Intentional

"Got your coffee? Good" "So I'm waiting for a few docs to call back..." Constant alarming during report

Oh look ... CDiff is making rounds again!

My worst start was about 2 weeks ago... The aide came to tell us a patient (who I hadn't received report on yet) had passed. The rest of the night was a phone tag battle with security and the funeral home. We couldn't move the patient because he was too large for our morgue! The nursing super was having a fit because she wanted to admit someone to that room. It eventually took 5 guys from the ER to transfer the patient about 6 hours after he passed!

You are called at all hours of the day to pick up shifts! If I haven't slept yet and I answer the call, I can't come to work in the next 4 hours. If I worked last night I'll be asleep when you call. I'm all for picking up the occasional shift, just give me some notice!

I spit out my soup when I read that- LOL

I love me some night shift, but what?!

It was always my understanding that a mitt wasn't considered a restraint unless it was tied to the bed/chair/etc.

I used to work 2-3 in a row with 2 days off between work stretches. It was nice, but I've since changed so that I can have 3 day weekends every other weekend! I think it depends if you are working 12's or 8's.

"That's right, I'm refusing my discharge! At least here I get my own room!"

"...and if they don't give me a 10/10 I don't get my bonus! No one understands me like you nurses!"

Hippo!!! Awesome. I'd be an owl.

.whoops.

If she's AOx3 with stable VS then there isn't any "fault". Dr's orders will cover you that far, and some people will take advantage of the heavy hitters as long as possible. Has she been taking them for an extended period of time? I would hope there's a plan to wean her off the narc (addictive and likely to cause a rebound headache) and the known vesicant. As her nurse you can educate and advocate, but she might not care. Try to keep the husband in the loop of education and advocacy about her prn meds. Dilute, push slow, and when appropriate: give the lower dose/alternate med!

Oh dear.

Geesh, I don't mind pillows, blankets, or the occasional cot, but formula is a bit much!

A) I cannot believe how long this got in such a short amount of time. B) If only you could teach common sense and sound judgement!

Hey! I'm in a similar boat: a little over a year medsurg experience. I never hesitate to reference my old books/online resources when at work...yes I get teased, but it's worth it! One thing that really helped me was subscribing/joining the AMSN (Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses) because they send out a journal every few months. It's a little pricey, but worth it. I had asked a few respected nurses (old professors, work mentors, etc) what they would recommend and went from there! Is there a professional organization for your specialty?

days 1:6 with an aide nights 1:6 with an aide (1:4 if no aide) and a secretary who covers the whole hospital

tokmom: that was fantastic.

You didn't want me in the first two movies, Batman, so I got my RN ... now when was your last BM?

one of my favorite nursing notes explained how a confused little old woman had "vomited whole pineapple" during dinner. the image of a whole pineapple, leaves and all, coming from this lady's mouth had us all laughing pretty good!

"princess glove" = arm sleeve to keep the LOL's from ripping out their IV's