How do you handle this?

[motownrn]

Does anyone else have this problem? I work nights and some of the doctors do not answer their phones overnight or do not call back during my shift. It's very frustrating.

[prinsessa]

When I worked at a SNF I would send patients out before calling the MD if it was really an emergency. I never had a doctor get upset about me doing this.

[itthybitthythpider]

When I worked at a SNF I would send patients out before calling the MD if it was really an emergency. I never had a doctor get upset about me doing this.

I've had a couple get upset at me for sending a res out (and especially for sending them out without telling), but I can always justify myself to them and my DON!

[katoline]

A family will never get upset if you send their loved one to the ER out of concern (unless an obvious DNR). Better have, DON, MD mad than have family sue. It's your license. Especially if the family wants them sent out.

Our medical director gave us a list of things that can wait until morning, a fall with no injury, a non-critical lab, low grade temp, one episode of vomiting. you get the idea. our medical director is our back up for all the residents. have all back ground diagnoses ready and chart open, with vs and other pertinent information. it's up to him to get with the non-responder. beware also of the "sleep talker". we had one of those and you should know what it is you expect from the doc and if the answer is way off base, question it, several times if necessary. if still not what you expect again go to your medical director, NHA, DON and as everyone says document document document.