tripletmom

I work in an ER where our Docs frequently write on the chart pelvic exam with RN assist when we need to do a pelvic exam. One of our Docs took it a step further by writing "Pelvic exam with nurse in lithotomy." I was very embarrassed the next day when my supervisor called me at home laghing because I had signed off on the order.

We have an unwritten policy on this... Our shifts are 7-7 so if an admission arrives on the floor after 6 The current shift gets the patient settled and any other immediate things that need to be done then the next shift will do the admission assesment and physical and paperwork. Of course the patient is informed of this procedure so they don't feel like they are "dumped" in a bed. It also requires teamwork and we all know some are better at this than others;)

I finished nursing school when I was 30. My class was very diverse. there were only 14 in our class and we ranged in age from 19 to 63.

I understand completely your fears. I work on the M/S/P unit until ICU is short staffed. I get pulled because I have ACLS and PALS (since when does this alone make you an ICU nurse). Luckily most of the nurses I work with in ICU realize this and I get the "light" patients. I ask continuous questions, most are terrific teachers and I have learned a lot. But I was told that you should have at least a year experience in ICU before being considered an ICU nurse. I have a long way to go but the knowledge I've gained so far is priceless. Good luck to ya!