redhead_RN

I really appreciate your post. I feel the above comments are judgmental and harsh, and uncalled for as the posters know nothing about me or my situation. I have never "backed down" from my duties, I cont to lift and care for patients as I did before pregnancy. I have cared for a patient a few weeks ago with active TB, and numerous contagious patients. This is the only situation in which I have "tried to use pregnancy as an excuse" as you put it. I am simply not comfortable lifting her, and feel it places my child in danger. As swirlygirl stated, I am glad I do not work with nurses like you and have a supportive staff.... A staff that I constantly have to remind "I am pregnant, not handicapped" because they don't want me lifting anything heavier than a chart! I was under the impression that this community was supportive of other nurses, but I was obviously wrong. I am sorry I posted, but will not be bothering you with my petty problems again.

Hi, My name is Jessica, I usually pop in from time to time and read the forums, but have not really had anything to add until now. I have a situation at work that is troubling me, and I would love some insight from you guys! We currently have an elderly hospice patient on our floor. Her family is the typical "pop in for 30 minutes to straighten the nurses up" kind of family. They do hire sitters to stay with her 24/7, which is a help to our staff. Our biggest obstacle (aside from the family's daily 5pm assault) is the family insistence that she be gotten up to the BSC for BM's (she does have a foley). This may not seem like a big deal, but she really can't tell when she has to go, which means we are getting her up 3-4 times a shift. This woman is also so weak, she can barely suck from a straw, so she is NO help. Completely lifting a 120lb woman 3-4 times a shift is murder on our staff. Let me add that myself, and another nurse on our floor, is pregnant. Recently we both cared for her two days in a row, and with no tech to help us, put her on the bedpan against the family's wish. The daughter was livid and complained to the DON. Now, we have all been instructed to "NEVER" put her on the bedpan, and to get her up as many times as she demands. So, my hands are tied. I have requested to no be assigned this patient, which I was told was not fair for the other nurses b/c we must "share" difficult patients. We do usually have techs on our floor, so I have to send the tech when she wants up. We have a great staff, and wonderful techs...they say they understand that I can not lift her. But I have begun to sense "displeasure" from them when I send them to the room. I am simply at a loss, especially since this woman will be with us till her death. I know it isn't fair of me to put the task off on the techs, or other nurses when she is my patient, but I fear that doing it myself is a risk to my child. Anyone have any suggestions on better ways to handle this?