Organizing the team for the day

Hi Everyone;

I am a new nurse and I am still learning the ropes. I could use some advice. I am on an ortho/neuro unit. We typically have 4 patients and I have a preceptor and patient care tech on the "team". I am almost done with orientation, so my preceptor is there if I have questions or need help, but for the most part I work on caring for the patients. The tech may have my patients and a few for another nurse. I have noticed that there is not much consistency in when the blood sugars are checked, vital signs are taken, safety checks are done and documentation of a patient's input and output. I realize that we are understaffed and at times may have only one tech for the entire unit. With that said, there are times that I can not pull a patient's insulin while pulling other meds, because the patient has not been checked yet. Or, I have to find the tech and ask if the patient has voided at all that day. Or, I am having to check blood pressure before medication administration because the tech has not entered the vital signs yet. I feel as though as a team we could run smoother. Please understand that I am in no way bad mouthing our techs. They have a tough job. I was a tech before becoming a nurse, so I sympathize for them when they are handling the entire unit by themselves. They are truly hardworking and a blessing.

So, here is my question, is it uncommon or typical to have a team meeting after report? What I am thinking is that after we receive report, I could have a little meeting with my tech. I could go over the game plan for the day. For instance, I like to pass morning pain meds to the patient that I know will see therapy first and then work my way through the list. Also, this patient may need to be cleaned up, have breakfast and their insulin injection before therapy as well. So, in my meeting, go over this information. To just set the expectations for the day. If I did this, would it be conceived as beneficial or that I am being selfish and putting my patients first?

I would love to know what other nurses do. I know that this is long, but I am really wanting to find an easier and smoother way of getting through the day.