1indat

I am glad you have identified the issue. Leaving the floor is not inherently abandoning an assignment, just as taking a break isn't. The issue is hand-off. Coverage should be planned in advance. Couldn't the nurse going on break report off to both to the charge and another nurse as a back-up? When I worked in ICU I was frequently charge and covered codes. It was honestly never a problem. It sounds like there needs to be a specific procedure drawn up to make sure patient safety standards are maintained. Keep pushing till this gets resolved! Good luck

There is something for everyone in Nursing. Have you thought about being an educator? YOu have a wide variety of experience to share. Or how about home health? Or maybe get into the regulatory aspect and become a state surveyor? Perhaps office based nursing would be interesting. Don't give up or feel that you are stuck. The right job is out there!

Not a fan of this post. I have been a nurse a very long time with about 20 years in the ICU environment. When you think about just how sick someone has to be just to be admitted into the hospital along with the never ending barrage of tests and constant interruptions, is it any wonder that people may not be at their best? In my experience, there have been extremely few patients and/or families that were truly difficult to deal with.

I don't care if the turkey's almost ready -- it's time for your blood pressure check!