a dumb question for experienced nurses

[bernikitty]

what is a "shift count"? is this refering to the narc count? a new clinical instructor mentioned this term in this context:

Shift counts should be obtained upon receiving the morning report. N/G

suction, foleys, IV's, chest tubes, etc. is calculated separately. In using a

triple lumen catheter each lumen needs to be considered a separate IV

and therefore calculated separately.

does this mean counting all the separate pieces of equipment attached to my patient?

(i'll be in the CCU)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

the definition probably varies from facility to facility. But yes, in most critical care areas the charge nurse wants to know who is using what type equipment as they helps determine patient assignment. However, it seems that what you provided has to do with counting meds (narcs).

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

It sounds more like she was looking for intake and output to me. Instead of one big number for intake and one big number for output, each source must be considered separately. You may have a perfectly even number for intake and output, but your intake may only consist of normal saline bolus or continuous drip, OR it may consist of 2 units of packed RBC's, Dopamine, and FFP. Your output may be 1200 cc clear yellow urine out in 12 hours, or it may be 50 cc urine output, 250 cc NG drainage, and 900 cc chest tube drainage.

The difference in sources make a huge difference. I don't think anyone is looking for a simple counting of pieces of equipment.

As a student and as a more seasoned nurse, don't be afraid to ask for clarification on something. Terms may vary from hospital to hospital, region to region or even nurse to nurse, so don't hesitate to ask, "could you please clarify what you mean by that." It will cause everyone a huge headache if you are not speaking the same language.

[#1ME]

Plain and simple, ask the CM what it means. Asking strangers what it means at their facility, is not going to help you.