LesMonsterRN

I am very fortunate that my nurses rarely call in. And when it does occasionally happen on day shift, the remaining nurses will divide their duties differently to help each other out and make the situation work. For night shift call ins (we have only one night shift nurse at the moment) or days off that can't be covered with agency, we cover the absence as a management team - DON, MDS Coordinator and administrator (who is also an RN). We will often split those shifts into equitable time frames and all do part of it so that we can still get our own work done. One of the biggest benefits of that is that the floor nurses see us as willing to roll up our shirtsleeves and dig in. That said, I'm not at all in favor of any of us managers on a med cart if it can be avoided. I'd rather it be someone who does meds routinely. It's too important.

I think we've all been there or will be there at some point. And yes, it does feel good to think about the revenge call out, for a short period, but it reinforces to me the fact that those of us nurses with honor and commitment tend to get bitten repeatedly by this and there's little recourse. And that, of course, is another reason for burn out. I feel you, sister.

You were the patient's best advocate that day and exactly right. I'd have you take care of my loved ones any day of the week and twice on Sunday. THIS is what our profession is about. Well done.

I was writing this whole reply in my head and then read Emergent's reply; I couldn't have said it any better. Just look at the experience as a temporary setback. I also think that working as a CNA, if it's possible at some point with regard to your immigration status, will go a long way in helping your overcome the performance anxiety. Good luck and keep us posted!

I agree wholeheartedly for non-urgent situations. I recently had a situation with potential for a really bad outcome during change of shift report. I work on a 25-bed subacute rehab unit that cares for a large number of orthopedic patients on anticoagulants. Typically we have two nurses on days and evenings each (we run three shifts) and split the number of patients down the middle. On this particular day I was the only evening shift nurse. I had gotten report on the first half of the unit already when an INR of 9.1 came in on a patient I'd already gotten report on, but I'd just started getting report on the second half and it would be a good half-hour before I'd be able to address the INR with the attending. There was still the other day shift nurse on the unit and my thoughts were that she could've called the attending while I still in report since the INR was critical. Thoughts, opinions?

1:12 here and we have med techs to pass pills, fortunately.

What a classy thing to do! Edibles are always a hit and I like the jar of pens idea, too. Good luck in your new position!

When my children were small I worked every weekend and one day a week. My then husband stayed at home with the kids on the weekends, and I was fortunate enough to have a mother who ran an in-home day care and she was very flexible with scheduling what days she would have the kids.

I agree with the others. I would also get in contact with Social Services as soon as possible and detail your concerns with her/him.

Great job! What a great reinforcement of what you learned about therapeutic communication and simply listening to your patient. I'll bet you remember this experience for the rest of your career. And congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

1:20 is a good ratio for LTC and should be very doable, even for a new grad. Work hard on establishing a routine early on and you'll do fine.

I am so sorry, Stever01. I am thankful your family is okay. I can't imagine a disaster of this magnitude. I hope you can hear from your friends very soon and will keep them all in my thoughts. From Central MO, Les

We got one today where the offender's complaint was "swollen phallus and itchy knutz".

This doesn't have to be the norm, however. One licensed nurse for 58 is dangerous. Sure, someone with a set routine and experience can do it in good time, but that doesn't leave much wiggle room for an event like a code or a fall.

Very cool that you found it just when you needed it.