Has anyone ever worked with a nurse who seemed as if they never went to nursing school? There's this nurse whose abilities I always question (and he's been working at this LTC facility for a little more than 3 years now). He has common sense and tests really well, but severely lacks basic clinical knowledge. This year alone:
1) He was pre-filling regular insulin and administering it regardless of the FS reading (Ex: giving 4 units to a patient who really needed "2" or "8"). I explained to him how insulin works and why his practice was dangerous and he DID change it. However, he was really, really surprised that the difference between "2" and "8" units could be dangerous because they were "small increments".
2) He needed my assistance with a clinical problem. He asked if orthostatic hypotension - yes, HYPOtension - was a rise or drop in B/P.
3) He was giving IM vaccinations (hep A/B) using insulin syringes. He knew his landmark sites for IM and SQ, but didn't understand that the length of the hypodermic needle mattered.
Years ago, I worked as an aid at a LTC facility. My DON came to introduce a new employee that I was to precept. Stated his name was Max*, only problem was that I knew him previously from high school and his name was Steve*. New last name too. I went to DON immediately and when she came back he had already left, he knew that I recognized him and the gig was up. Scary.
I was unable to comment on that thread, as it has been closed, but I have no problem reporting this user for fabricating credentials, misrepresenting himself and therefore violating the TOS of this website. He continues to represent himself as a BSN. Wouldn't mind seeing a BANNING taking place about now.
I worked with a nurse who ignored a 60 something O2 sat, but showed up during the patient's rapid response and started to remove the patient's non-rebreather to administer tylenol. Everybody was stunned. The CNA had reported a low-grade fever along with the O2 sat.
wheeliesurfer
147 Posts
Is THAT why my fries were so difficult to chew at lunch the other day?!?