I am a nurse. I have done alot of different things being a nurse. I believe I can rob Petter to pay Paul, I can certainly make anything work with duct tape, and I always look at the clock and say--"I can do anything for four hours!" I have even--with all my heart, laid my hands on my patient and believed I could cheat death and pass my lifeforce to them.
Today, I find myself frustrated and not knowing quite what to do. I am a Trama/ICU/Burn Nurse that has relocated to a small rural hospital. I work in a six bed ICU with a low acquity and have not floated to a med/surg area for close to 20 years, until now. With no patient's in this little unit I will be expected to float. I have no problem with floating, but I find that I will be expected to take a full load which is 5-6 patients. A chill goes up my spine--I have lost the necessary skills to stay organized, to deligate to a CNA, or to even pass PO meds. The charting system is on computer, but is one of the poorest systems I have ever seen!
Since I have been at this facility, I marvel at these med/surg nurses who work with such a poor nursing system and get the job done consistanly. I watch them drag out after a long shift sometimes 2 hours of overtime later to get finished with their assignments. I always go out and help when I can especially with that difficult IV. I have a different expertise. How many of you out there have faced this? I have tried to ward off a disaster, trying to negociate orientation, possibly taking a 3 patient assignment and being up for the first "hit", and then just flat saying--"this is what I can do for you." Causes some hate and discontent.
Today, with a sigh of relief, I am on call. What will happen next week? By the way, the DON feels this is a "small, rural hospital" and it is appropriate to expect this of me. Advise, please from those of you who have faced this. I want to be part of a solution before my mouth becomes more of a problem than this "little rural hospital" has ever seen. (I have learned from the best in my 30+ years!)
I need this small hospital. Coming from my background I am running to them. I want to be circled. As a nurse, I have seen Camelot once. I am looking for it again.
CactusFlower
22 Posts
I need this small hospital. Coming from my background I am running to them. I want to be circled. As a nurse, I have seen Camelot once. I am looking for it again.