RN-90

Consider options that have psychiatric co-morbidities—chemical dependency, detox, rehab work with individuals having traumatic brain injury, geriatric psych/dementia. There are likely others. Is your hospital system inpatient only or are there outpatient options. I've always thought you deal with individuals having psychiatric/behavioral health options everywhere. Best of luck to you

I previously taught at a CON and did clinical placements. If a student wanted an exemption, they had to submit to the clinical agency for the exemption.

Before I was an RN, I worked in psych as a tech which is where I remember many of these gems. Quite a walk down memory lane!

Good directions. Took me back to my first year as a nurse caring for a young man bitten by a rattle snake. He and his buddies were camping (and drinking) when they heard a "rattlin' sound" so he stuck his hand in a wood pile to see what it was. Bitten on wrist--entire arm swollen to shoulder by the time they got to hospital.

I am curious to know the orientee's perception of how she is doing. This is tough, but I agree with the others--clear expectations, lots of follow-up. Which you are doing. Another consideration--it would be nice if your hospital had a preceptor class.

Hats off to you for surviving this night! Five is too many patients for step-down especially when they all sound quite ill. It sounds like you have done many things within your power to help the situation. If these are the unit expectations to manage 5 patients, I might look elsewhere if things don't change.