PamUK

We use a system called GRASP... t's great & I know it is available in the States (at a cost of course) Hope you find the link helpful http://www.graspinc.com/

Gosh... this thread really isn't focussing on the patients needs. I would have a fit if a nurse WOKE ME UP at 6am to give me bloody tablets! The routine of the floor/ward really needs to reorganise itself to the needs of the patient (including a decent nights sleep) and NOT to the needs ot the nursing staff or financial management needs. In my hospital, the patients are not disturbed for ANYTHING before 8am, unless it is urgent or absolutely necessary. Once you get this ethos embedded into your whole culture, its easy! You look back & think... what the hell where we thinking then???

I think it's becasue too many ppl want to increase their amount of postings so just put in their twopence worth!!! Even if it is irrelevant, inappropriate... whatever I've just been taken to 153 postings

IF you gave meds prepared by someone and this is standard pratice endorsed by the facility through policy & procedures, would there not be some sort of vicarious liabiltiy? For an act to be considered (vicarious liabilty) within the course of employment it must either be authorised or be so connected with an authorised act that it can be considered a mode, though an improper mode, of performing it. Not sure about the US systems, but I know that this would a serious consideration in the UK. Seems to me that this is endorsed, even if there are no written procedures, through common practice. Not saying that this practice is correct but by the mere fact that the "management" hasn't changed the practice means that they are vicariously liable... doesn't it?

I got £200 in gift vouchers when I had been there for 20 years, which was nice. Bought myself a good espresso/capuccino coffee maker. The worst, and we get them every Christmas, is a small, cheap, flimsy diary. We all throw them out immediately.

Home, even if there is no-one to look after me!

How about a nice minimalist "Thank You Card". Why do you feel the need to give someone a gift for doing their job?

I put together a Math calculator in Excel and it is now on the hospitals intranet for nurses to use if they are unsure. If anyone is interested, I am more than willing to share. Only thing is, the UK is entirely metric. I remember when I worked in the States in the late 70's, you were using some imperial. I had never heard of drams before I went there! Do you still use that as a measure? And quarts & gills is definately out on my calculator!

If they need turning, they are put on pressure beds to minimise the impact on the nurses backs. I dont work on the wards any more... got into the quality side of things... but will find out what nurses do exactly & let you know. Glad to hear you all have No Lift policies though!

Its about time you all had a "No lifting" policy. Its a disgrace the way some patients expect a nurse, even if they are similar weights, to lift them. We never lift patients. Have all sorts of devices to get them out of bed & up and about, but never, ever lift.

We have volunteers at my hospital but they are not allowed to do work that a paid member of staff should be doing. So they can't feed patients or help in any way with patient care and they cant do paperwork or admin duties... our unions would have a fit! But the type of work they do is directing or escorting visitors or going to the shop for a patient or providing patients with extra drinks (but aren't allowed to help them drink) They do not get in our way at all because they have a paid co-ordinator who will supervise them, especially at first until they know their limitations. I dont think I would like volunteers who helped with a paid persons job - too much responsibility if things go wrong because of what they have done. Having said all that, they do a brilliant job and our hospital wouldn't be without them.

I have never heard of aspirating for subq injections either & I have worked in quite a few hospitals in the UK and the USA. However, if it is your hospital's policy, then I guess you have to follow it for two main reasons: a) you wont place yourself in the position of being disciplined if someone was petty enough to do so (and I think that is a higher chance - nursing seems to have a lot of petty managers!) b) the hospital will take vicarious liability for your actions if you have followed their policy and there has been harm as a direct result of aspirating However, I cant see what harm aspirating could do. Just unnecessary. It would be interesting to ask pharmacy the rationale behind their thinking though. Let us know if you find out.

Can deal with vomit in any shape, form or smell. Its sputum I cant deal with EVER!

Someone PLEASE... put me out of my misery... how did the show end? Is the baby OK? Forget that... just read Asoldierswife05 posting in full. Big sigh of relief!

All the CNS nurses at my trust got band 7 and their manager an 8b.