How much do you do for the next shift . .

st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3 · Jan 10, 2008

In my experience with this, I have stayed. It was just what I was taught. Not saying you weren't overwhelmed and it was right for you to be treated this way. I have had people leave me things as well, and it isn't easy when you have to start your shift. We are only human.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2008

Nursing is a 24 hour, 7 day a week job. If you are leaving lots for next shift to do then that is wrong. However, there is almost always going to be something left for next shift. Without knowing more I would say you did okay. And it was nice you stayed to help a little.

Roseyposey · Jan 10, 2008

I think it sounds like you really tried to help the oncoming shift. I have seen many times nurses drag their feet on blood administration and pass it off tothe next shift when it was ready 1-2 hours prior to shift change. As far as the antibiotic goes, things happen. I always try to get as much done for the next shift as I possibly can, but there is a point where you need to draw the line and go home. There are two shifts for a reason and if we made sure every little thing was done, we'd stretch our already ridiculously long 12+ hour shifts out even longer. Personally, I would be very happy that you had even made the attempt. I'm sorry your coworkers can't appreciate your efforts.

BookwormRN · Jan 10, 2008

Although we all know that it is frustrating when things happen right out of report, that is life. I feel that you were very generous in getting the blood started, doing VS, etc.

In my experience, I've had blood administration "dumped" on me by the previous shift, even though they would have had time to get it going before I was out of report.

I agree with the above poster---we have different shifts for a reason.

If I had been the oncoming nurse, I'd have thanked you for starting the blood and told you to go home and get some sleep. Then I'd have started the 2nd IV and gone about my day.

You did ok in my opinion.

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2008

I was told by another nurse that I was too worried about what got done or not done by the end of my shift. Nursing is a 24 hour job, that's why we have shifts and fresh people coming on to take up the slack.

You were doing your job all night...it isn't unusual for one patient's acuity to rule your shift....unfortunately, that means the rest of your assignment waits. I, like you will remain to finish immediate orders and help the oncoming nurse...however...we have an hour overlap together in which we not only give report but can(if we choose) help out. I always do. There have been occasions due to acuity and several icu admits I have remained for a couple of hours to get all of the orders done(with the oncoming nurse). Not all nurses do this, and it isn't required. My feeling is that the only way you can have a successful team is to be, and play your part of one!

Maisy;)

siggie13 · Jan 10, 2008

First off, I see nothing wrong with how you handled the situation. You did more than I would have expected you to do to help me. Now, the float nurse needed to take up the slake and help the on coming shift get this patient under control-- that is the job of a "float" nurse. And I do feel getting the blood started was a priority and the float nurse, not you, needed to see to that. You acted like a caring, considerate team player and need to stop beating yourself up. :up:

kcochrane · Jan 10, 2008

I work in LTC so its a bit different, but when I worked days I tried to get all my work done before the next shift. Having my treatments done and any tests that needed to be done was a big help to them. I also made sure enough tube feeding is ready for the whole run. Now that I'm on nights, I only leave something if they pull a nurse and leave me alone on the floor.

I don't have any problem with another shift leaving stuff for me to do, as long as it isn't on a regular basis and as long as it isn't because they were slacking off. And believe me we have a few that will do that. Because I have worked on days, I am well aware of who is trying to get away with something and who is actually working their butt off.

So, no I don't think what you did was wrong.

catlynLPN · Jan 10, 2008

Well, it's nice of you to stay and help, but you also could not help it that these orders came in at that time....at time for change of shifts.

I thought this was a 24 hour job and why we have 3 shifts.

If I had been in your shoes, and considering I had to come back later for a meeting and lose sleep for that.......no, I would not have stayed.

But on a day when I wasn't pushed for time myself, yes, I would stay and help some. I've had people stay and help me, and it is most appreciated, but it's not required that they do.

We all should help each other, but for crying out loud, we have to get some sleep, too.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2008

I will never understand this expectation that some have of coming in to work to a group of fluffed & tucked, stable patients who need nothing immediately ...

It just doesn't work that way.

It's one thing to be frustrated if you can legitimately demonstrate that the offgoing nurse has sat on orders for hours while surfing the internet ... quite another to claim that the offgoing shift is "leaving work for you" when it's simply the case that the ball keeps rolling 24/7.

I've heard a story about a nurse with an apparent inability to come to work and hit the ground running. This nurse finally broke down shortly after arriving to work one day with the exclamation, "Every time I come in here I have to do something!!"

Funny ... or sad?

YellowFinchFan · Jan 10, 2008

Good Post....

It's a 24/7 job...I always try and do as much as possible and help (since I "KNOW" the patient well...sometimes it's easier for me to quickly do things for next shift) as for blood....I think she did a good job....you did everything expected to do....as for the IV med...do you have computers? I always try to keep up w/meds...constantly...and computers are great for that....

as for the IV ...well....If you're good at getting IV's I wouldve done that...it would have taken some wind out of their sails!

morte, LPN, LVN · Jan 10, 2008

hmmm you are familiar with the saying "give them an inch and they will take a yard"?.....if you are TOO nice to some persons they think they can intimidate you into doing more of their work for them....draw the line.....