This is just not sitting right with me and I feel like I need some insight from other nurses.
In the facility where I work(surgical sub-specialty clinic with on-site ambulatory care operating room), an RT (who was working as the receptionist) was recently promoted to "clinician."
The new position requires:
administration of medications (oral, IM, IV)
assessment (NOT directly related to respiratory status, including orthopedic/complex wound assessment)
teaching (preop, conservative management, medication...all not related to respiratory status)
triage (urgent patients in house/taking patient phone calls)
evaluating/discharging post op patients
I can't find anything that states that any of this is strictly limited to nursing. I've read the state statutes regarding RT scope of practice (with a fine-tooth comb). Basically, it includes everything that nursing does (assessment, treatment, med administration) but is specific to respiratory care. But the first line is , "The 'practice of respiratory care' includes, but is not limited to:..."
So my employer is using "is not limited to" to equate RT with nursing.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think RTs are beneath RNs at all, but I think there is a scope of practice issue here, and I'm worried about patient care. I would not expect an RT to do sterile dressing changes or first-assist in the OR (in my state, now all scrubs must be certified or RN/LPN), let alone administer medications (obviously, respiratory meds aside).
I've scoured the internet for anything more specific that would apply to this situation, and I'm pretty much empty-handed.
Mostly "debriefing" throughout the day ("If Dr. Bones doesn't make up his flipping mind soon, I'm gonna loose it again," "Dr. Brain just announced that the resident is no longer allowed to speak to or instruct the nursing staff...it's going to be a long 3 months")
And alcohol. Truth is very few of us ever actually drink, but we the docs probably think we're a bit lush.
I'm confused. Why is everyone using the word "crazy" in such a negative context?
I've always thought it was a term of endearment for people in hospital administration. As in, "You just missed Crazy. She came in to make sure the blanket warmer was below 85 degrees (F), so that we don't accidentally burn or warm patients."
Canes, you are one of the most compassionate and sympathetic people on AN. I'm sure (if anyone can) you will be able to approach this person in a respectful way and hopefully resolve the situation.
I have seen surgeons throw orientees out of the room if they are too chatty. And one you have a reputation, it is hard to change it. The sooner he gets the message, the better.
Most people who seem miserable here are venting; they work stressful but rewarding jobs, and venting helps them to give better care to their patients day after day.
Every job has ups and downs. Nursing is no different.
If someone is intent on being miserable, they will manage to be miserable in absolutely any job or profession.
We all know that surgeons can be the worst offenders in terms of language. **** this, **** that, blah, blah, ******* blah. How do you respond? Do you reprimand ("Dr. Jones! Do you kiss your mama with that mouth?!?)? Ignore it? Follow in suit?
I've seen nurses do all of the above. I tend to ignore it, until it get really obscene (generally if it becomes sexual).
The hospital my husband works at has done this for about 4 years now. Each employee must do the "health risk assessment" each year. Urine samples are required to test for tobacco derivatives, and those who test positive must complete a tobacco cessation class in order to be eligible for benefits.
The hospital is not unionized, but it is a magnet hospital.
When it was implemented in my hospital, we had to take it in order to change our shifts around (staying within the same department, but switching your day off!). Most nurses in my department failed (OR).
My favorite question was "are you addicted to smiling?"
"Why, yes I am! In fact I often find myself grinning widely at 2am during an emergency ruptured aneurysm evacuation. I'm saving up vacation time so that I can go to that posh rehab place out in SoCal, but on the peanuts you guys pay me that'll be a while!!!"
When we have someone mail a resume in, it is generally filed in the back, because it doesn't mean much to me. When someone takes the time to walk it in, and then sits and fills out an application as well, I know that person is really motivated. Furthermore, having a face to put with the resume makes it stand out more.
Bring your resume, cover letter, and confidence and SHOW them how great you would be for them.
I always ask at the local Medi Spas and they say PA's and Med Assistants are doing the injectibles. I wonder who does the laser treatments. Was very interested at one time but don't want to spend thousands on classes and not be able to do the procedures.
MA's do not inject anything (in most facilities).
Estheticians/nurses/PAs generally do laser treatments (sometimes the MD). Depending on the state, estheticians may or may not be able to administer fillers/botox. (Kansas does not require licensure; Missouri requires at least an RN).
There are plenty of DPTs and DPhs that walk around in white coats and call themselves Dr. Soandso. Their scope of practice is nowhere near that of an MD or DO.
In healthcare, the lines have become very blurry in terms of titles. To most patients, "nurse" means "the person who spends time with me, takes care of me, and helps the doctor." Techs fit that description.
I hated anatomy. Neuro anatomy in particular. Now I specialize in neurosurgery.
I set a goal (become a nurse) and one of the things I needed to do was pass A&P, which I did. It wasn't until years later that I gained an appreciation for anatomy and learned to love it.
It sounds like your teacher has a very high opinion of themself and their subject. You won't like absolutely everything in life, but that doesn't mean you should abandon your goals.
This is just not sitting right with me and I feel like I need some insight from other nurses.
In the facility where I work(surgical sub-specialty clinic with on-site ambulatory care operating room), an RT (who was working as the receptionist) was recently promoted to "clinician."
The new position requires:
I can't find anything that states that any of this is strictly limited to nursing. I've read the state statutes regarding RT scope of practice (with a fine-tooth comb). Basically, it includes everything that nursing does (assessment, treatment, med administration) but is specific to respiratory care. But the first line is , "The 'practice of respiratory care' includes, but is not limited to:..."
So my employer is using "is not limited to" to equate RT with nursing.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think RTs are beneath RNs at all, but I think there is a scope of practice issue here, and I'm worried about patient care. I would not expect an RT to do sterile dressing changes or first-assist in the OR (in my state, now all scrubs must be certified or RN/LPN), let alone administer medications (obviously, respiratory meds aside).
I've scoured the internet for anything more specific that would apply to this situation, and I'm pretty much empty-handed.
Am I completely off base?
Mostly "debriefing" throughout the day ("If Dr. Bones doesn't make up his flipping mind soon, I'm gonna loose it again," "Dr. Brain just announced that the resident is no longer allowed to speak to or instruct the nursing staff...it's going to be a long 3 months")
And alcohol. Truth is very few of us ever actually drink, but we the docs probably think we're a bit lush.
I'm confused. Why is everyone using the word "crazy" in such a negative context?
I've always thought it was a term of endearment for people in hospital administration. As in, "You just missed Crazy. She came in to make sure the blanket warmer was below 85 degrees (F), so that we don't accidentally burn or warm patients."
Canes, you are one of the most compassionate and sympathetic people on AN. I'm sure (if anyone can) you will be able to approach this person in a respectful way and hopefully resolve the situation.
I have seen surgeons throw orientees out of the room if they are too chatty. And one you have a reputation, it is hard to change it. The sooner he gets the message, the better.
Most people who seem miserable here are venting; they work stressful but rewarding jobs, and venting helps them to give better care to their patients day after day.
Every job has ups and downs. Nursing is no different.
If someone is intent on being miserable, they will manage to be miserable in absolutely any job or profession.
You can also make a few holes in the top with a blunt fill needle, invert, and squeeze for a quick, controlled irrigation.
We all know that surgeons can be the worst offenders in terms of language. **** this, **** that, blah, blah, ******* blah. How do you respond? Do you reprimand ("Dr. Jones! Do you kiss your mama with that mouth?!?)? Ignore it? Follow in suit?
I've seen nurses do all of the above. I tend to ignore it, until it get really obscene (generally if it becomes sexual).
The hospital my husband works at has done this for about 4 years now. Each employee must do the "health risk assessment" each year. Urine samples are required to test for tobacco derivatives, and those who test positive must complete a tobacco cessation class in order to be eligible for benefits.
The hospital is not unionized, but it is a magnet hospital.
When it was implemented in my hospital, we had to take it in order to change our shifts around (staying within the same department, but switching your day off!). Most nurses in my department failed (OR).
My favorite question was "are you addicted to smiling?"
"Why, yes I am! In fact I often find myself grinning widely at 2am during an emergency ruptured aneurysm evacuation. I'm saving up vacation time so that I can go to that posh rehab place out in SoCal, but on the peanuts you guys pay me that'll be a while!!!"
Walk it in. Hand it to the manager, if possible.
When we have someone mail a resume in, it is generally filed in the back, because it doesn't mean much to me. When someone takes the time to walk it in, and then sits and fills out an application as well, I know that person is really motivated. Furthermore, having a face to put with the resume makes it stand out more.
Bring your resume, cover letter, and confidence and SHOW them how great you would be for them.
Estheticians/nurses/PAs generally do laser treatments (sometimes the MD). Depending on the state, estheticians may or may not be able to administer fillers/botox. (Kansas does not require licensure; Missouri requires at least an RN).
search "aesthetic nurses"
There are plenty of DPTs and DPhs that walk around in white coats and call themselves Dr. Soandso. Their scope of practice is nowhere near that of an MD or DO.
In healthcare, the lines have become very blurry in terms of titles. To most patients, "nurse" means "the person who spends time with me, takes care of me, and helps the doctor." Techs fit that description.
I hated anatomy. Neuro anatomy in particular. Now I specialize in neurosurgery.
I set a goal (become a nurse) and one of the things I needed to do was pass A&P, which I did. It wasn't until years later that I gained an appreciation for anatomy and learned to love it.
It sounds like your teacher has a very high opinion of themself and their subject. You won't like absolutely everything in life, but that doesn't mean you should abandon your goals.
When people on my unit did that, their orientation ended that minute, and they served their two weeks as a regular nurse with full load.
Be careful, it could turn out very differently than you expect.
Neuro. Peds and adults; about 50/50 craniotomies/spines. Ortho sometimes (backs and trauma). Plastics if they're desperate.