jmsrn

I have used small doses of atropine also to help dry up secretions or those death rattles. I have also heard that the more you suction a dying pt the more secretions they produce. I agree that all patients should be treated with the same level of care so probably should use a new suction tube each time.

In my jobs we have always been told that sleeping on the job was grounds for immediate dismissal. If a staff member can't make it through the shift without sleeping then maybe night shift is not the shift for them to be working. If it was a new behavior then maybe someone needs to talk to them and find out if something is going on in their lives to prevent them from working and maybe needs to take a leave of absent until they can get their problems worked out,

When a nurse calls in sick at our facility we have to ask if they have anything reportable. They keep track of contagious illnesses but we are not suppossed to ask for any other details.