LisaSh

:) Hello again all, ok this is for night nurses, mostly, but I'd love to know what other shifts think as well. I work nights in LTC, on a short stay unit, short term/rehab. In order to chart my assessments I have to assess, and in order to assess, one must listen to lungs, check surgical sites, listen to bowel sounds, and assess LOC, mood, etc. The issue is, how do we arouse the sleeping recovering patient with finesse', without startling them:uhoh3: and making them upset and/or angry?:angryfire After counting narcs, and getting report its almost midnight and them I'm off to first rounds to do my assessments, medicate for pain, etc. I'd like to know of the different ways that my co-nurses use to awaken patients. Thanks so much, Lisa :)

Relax, be yourself, and dont be afraid to ask questions and admit that you dont know something. I've worked for St R's AND been a patient there, and its a great hospital, good luck! :) Lisa

Hello, I'm new, but finding my way around nicely. In terms of advice for 'writing up' staff, be sure you follow all the proper channels in terms of administration. Writing up someone may not only NOT be necessary, but may not even be YOUR responsibility. Not to say that you want to hide the fact that you are not happy with a staff members performance, but why take on this job of writing someone up that no one likes. I've been in nursing for 21 years and in many different positions, mostly in middle to high level management in LTC. If your supervisor hasnt become involved at this point, then he or she should be and bring this problem to the attention of the Director of Nursing. Proper documentation is necessary for any change to take place. As a starting point, I'd be gentle with the staff member and assist him or her with the task they are responsible for, in this case, vital signs. I currently work nights in a union facility, and hear the negativity on a regular basis. Beneath that rough, tough nasty exterior is a person like the rest of us with a heart which may in fact be hurting. I combat this by being calm, and showing staff that I am a hands on nurse who is there for the patients and to do my job, even if this means 'writing up' staff who dont perform assigned tasks. When they see that you take your patients and job seriously, they will respect you and perhaps have a change of heart. If you are the one to do the 'writing up', explain that you couldnt live with yourself if you were to overlook this type of behavior, and that you are willing to help this staff member with his or her tasks. This approach has worked for me, I've seen staff members complete assigned tasks, AND take on a new attitude. Hope this helps, let us know...Sincerely, Lisa:)