puppytrix

Thanks Matt!! This is all so new to me. I appreciate your help. :)

Sam1998, I know this is an older post, but I am in a similar situation in a Twin Cities Hospital. I have sent you a friend request to discuss this more privately, but I am unable to find out how to send you a private message.... so my apologies to everyone else who reads this for taking your time... I hope everything is well, JESS, RN- EMT-P

I agree... who wouldn't help another patient? I will always check with the primary RN before giving meds, but if another patient needs something, I will "add them in" with my prioritizing. If I'm covering another RN's break or for whatever reason, I will do what I can... in the order I choose as appropriate. I guess I don't know what my LEGAL responsibility is, but my thought is: if I am a qualified person who fails to perform something necessary, I could be held responsible. But, again, I see many people use that excuse "well, it's not my patient" and it is a sad thing to see. We are IN THIS for the patients. Or, at least we should be.

Excellent things to consider. I work in an ER at a 500+bed hospital, and I absolutely love it. I liked working on the floor, but working in the ER is "for me." (as cheesy as it sounds)! It's a completely different world, so much more independent and unpredictable, but it's great. Definitely consider the 11 questions mentioned above, there are a lot of "internal" things like that you have to consider. Congratulations, and good luck! Jessica, RN, EMT-P

Although some morphine drips are used in hospice/comfort care patients, I have seen MANY more who were not in such a situation. In my opinion, I would have to know more information. How long have they been on each? What is the reason? I've put many people on Mg drips for respiratory issues, not simply hypoMg. And, does the morphine pt have continuous oximetry? Our protocol is that they are on the continuous measurements, so I am very aware what their sats are without even going into the room. Jess, RN, EMT-P

I occasionally accompany family members as well, and they always make a point of telling the staff (or everyone they come in contact with). Hit in on the head with them being proud.... but I find myself reverting back to the age of 5 and saying mooooOOOOOooom!!!! ....as if she just licked her finger and cleaned my face. :)

10/10 pain; my thigh is "super red and swollen" and "my dad is a doctor, but since I'm way up here at college, I just knew I had to come in." Diagnosis? Ingrown hair. ARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!

We actually had an elderly patient (in her 90's) with a hip and pelvis fracture whose daughters would NOT let us give any other pain medication besides tylenol. (basically for the same reasons you listed). The doctors actually put in an order so THEY would be the deciding individuals in the patient's care. I'm not sure exactly how far they went into the LEGAL part of it, but they basically took over power of healthcare. This patient you are describing is a vulneralble adult by definition, and withholding medication when she obviously needs it can be considered neglect. The doctor ordered the medication, and YOU do not practice medicine. YOU are following MD ORDERS, as you should. This should not be on you, (and although I know it's difficult) don't take it personally. You were being a PATIENT ADVOCATE, which is exactly what we are supposed to be.

I have seen plenty of COPD patients in general, and I have seen many on 4L/min, and some more. Of course it is always whe least amount possible with keeping them at an acceptable level, but especially when it comes down to the end stages of the disease, these patients could be on any flow.

Good luck with everything. I really enjoy working in the Cities, it's just a little tense at the moment with RN layoffs and such. I am a great fan of the state union, and the hospitals in the areas are great. I sure hope the market picks up. Hope to see you back in the area!

Hello! I know we have some agencies in our area, although I apologize I don't actually KNOW the agencies. I work at a large hospital in St. Paul, and we occasionally have some traveling nurses, but that has been decreasing. Census has been down for all the Twin Cites hospitals and as far as actual hospitals, VERY slim pickings for RN positions. It has also been extremely difficult to pick up any extra hours as a staff nurse. So, I know the AGENCIES for travelling nurses are good, but I don't know how busy they are. What area are you from? Jess