We have a huge prob at my facility with this transfer/admit of patients at change of shift or so close to. ER and Pacu. All of a sudden at 1845 here they come. Bed was ready at 5, but they come at this time. We work 12's, so 2 hrs out of 24 we get slammed. Trying to give report and finish up etc. Wouldn't be so bad except a lot of the time as in tonight. Er pt, renal stones, bed waiting since 5. 6.45, pt and nurse show up. As she leaves the unit, stops by the station "he needs something for pain" and off she goes. Look at the orders, at 4pm IVF and a pca ordered. Neither started. Result, po'd pt from the outset, night shift hit with all this etc, etc. You know the scene. Meanwhile PACU nurse having a fit because I couldn't take report, doc on the line Ive been calling for hours and the next 2 ER pt reports being faxed. It happens every day, we are just 14 beds. Anyway, I asked PACu to hold my nightmare post op (detox city with no MD back up) to wait half an hour. She didn't know what the problem was, it was my pt, what on earth did I need to do that needs any time??????? Anyway. My option is to leave it for the one RN on nights, usually with an LPN, an aide. I have complained, they ignore it. I think this is dangerous. Fresh post ops, er pt's AT LEAST NEED A NURSE TO LOOK AT THEM WITHIN 30 MINS RIGHT? What is your take, happen at your place, anyone have policies. I just think this is so unnessary and dangerous. Trying to change it. I think, 2 hours out of 24....well dont send pts. I am trying to gather ideas.
