clezalla

Ok we don't have a "charge nurse" we have shift leaders who take full pts. assignments. I was told by my manager(my previous position) to write a proposal. Just curious what makes a great charge nurse and does anyone have a job description? Thanks

we do bedside report and try to involve the pt. in the report process. SBAR is a great way to start. Try to include information the oncoming shift will find helpful to the care of the pt for the shift. A "complete" history in change of shift isn't always necessary ie: 80 yr old female here for chest pain and general weakness had hysterectomy at age 43( not really important information) what i want to know from off going shift is mentation( are they alert) how they ambulate, IV site and when was it put in fluids, foleys( when put in) abnormal labs, tests for AM. PAIN level last meds given. Please don't give me a complete assessment as I have to go and assess pt. for myself. Follow head to toe and if pt is able ask them how there day was and do they understand plan of care. Good luck, you will find your own style.

I spent 10 years on a urology floor and NEVER would i think of using cold saline. Frequent bladder irrigation for clots is the best.

you say she is a great nurse, great nurses to not "eat their young!" as a RN with over 30 years of experience I can tell you felling frustrated and some what inadequate as a new grad is expected. I still have days when i feel like that. Hang in there! Set goals for yourself and what you like to accomplish during your shift. Your preceptor should have daily and weekly goals for you. Regarding the fluid issue that's crap!!! she should have touched bases with you regarding the pt. Glad your new preceptor is a better fit for you. Just hand in

i totally agree for the most part the goal for 98% of my patients is to go home! so that's what I put. I will put up questions they have for the doctors since i work nights and they aren't making rounds until the next day, this helps the patients remember that they had questions