idesofmarch1118

We are having a hard time even getting SG up and running on our unit! People want change to happen, but don't want to participate in making the change. They say leadership's involvement at the meetings is why they don't come, but leadership are the ONLY ones that attend. We've tried different avenues, a discussion board on our Blackboard site, informal meetings. ANYTHING, and no one bites. As a fairly new member of the leadership team, but having worked here for several years, I really hope that this can take off. I fear that we will continue to have burn out if folks don't start taking ownership in our unit. We've found that in the past a 0730/0800 start time typically works, but we have a hard time getting our weekend shift group to come in during the week. As we're trying to revamp this whole group anyway, does anyone have feedback on setting 2 meetings/month versus 1? Does everyone come to both? Is there progress or is the 1st meetings material rehashed? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

Aside from the insulin-related information, I think a key point to take away from this situation is how to help mentor newer nurses. I think there is a laundry list of ways that nurses "eat their young," and some might consider this situation as one! The more seasoned could have easily turned this into a teaching moment. By giving a simple explanation of the facility's policy/procedure (the hour before/after administration), to tell her where to look for insulin onset/duration information, and pointers for dealing with situations like this, and maybe even some time management tips. Newer nurses often find themselves trying to catch their tails during the shift, trying to be super nurse, not wanting to ask for help, and trying to complete everything during their shift, when in reality, nursing is a 24h job. We just can't do it all, and this could have been a great opportunity to give pointers and encouragement. I doubt you'll readily forget this situation, and hopefully you'll keep it in mind down the road with other patients. This is how you learn! You don't get every experience in nursing school, but use your critical thinking, trust your "spidey" nursing sense, ask for help or for another nurse's feedback, and recognize when you just don't know what to do! Nursing is science and art, and a lot of teamwork!