New here and in need of advice (long sorry)

[dannikRN]

Hi everyone. I am the 3-11 charge of a subacute unit in a long term care facility. I am under so much stress and am unsure of what to do next. Here is my story: On Saturday I came in to work and I did not even get my jacket off when I was literally into a conference room where someone from DOH was investigating a hotline call. So of course I am nervous and stressed, but I get through it. I then had to pass meds because of call ins. Well I get home and out of no where my phone rings at 0120. A pt was stating I didn't give her her meds. AND THEY CALLED ME?!? One was a narc and signed out in book, others were signed off in med book. Either way, very bad sleeping night. I came in the next day 3 hrs late d/t massive h/a (had to take imitrex injection). But I made it through. Well then I come in on Monday. Complete chaos. There are 40 pts on the floor and the MD/NP had seen 26! All had orders or dictated reports. Plus I was getting a new admit. Plus I was then called into Admin's office and had to talk to DOH by phone. I then head back to the unit and discover that one of my pts needs a blood transfusion and another needs a PICC placement. My unit clerk starts scheduling all of those while I go to work on everything else.

Long and short, unit clerk made appts, I assumed she had done her job and set up peripheral stuff (early trays, putting on calendar, etc) and she had told me it was all taken care of.

Next AM I get a call asking me what time appts were. I had NO idea. Apparently clerk had not written them. Apparently this snowballed into some big issue. Though they cancelled PICC anyway and other pt did have transfusion. So Then I go to work last night and my NM is there. Said "I want to talk to you. I don't have time today, we'll do it tomorrow." I just know I am going to get chewed out! Please help keep me calm, because I am almost ready to

[bargainhound, RN]

Sounds like massive chaos and NM is just trying to roll with the punches.

She is probably "talking" to other folks also.

It would help you to make some notes to go by as you talk with NM.

You could even print off your post to help guide your thoughts.

Also, keep the notes for later reference.

State you position. Say you did the best you could under the

circumstances.

She may not know there is a problem with the unit clerk.

[RunnerRN, BSN, RN]

Just take a deep breath, and stay calm when she's talking to you. Just say your piece, and explain what the problems were on your end.

Good luck...

[SCRN1]

Sounds like massive chaos and NM is just trying to roll with the punches.

She is probably "talking" to other folks also.

It would help you to make some notes to go by as you talk with NM.

You could even print off your post to help guide your thoughts.

Also, keep the notes for later reference.

State you position. Say you did the best you could under the

circumstances.

She may not know there is a problem with the unit clerk.

I agree! Good luck!