LoriChr

I can relate. I was blindsided at a review a few years ago by statements made by a co-workers that I can be abrupt and hard to approach when I am busy. Gee, sorry! Guess I will make more time for social chit-chit instead of trying to take care of my patients. One thing I hate: That so many of us can't approach each other about these things in person as opposed to waiting for yearly reviews. It seems to be a widespread problem. I know I am really trying to get better about this.

LTC needs more caring, compassionate people like you.

That behavior is one of my pet peeves. I think a new employee should be at his/her job a minimum of three months before the suggestions start. Before that I don't feel the person knows the job or the facility well enough to start offering ways to improve.

Just last week I was doing some patient teaching for a gentleman scheduled for hernia surgery. He said (and I quote) "I know how this stuff works, I watch Gray's Anatomy and House on TV." I went on with my teaching as planned.

I agree, keep it professional. I would also be aware of whomever gave you the information. There are those who thrive on drama and love nothing more than causing trouble. Unless you heard this directly from your charge nurse and she told you who made made the complaint, I would be cautious as to what to believe.

17. We can't read your mind. That pretty much covers it.

Well then...((hug)) before this thread gets shut down!! You are such a positive wonderful force on this board. My thoughts are with you during this time.

One of the best nurses I know has Type 1 diabetes.

Wow. If nurses were fired for one F-bomb in frustration out of the ears of patients where I work there wouldn't be anyone working there! I agree with others. Even if this does not result in termination, I would get out of there.

Yikes, I used to do that too! Meeting are always scheduled during your prime sleep hours, but you still expected to attend. Friends are relatives are always surprised to hear they woke you calling at noon, even though you have been working overnights for years.

I was married for about two years when I went to nursing school. The year I spend in LPN training was easily the most difficult time in our marriage. I was gone all the time, and when I was home I was studying. I also worked part-time while going to school. It was hard for my husband who was used to having a wife home in the evenings and free on the weekends. Things got pretty tense at times. But our marriage prevailed, just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. He has always encouraged me to go back to school some day for RN. I say, "Do you remember what it was like the first time I was in school!?"

I am so sorry you had this happen. I work for a general surgeon and know full well the frustations of surgery scheduling. As the OP stated, the nurse had no business promising you surgery time would be open. Schedules change constantly and quickly. At least in my experience, it is pretty rare to "hold" spots. But I am also bothered by her obvious lack of follow-though. I work part-time and am very upfront with my patients when I will be out of the office. If I know something will be happening on my day off, I make sure at least one of my co-workers know what is going on. No one is perfect and unforseen things happen. But it sounds like that office nurse dropped the ball several times here.

I'm sorry you had such a terrible night. I worked the first 7 years of my nursing career in LTC on the night shift. The sheer amount of patients we are expected to care for, not to mention how sick many are, is unacceptable. You did absolutely nothing wrong. You cared for your patient and attempted to get a much needed DNR order. I honestly don't know what more anyone could expect. :icon_hug:

sorry if this is a dumb question, but i am not familiar with the term "medical 25". i assume it refers to a patient crashing, but not a full code blue, is that correct?

I am an LPN and have been working in a clinic for five years. Personally I would be extremely uncomfortable with anyone stating that the doc "just lets them refill a med" and calling it in. I don't care if it is just a stool softner, I talk to the surgeon before anything gets called to the pharmacy. As far as medical advice, I am very careful about anything I tell a patient over the phone. If there is any, any doubt, they are adviced to come in and see the doctor. We always say we would rather have people come in and it be nothing then overlook something serious. We are especially cautious in post-op surgical patients, since so many things could be occuring and you don't want to depend on patient assessment over the phone. After surgery, there is no charge in the post-operative period, so this makes it easier to convince the patient to come and see the doctor. I must admit I don't have a lot of experience with MA's and their level of education and what they are allowed to do. We have only a handful of MAs employed in our clinic and none in my particular dept.