I need to improve

[ohbet]

IM floating to a floor ,from an alzheimers unit,in which I really think Im going to have some problems,which may seem very basic skills for some.

This floor has some PCAs,which I worked with one 9 years ago,and IV meds,,which I really would feel better If I was doubled checked before diluting,just cause I havent mixed any for awhile.And I just have a general apprehension about keeping the day organized,organization is a skill Im continually trying to improve upon.

Do I tell my DON before I float about my concerns? Do I float to the floor and ask questions as I go along? Should I tell the HN of the floor about my concerns? Should I ask to be oriented again to the floor?to the PCAs and the IV meds? I was there about 9 months ago but no PCAs and not so much IVs.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Be honest. You have perfected your Alzheimer's Unit procedures which did not include those meds and that equipment. Ask for a short orientation and review of the equipment (PCA and IV pumps). Get a good pocket medication reference book and study the common ones.

[Dazedgiggle]

I agree with P_RN about asking for the short orientation, I'd also suggest double checking things you don't feel comfortable with with another nurse, like the PCA pumps (this is actually required where I work.....two licensed are present to set up a PCA). Do they assign you a resource nurse when you float? That would also be a good idea. Good luck!

[mario_ragucci]

Originally posted by ohbet

IM floating to a floor Do I float to the floor and ask questions as I go along?

That depends on what type of micro-procesor you have (hippocampus) Some people have a hippocampus connected enough to assemble an atomic bomb as they go.

I would learn as I go, always remembering not to do anything I didn't know about that could harm a patent, or other staff (golden rule)

[micro, RN]

Ditto with all of the above.

I now float as my job. I work wherever they need a nurse. But I also, have at least competence in the skills necessary to be there. If not, I would not care for that patient or those patients. Though I am a nurse of a few days......when I went to the float pool, I went through an orientation of sorts for a two plus week period to ensure that I was familiar with all the units, and any particular, regular procedures that I would be involved in.

As this field is far from perfect, if I ever find myself in a situation that I am unfamiliar with, I will ask for assist or a once through......

Ignorance is just not knowing. You are acting as a competent nurse by asking for an orientation to skills that you have utilized or need to refresh..............they should honour that. It is good patient care.