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.
Nov 25, '02
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.
Nov 25, '02
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!
Nov 25, '02
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)
Nov 26, '02
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.
Nov 25, '02Occupation: RN-i (RETIRED) Specialty: ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89 ; From: US ; Joined: May '00; Posts: 14,479; Likes: 2,298Be 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.
Nov 25, '02Occupation: RN Joined: Dec '01; Posts: 78; Likes: 3I 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!
