough, you might find yourself alone when faced with a situation one of them could get you out of or assist with. My suggestion is to tread lightly and take it as it comes....

fergus51 · Jun 10, 2003

That's good advice mother/baby! I tend to let my mouth get the better of me sometimes, and was reminded that I shouldn't bite if a growl will do:)

rn500 · Jun 20, 2003

Shannon, you can stand up for yourself and make your point without being a b**ch and alienating everyone. I like Nurse Ratched's comments, I think that approach would work great. I am anxious to know how it works out for you - keep us posted!

TessRN2B, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2003

I was wondering why the unit secretary is the one assigning pt loads? In the L&D I work at, the nurses discuss among themselves who takes the next pt; and if everyone is busy, they just take turns getting new pts. Certainly the unit secretary doesn't determine that for them. Sounds like there could be a problem for you there also. Just my 2 cents.

lovemyguys · Jun 20, 2003

Frequently what happens is that several nurses "hang out" in their pts rooms, basically trying to keep from taking another pt. I don't stay out of the nurses' station on purpose, therefore, I'm often the only nurse that will show her face around there. So a pt presents at the desk and unit secretary will ask me, being the only nurse around, to take the pt. In this situation though, she called into the room to ask me to come to the desk, which I found extremely rude considering another nurse didn't even have a pt. I'm heading back in there again for the weekend so we'll see how things go. I'll post again Monday. Thanks for so many replies :)

ST_NURSE_MLD · Jun 20, 2003

"They are,however, affected by knowing where you stand and how helpful or loyal you are and will be with them...If you get right into being tough, you might find yourself alone when faced with a situation one of them could get you out of or assist with. My suggestion is to tread lightly and take it as it comes...."

Mother/BabyRN, Points taken... Thanks