RN0202

Hi, Our facility will soon be going to Electronic charts. No more paper physcian orders. The physcians will be responsible to enter their own orders directly into the computer from the hospital, home, office etc. My question is that there are some doctors that do not want to do this, could they then hire an "RN" to enter and follow through on their "what would be written orders" and enter them into the computer for them and for a fee. If this can be done does anyone have any protocals for this? Are you considered the doctors employee? Could you freelance your service of Order Entry to other physcians within the same facility? I am looking to freelance my services to do this if the need is there and just need some guidance and direction. Thank you, Char

For your interview here are a few things that will help. 1. The patient comes first and the families. Strive for customer service. 2. You are the advocate for that patient and will do what needs to be done to provide quality care. 3. Safety another big one. From medications, to falls. 4. Education for the patient and families. 5. Flexible. Able to multi-task start with 5 patients, take an admission, give up a patient, etc. etc. Very important. 6. Team player, will answer someone elses lights even if not your patient, Will ask your co-workers what you can do for them to help. 7. Please the doctors. 8. Stress your willingness to learn!! Good luck, and don't forget to breathe!!

What you are dealing with is UNSAFE. I did find out that we can not refuse to take our team but we can state that we feel unsafe with the assignment and it needs to be changed. After all who will be in court with you or pay your bills etc if there is a major occurance? Nobody. It is unfortunate that nursing is no different than being a cashier at a grocery store. The patients are our customers and that is it. It is ashame you being a new nurse has to deal with this so early in your career. I want to continue to take care of my patients like I was taught many many years ago. I keep that with me everyday. If it ends up my hours are over budget so be it. At least I know I gave the best care possible and if it was a horrible day my manager and house supervisor are aware of that too. I am seriously considering home health. For the one on one. So we will see. Keep your chin up, voice your concerns by email at least then you have a copy if something does happen. And keep with you the good that you have done for your patiients.

Just to add to your little remarks. Our hospital put our Peds area on by-pass from 4/9/09 0700 to 4/11/09. Now most would think from large amt of children. Take a guess? It is becasue there is no staff available to work it. The 1 Peds rn had to help in different area. Now this is professional right? The frustration of nursing carries on. Have a good day!

Hello everyone, I am a peds nurse with PALS but work postpartum and float to peds. We have an area assigned for pediatric patients, however it is not a "PEDS unit" or they say. Anyway my question is.. Can this "unit" be staffed with med/surg nurse and nurse educator. That happened one day last week. The peds rn called off. Also the following nite they put a mother-baby nurse there who has no peds and no pals because they had no peds nurse once again. I heard our CNO told the M/B nurse to just do her best!! Very concerned, and need info on what action can be taken so this stops. Thanks

I was wondering if anyone has done private duty? This would be for a 6yr downs, with trach and g-tube at his home. I am currently in a hospital setting and it is burning me out! Any thoughts/ideas would be great. Thanks, Char

Sure hope it gets better for you. Just remember- protect yourself and your license!! The staffing issues, ratios, etc. just seem unsafe. I work in a Magnet hospital where we get up to 5 couplets max. No pt. with mag, they stay in L&D, Good Luck, Char

Hello everyone, I have been an RN for 15 years in a hospital setting in various specialties. I am getting burnt out with the hospital and am thinking about going into home health. I would like some feed back from those of you that are already working in HH. Pros and Cons. I don't mind driving in fact I drive 80 miles round trip now, I am tired of not having time with my patients and thought with this field I could spend time and give good nursing care. Also any questions I should ask when applying for a position, in the event I go this route. Thanks, Char

:angryfire I was asked by the hospital personnel to get a drug screen because a patient I had stated she did not get her Dilaudid, and did not get full affect from the medication.. She was sleeping when it was given to her and I had a witness when taking the med from the pxysis, and I signed it off and charted it. I am now suspended until the test comes back. I feel wrongfully accused, I worked 2 days after this occurance and managment called me into the office after my shift was over. What are my rights, or who can I contact about this. Thanks for your help