ivy2009

We only use PCA pumps for conscious patients who are able to press the button--our cancer patients are mostly inhouse hospice on a continual pain drip--unable to press for relief.

The real question is in our hospital we have PCA pumps for post-ops to press. On my floor --one third of our patients are cancer patients --they are on either a morphine drip or dilaudid drip on a pump --it is not locked on the pump --its just a regular IV pump.--we are noticing at the end of the 100cc bag is running out too soon for the rate it is running--so?? they are wondering if someone is taking some of the medication out of the bag. Family could, employees ..... what do you nurses have in your hospitals for pumps that could prevent this possible crime.

Yes , to answer your questions--I have been there for 28 years--19 years on this med-surg floor--they have been here one year!. It does happen to other nurses and we have come to dread the relief RNs--its like a pack of girls in high school ganging up on you. They are around 21-23 years old--they are annoyed the second they get there that someone needs blood(even though you hung it before you left) rolling their eyes--"does the doctor know about the sodium level?"--"yes he looked at all his lab work" again the rolling of the eyes. Our head nurse knows that relief is a trouble shift--but feels she cannot lose anyone right now and must keep it staffed--we just went to primary care one year ago and need more RNS--getting rid of our Lpns in the hospital. I know I should just keep smiling when they *****--but Its hard --cause they refuse to work day shift because they say its too "crazy with all the doctors". I wish the different shifts would just be nice to each other faces!

Hi, our floor went to giving report to the next shift live at the bedside--use to tape it.--then ask if they had any questions afterwards. Was excited about the new change--but now I am not--I work day shift --giving report to relief shift (3-1130)--all you get is arguements and "threats" to make sure to finish that or call that doctor before you leave!! Now I have been working as a Rn for 28 years--and these girls have just graduated last year--noone leaves work for next shift if you can help it--and I hate these ??threats--puts me in a very bad mood when I leave after a usual hard day. And its strange to have reverse "we eat our young" attitudes its like the old timers "dont know anything"--I do not feel like arguing with anyone about this --you learn from experience to let it go--but how can I answer nicely without causing too much tension from the new nurses who look and act already so angry about their jobs. sign, a elder nurse of 50 years old.:chuckle