HELP! I have to write policies now??!

Published

Hey fellow nurses. Need some input. My DoN told me I have to make new policies for certain parts of our hand book. I have never written policy before and am just an RN. What are the legal ramifications that can fall on me? I don't want to make her mad and be written up for insubordination but I feel like I am in real dangerous waters here. Please advise!

Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

I've written policies for a long time now, and once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad. Make sure to site EBP when you can and Lippincott is very reliable. Good luck!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MR/MI mostly.

I wish I had just one day to work on this in an office. I am still working the floor taking taking care of patients. I only have 5 days to write 30 policies. I am a bit frazzled

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Find out what your nursing resources are supposed to be from and write the policies of off that. For example, my current workplace uses Mosby's. Also, use the same format as your pre-existing policies.

I believe in the power of Google for this, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I wish I had just one day to work on this in an office. I am still working the floor taking taking care of patients. I only have 5 days to write 30 policies. I am a bit frazzled

This may be a stupid question, but did you ask them for maybe half a shift off the floor to work on your assignment? I was pleasantly surprised when I was supervising the PCAs at my LTC and was granted some off the floor time to complete paperwork. I had to screw up some courage and ask though!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MR/MI mostly.

Well I asked for extra time because I dint want to take away from patient care. I was told if I did have the the other policies done by end of shift of shift, then I was fired. So much for "end of the month". I said that was impossible because of time, and I was fired. Well, I guess this was a cautionary tale if knowing when one is put into a position of admin vs. patient care. I will always vote for patient care. Thank you everyone foe your input, should a similar situation present itself, I will have a great well of resources to dip from. Thank you friends foe your time and input. I didn't realize I was up against the impossible and called for helpbwhen i should have just called if quits. Love to all and know this isn't the end of me

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro/Trauma Critical Care.

WOW that was an unexpected ending! I'm so sorry. That is awful. You sound smart and motivated, I'm sure you will find better employment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Love writing policies---but if you are doing it from scratch it can be intimidating. what I found useful is contacting a nurse friend and ask if they have a policy on what you are writing. If so, ask to borrow a copy and see if it fits what your facility does. Good luck,

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.
Well I asked for extra time because I dint want to take away from patient care. I was told if I did have the the other policies done by end of shift of shift, then I was fired. So much for "end of the month". I said that was impossible because of time, and I was fired. Well, I guess this was a cautionary tale if knowing when one is put into a position of admin vs. patient care. I will always vote for patient care. Thank you everyone foe your input, should a similar situation present itself, I will have a great well of resources to dip from. Thank you friends foe your time and input. I didn't realize I was up against the impossible and called for helpbwhen i should have just called if quits. Love to all and know this isn't the end of me

That's pretty crummy on their part. Sorry, and best of luck in the future.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical care.

Just say No

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Are you kidding??? Well good riddance to that place!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in nursing education.

So sorry this happened to you í ½í¸¢

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion