I just started a new job as a pediatric private duty nurse right out of nursing school. So, I'm looking for advice (and maybe reassurance) for the veterans here.
There have been a few scheduling problems thus far. I was hired on without a clear schedule. (As a matter of fact, I called Monday to ask about when I'd get one and was informed that I was due to work since the family needed me ASAP! Yikes! Luckily, my shift started later in the day.) During orientation, they hadn't received a schedule from the family so it seemed a bit touch and go. However, I was assured it was a 40/hr a week job.
I got there at my scheduled time (as agreed between myself and patient's mother, based off of her work schedule) and turns out, the patient was at an appointment and didn't come home for another hour and a half. So, a short day. Since the patient's mother didn't work on Wednesday, I asked if I'd be needed. I was told that I wouldn't be (at which time I stupidly shared that I preferred that, since I had a family function I'd like to attend in the middle of the day) and assumed it would be my day off.
Next day (Tuesday), I was asked to accompany the patient and family to an all-day appointment at the local medical center. Another short day. I tried to call scheduling and they were out all day. Cue the major anxiety and sleepless night. However, I called my agency and asked about the effect my shortened hours (upon the time their insurance granted them and my job) and was assured that since the patient's schedule necessitated the short hours, it was fine.
Wednesday, I call scheduling and figure that from one to nine, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday is what the optimal time would be to care for this child. They call the patient's family to confirm.
Cue the callback, in which I was informed I was expected to work Wednesdays as well, even though the mother doesn't work. I'd get this day off, since I discussed it with them family but in the future, I'd work M-F, 1-9. (It sounded like I was made to look like I asked for this day off, which I suppose is arguable.)
My question is this: do all new cases follow along like this? I feel I was thrown into the water and expected to dictate my hours based on need and what they were allowed. Is that normal? I have to admit that it sounds strange to me, but this is my first job and clinicals took place strictly within hospitals.
Another question: is it normal, in this field, to accompany the child to all of her out-of-home appointments? At the moment, she goes to these appointments with family members, but they expressed interest in my presence there.
I feel like I may look disorganized, and I don't want to present myself in this light. Or is it simply that I'm experiencing the same thing that other private duty nurses do?
Also: My patient has seizures that aren't controlled by medications. The family was instructed by the DR to increase the medication verbally, however the only script that I have has a lower dosage. How do I communicate this while charting?
Please help? I'm feeling overwhelmed. I really like this case, but I feel like a chicken with my head cut off.
