what it matters is not what you have done, it is what you did not do

[treeye]

This weekend at work was hell. We are short staffed, I was split, had 1.5 times the normal pt load to beging with, and have to help with the lights all the time. One of my pt got blood, another threw up and had a fever, the other tries to get out of the bed all the time and has to go to bathroom every hour, her family is upset if she has to wait two minutes. A pt's family questioned about her meds and was upset and screamed at me. I didn't start any charting till my shift is over and ended up staying late for almost two hours one day.

Then Monday I was written up for forgetting to put CPM on one pt.

I was upset because the management did not even ask what the circumstances are this weekend. How short staffed we are. How many of my pts need special attention. What it matters is not what you have done, it is what you did not do.

I was also upset with the pt. She threw up and had a fever, I did go out of my way to make sure she is ok and make her comfortable. Without any appreciation, her daughter (who is also a nurse btw) went ahead and reported me because I forgot to put CPM on her.

I am trying very hard , but I am not perfect. I wish people are willing to be more understanding but well. that's not going to happen

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

sorry you have such a bad time. I wonder if the daughter-nurse is always perfect?? My advice is to always do the safe thing first and let the rest take care of itself.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I feel your pain.

If the nurse- daughter was so concerned about the CPM therapy..

why didn't she bring it to your (or the assistant's) attention and offer to help place dear mommy' s...dear knee ..in the damn thing?

In some countries, families bring the food and the clean sheets for the patient.

The customer service model is going to be the death of nursing.

[RockinChick66]

I feel your pain. If the nurse- daughter was so concerned about the CPM therapy..why didn't she bring it to your (or the assistant's) attention and offer to help place dear mommy' s...dear knee ..in the damn thing?In some countries, families bring the food and the clean sheets for the patient.The customer service model is going to be the death of nursing.

I hate CPMs! Those darn things hurt my back every time !! Some times I'll have a family member offer to bathe and change sheets for my pt. Am I suppose to let them? Because I usually say oh no, let me get that done!!!

[GinginRN]

It's a no win situation. Understaffed units create danger in terms of patient safety. I'm sorry you got written up for the incident. I have witnessed fellow RNs who worked in understaffed units terminated from their positions for trying to keep their heads above water, maintain patient safety, and perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. One mistake or duty not performed ended up in a crucification, rather than a write up. If the facility is not going to answer the needs for additional staff, it may be wise to make a fast exit before your job is at stake, or face a possible threat to your RN license.

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

Working short is such a terrible feeling because you know no matter how well you can swim you will probably end up drowning and pulling a couple of people ( pts) down with you

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Hmmmmm then Little Miss Perfect Nurse daughter should have realized that with her Mom throwing up, the CPM machine attatched to her and the patient needing to be at a certain angle for it to be theraputic...not sure how the patient would lean forward to throw up.....by putting her on the CPM, it certainly would be an aspiration risk, no? Additionally, to get the fever down with a patient throwing up, requires PR Tylenol.....which is pretty hard to give when patients are attached to a 40 pound machine in the bed. CPM machines have their place, however, getting Mom medically stable is priority I would think. If the nurse daughter would like to plan her own mother's care, perhaps she can take her home to Wonderland.....