paulb999

Hello. I am a middle-aged male nurse. I often find that if I ask another employee to do something in their job function (i.e. toilet a patient, answer a call light) that some are very quick to imply that I am using a condescending tone. My two cents is that some employees get very defensive when asked to do to their work, regardless of how professionally or tactfully they are asked.

Hello fellow colleagues, I am a middle-aged male that has been working in a sub-acute facility for approximately one year. I encountered a situation this weekend that resulted in one of my nursing peer's accusing me of using poor judgement. I would greatly appreciate any feedback and/or support you could give me. The situation is that I was taking care of a confused, elderly, diabetic patient over the weekend who has is receiving treatment to a diabetic ulcer on his foot. His foot has been secured with a Dry Protective Dressing for the past 3 weeks and this dressing has been changed every 3 days on the day shift. I work the 3-11 shift and am responsible for checking that the dressing is dry and secure, and if not, to change it prn. I found the dressing off a few days ago and to my concern, I found that there were multiple areas of tissue necrosis on his toes and malleolus that were not there several weeks ago. I immediately reviewed my colleages documented assessment and found that she has been documenting only "scattered scabbing with fragile surrounding tissue and scant drainage". I was uncomfortable with assessment as I did not see any documentation regarding necrosis. I contacted the covering MD. and reviewed the current wound treatment and also gave the MD a measurement of the the necrotic areas. The MD did not order any new treatments but I felt better that I made the call. When my colleage heard of this during the week ,she hit the roof and reported me to administration stating that I should have never called the covering MD. She stated that she had fully covered her documentation by saying that there was "scattered scabbing on the foot" and did not need to use the term necrotic . I was not looking to get any one in trouble but I feel that for the patient's safety, I was required to update the M.D. that the ulcer's had progressed to necrosis. I also feel that the term "scabbing" is not accurate in describing necrosis. I would appreciate any feedback you can give me. Thanks!!!