Nurses need water

Nurses General Nursing

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Ive found running about like we all do and not taking time to go the bathroom is a big issue what I also believe is a massive thing at least for me is I find we never drink enough water! so for the last year and half since this thought came to me, to become the water woman, I know i get thirsty so whenever I get myself a drink of water I get someone else on the team one too, our fluid charts look rubbish! so always think if your having a drink get someone else one too its appriciated alot :)

Would it be inappropriate to just run a bag of saline on a slow drip while working? It WOULD be a time saver. :yes:

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Specializes in ER.
Would it be inappropriate to just run a bag of saline on a slow drip while working? It WOULD be a time saver. :yes:

I've threatened to. Our manager said to go ahead, if I could find a doc to prescribe it...but I still wasn't allowed to have water at the desk.

I actually DID have a script for po water.

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.
Would it be inappropriate to just run a bag of saline on a slow drip while working? It WOULD be a time saver. :yes:

Yeah, BUT, we could not afford to pay for a liter of NS every shift. I recently was billed for a liter and it was 300 bucks! I called to complain about it since I had an IV but received no fluids.

The water drinking problem has been ignored at every hospital I have worked for. The water bottles are tucked away on day shift and out in the open at night. I have been verbally admonished for it but every nursing supervisor knows humans have to drink water. It is a human rights issue.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I guess I'm the oddball, but I dislike water even though I know it is essential to our health. Coffee, diet cola, and unsweetened flavored teas are my beverages of choice.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I guess I'm the oddball but I dislike water even though I know it is essential to our health. Coffee, diet cola, and unsweetened flavored teas are my beverages of choice.[/quote']

^You are not the only one

I found a great way for me to drink water: sparkling water or those no calorie flavored packs...even putting berries in my water helps to.

I guess I'm a rogue....I have my water available at all times. If it's in a bottle, not a cup or a mug, is it really a big deal??? *shrugs* Haven't been written up, no sanctions through any crediting agency either.

I do like the idea another poster had...keep your waters in nourishment, and quench your thirst!

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Specializes in Cardiopulmonary Stepdown/Cath Lab, ICU.
my boss used his staff poorly. I'm sorry if I come off as defensive but your comment strikes a nerve.

Never, ever assume that folks are whining about something and then blame them for not seeing or choosing the solution by oversimplifying the solution.

I'm not judging anybody, stating my opinion. In fact the bolded line re-enforces my first sentence. I apologize I struck a nerve, I didn't mean to, I feel my breakdown is fair. I have not taken a break since I became a nurse, so I understand, I really do.

However;

My body is my temple, the only one I have, and I'm not going to let somebody else, or my job break it down.

I understand it's much more difficult when water isn't allowed on the floor, but why is it like that? Are we just laying down to the policy makers who never have, or no longer do work the floor, who have their water bottle on their desks. We are in healthcare, should we not practice what we preach? Is it not hypocritical to be telling people how many things they can do to stay hydrated, when we aren't?

It is unhealthy to not drink water.

And you really mean to tell me you have time to get your patients some water, but not drink some yourself, or can not drink a little something while charting. Again, if water is not allowed...That needs to be changed.

Again not judging anyone, I try to avoid it. Just sharing my opinion.

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

I work in 2 different jobs at the one hospital. Both are fine re water but I find I drink less in one because I know that what is now the kitchen used to be the sluice/pan room/dirty utility. I am just a bit grossed out by it!

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.
I hate the stupid no drinks at the desks rule. On nights we usually ignore that. Otherwise I just go into the pt kitchen and while getting a pt a drink, drink some water. I also get annoyed sometimes when I am in the bathroom and get someone knocking at the door to tell me room 454's iv is beeping or they want nausea meds or want their nurse . I can't even pee in peace for a minute

Either someone knocking at the door or ER/ICU/CCU/Staffing/bed management calling you.

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I hate the stupid no drinks at the desks rule. On nights we usually ignore that. Otherwise I just go into the pt kitchen and while getting a pt a drink drink some water. I also get annoyed sometimes when I am in the bathroom and get someone knocking at the door to tell me room 454's iv is beeping or they want nausea meds or want their nurse . I can't even pee in peace for a minute[/quote']

Or your phone is constantly ringing while you are in the bathroom. Then you finally answer it and the person is mad that you where in the bathroom and didn't answer the phone. I told one person if you want to hear bodily functions then I'll answer it.

But back to the topic. I'm guilty of it too. Depending on the floor I work on I only drink at lunch time. Then I try to make up for it by drinking water in the car. Then I get full and don't want to eat dinner. Vicious cycle. And I used to not make time for lunch. I do now no matter what's going on. I developed hypoglycemia since becoming a nurse and I'm no good to anyone passed out on the floor.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Re: prohibition of fluids at the nsg desk area

If I recall correctly, that restriction was covered in OSHA's Universal Precautions standards back in the 1990's. It also restricted food and application of LIP BALM stuff in work areas.

I guess it all depends on where you work. I just don't think fluids are appropriate on med carts (and it grosses me out when I see drinks on treatment carts).

And to a PP, I thought I was the only one who recognized that my chapped lips/lip licking was a sign of my water need!

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

It's funny, I always find time for coffee during my shift but sometimes I notice I will go a whole 12 hours without drinking any water...that's pretty bad! I'm trying to drink more water throughout my shift.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Re: prohibition of fluids at the nsg desk area

If I recall correctly, that restriction was covered in OSHA's Universal Precautions standards back in the 1990's. It also restricted food and application of LIP BALM stuff in work areas.

I remember the discussion about that particular policy in 2001 at my first job, lol.

What we know now, in my opinion, is if good hand washing is the best universal precaution, then at least let me at least have water! ;)

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