ashleyelam

We have a patient with MRSA and pseudomonas in her sputum. Heres my question for all of you: Shouldn't this pt be in a negative pressure room? Our DON refused this pt. while the DON was out sick our business mgr accepted the pt. We do not have any specialized isolation rooms here at our facility and I feel that it is a huge risk to staff and other patients because we have to remove isolation gear an wash in the room. All my CNAs and myself are now sick, sore throats and URIs within just a couple shifts with this pt. None of us have been to the Dr. because we are in the middle of state inspection and pulling OT to keep extra staff to compensate. I'm totally worried! Our DON is still out sick so I cannot talk to her about it.

I am the night nurse on a small rehab unit, up to 12 pt max. However we take a lot of train wrecks that other facilities refuse. I have 1-2 CNAs depending on how many patients I have that are Hoyer txfer, incontinent, on bladder training, etc. When I round I take 1 CNA room to room with me. They pass ice, empty trash, and help me by writing down my vitals and other things I tell them from my assessment and then we toilet or bed check them. This way we only wake the patient one time and I am not fumbling with a clip board and pen or cross contaminating. I have help turning patient etc. It just goes faster. But another added bonus is I see how my aids handle pts and they see me handle them and I set the example for things like hip precautions and safe txfers. The other CNA is getting call lights and restocking things. I chart vitals immediately after I'm done. Then my next round is for pills but again I combine this with bed checks and toileting. Hope this helps someone.

I felt the same way at first. Over time I was able to make time for the residents because I got a routine. It is overwhelming at first. Don't give up! Just give your work your all and be a good nurse. You went into nursing for the right reason and thats what the residents need!

I am a new nurse. I began with my aides by asking their input and helping them out with lights, bed checks etc. I would ask them questions and let them feel like they are important, which they ARE! You need your aides, and they need to feel important and appreciated. Asking them to help orient you gets it off to a good start, even if you already know the answer ask them something. It brings you down to earth, shows that you do not think you are better than them or that you know everything. I also say please and thank you even for tasks they are required to do. I also brought in a meal for my girls after a couple of weeks to say "thanks" for the help and support they gave me. That worked for me. And do not forget that they may have had bad nurses before you and are expecting you to be the same way. Try to see their perspective.