Someone talk me down!!

petiteflower · Apr 26, 2003

I am the only nurse that staffs our small ER on a regular basis. I act as manager. I work with nurses that work the acute floor and cover ER when I am not there. Most (almost all of them) could care less about ER (I don't get that). I have tried to orientate, educate, assist even beg to get these people to learn the equipment. But what makes me the ANGRIEST is the fact that I have tried to explain to these people that when they take equipment from ER, they have GOT to replace it or leave a note telling the location. I had two potential serious patients today (we have a very small ER) both potentially needing suction---the suction had been taken from one ER and the cardiac monitor from the other. I was FURIOUS!!!!!!!! Unfortunately, my temper is not a quiet one---and I blew up in front of a nursing student. I felt terrible about setting an example like that. I love my little hospital---but I don't know if I can take this (this was just the icing on the cake!!) I called the nursing student at home this evening and apologized for my behavior, but I am still upset at the staff at my hospital for so little regard. They have no regard for ER equipment, they have even taken pulse oximeters off of the monitor in the cardiac room--and not told anyone. Am I just being a bag or do I have a right to be upset??????? And how do I control my temper??? I care about the patients, and about the job I do----but I don't see anything changing no matter how hard I try. It's to the point that I have thought about leaving!!!!!!!!!:angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

lindalee · Apr 26, 2003

I have learned I must check all equipment at the begining of my shift. Unfortunately I have the same problem. I also find dirty suction equipment some mornings. It drives me crazy also but have found that checking my emergency and bedside equipment first thing helps make a better day. Good luck. Maybe a policy where each shift must check these pieces of vital equipment and sign that they are in place and in working order would help???

lindalee · Apr 26, 2003

I have learned I must check all equipment at the begining of my shift. Unfortunately I have the same problem. I also find dirty suction equipment some mornings. It drives me crazy also but have found that checking my emergency and bedside equipment first thing helps make a better day. Good luck. Maybe a policy where each shift must check these pieces of vital equipment and sign that they are in place and in working order would help???

petiteflower · Apr 26, 2003

Usually I do find these things first thing in the morning--today, I ended up going on an ambulance transfer so my usual routine was disrupted and I had patients coming in before I could get to it. A policy is a good idea----I will bring that up to DON.

thanks! I am just so FRUSTRATED right now!!!!

petiteflower · Apr 26, 2003

Usually I do find these things first thing in the morning--today, I ended up going on an ambulance transfer so my usual routine was disrupted and I had patients coming in before I could get to it. A policy is a good idea----I will bring that up to DON.

thanks! I am just so FRUSTRATED right now!!!!

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 26, 2003

IMO equipment should not be removed from the ER unless it is a true emergency. You should have at least one bed equipped and ready for a full code coming in from the field no matter how small a facility you work in.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 26, 2003

IMO equipment should not be removed from the ER unless it is a true emergency. You should have at least one bed equipped and ready for a full code coming in from the field no matter how small a facility you work in.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 26, 2003

Geeeeeesh !!! I ditto that ! And a signout sheet including what was removed, date, time, where taken to, and by whom.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 26, 2003

Geeeeeesh !!! I ditto that ! And a signout sheet including what was removed, date, time, where taken to, and by whom.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2003

Of course you have a right to be mad, but let's look at the other side, it is obvious that your little hospital is lacking in necessary equipment for the floors. Instead of taking out your frustration on the nurses, take it out on administrators that make 6 figure salaries but won't purchase much needed equipment. When a patient crashes and you need a pulse ox or suction equipment which is basic equipment and should be readily available on all floors you just grab and go, you don't have time to fill out a form when your patient is blue.

BadBird, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2003

Of course you have a right to be mad, but let's look at the other side, it is obvious that your little hospital is lacking in necessary equipment for the floors. Instead of taking out your frustration on the nurses, take it out on administrators that make 6 figure salaries but won't purchase much needed equipment. When a patient crashes and you need a pulse ox or suction equipment which is basic equipment and should be readily available on all floors you just grab and go, you don't have time to fill out a form when your patient is blue.