1RN4Christ

You are assuming I spoke with the manager. And yes, as I claim, there is only one. Policy states there has to be two at all times (manager included). I did not call the manager. Let's stick to the post.

I'm done with this post. I'm not sitting here being nasty or condescending. I admitted what I could have done differently and I was asking a question to merely be more OBJECTIVE. Not judgmental and rude! Religion has NOTHING to do with this and you that are so quick to point the finger forget that we are all human and fall subject to the same faults/failures.

Before I called the board (to ask the question, not report anyone), I did look at our policies (which were incredibly vague). Maybe I should have asked my manager first. At any rate, I was trying to become more informed on the situation before proceeding further. It would have been better to ask the RT directly but if you only have one for your small hospital (other than the charge), I am not going to pull her away from ER/ICU, whatever, to ask. I can find her another day. I don't see any issue in doing my own research.

I understand what you're saying, but you don't get that the RT charge is at a separate extension altogether (their office). I called the dept. extension expecting to get the RT that was working on the floor. Let's not make assumptions or project into the future. I just wanted an answer to a question, not get somebody in trouble, which is why no one was mentioned, or the patient, or the day. It was a generalized question that I wanted an answer for, and in turn, give that RT the benefit of a doubt before I took things a step further (if even necessary).

Regardless of what you THINK I was doing, I was not trying to throw them under the bus. I was not going to name anyone specifically, just ask a generalized question. As I said, I'm just trying to gain a better understanding. There is nothing wrong with asking questions. No one has to be named in order to get an answer.

I forgot to mention that I called their department several times to inquire and no one answered. I was not going to page overhead for something like this. I also asked around and no one thought what was done was appropriate, so I went to a reliable source.

Don't get me wrong. I appreciate the role of the RT, they are an incredibly valuable resource for nursing and the patients and we are all a team. I do not have the luxury of rounding with RT's...in fact, we do not round at all, and I wish we did. It is important to know if it's over-stepping because I do not want any confusion regarding information given. It looks bad when nursing says one thing (after communicating with the physician) and RT says another. RT and nursing need to communicate closely regarding the patient's status. Giving inaccurate information can create a mess for nursing and upset among clients and their families. That is all I am trying to avoid. We are a team, need to respect one another's roles and should be on the same page.

I also work in small rural hospital where I do not have quick access to the RT department (as they float everywhere) and often need to be paged. I was going to ask. I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble and did not report this person. As I said, I am just trying to understand the role they have, better.

Just a question. I'm just trying to have a better understanding of the role they play. They are not with the patient all day long, nor do they have direct interaction with the physician.

Also, is it appropriate for them to initiate the discussion of hospice?

Hello! Quick background then a question... I overheard an RT giving lab work, values and their own interpretation of how this played a role in the patient's diagnoses to a patient's family member. Now, I guess I can see an RT discussing ABG's and maybe even a CXR, but CMP and CBC? No. I think this is over-stepping. Anyone know for sure? Or have experience as an RT? I called the board in my state and they said "interpretation is wrong." Then I was referred to the web site that was not very helpful. I don't think they should be reviewing these results with the family, period. I think that question needs to be referred to nursing, or better yet, the physician. Any thoughts?

Strange indeed. I work in a rural hospital on a tele/med-surg unit with an occasional peds patient. A hodge podge of cases.

Yes, I AM an introvert! Good guess ;-) I like the pastoral care idea as I am constantly forgetting. Our pastors do regular rounding but sometimes they are definitely needed more! I'm learning to establish more boundaries. As an example, when people ask me for coffee while I'm doing an assessment, I will tell them breakfast will be up soon with coffee and that if they still need it, I will bring it after I'm done meeting with all my patients. That seems to go over well and they understand. It feels a little strange saying "No" or "Not right now" as people are VERY demanding, but it makes me feel better knowing I have some control and I can only do what I can do without having my hair fall out or losing my sanity. I do delegate...when I first started the tech that sent out the pages wouldn't actually send them as I had requested. I finally figured that out. She was an advocate for CNA's and did not like nurses asking them to do things (delegating is part of MY job as I'm not super-human). I didn't make ridiculous requests. After speaking with my manager, he straightened this out. Sometimes, I still have issues with the CNAs not doing tasks and not telling me - this is irritating. I don't ask much and am constantly telling them to let me know if they need help. There's a select few that give issue... Anyway, I'm finding my voice, slowly but surely after 2 years! Agh! Thank you for your input.

I am going to be more assertive and speak with my manager. I've made comments in the past about how I can't handle another patient being added to my already difficult load or how I need help, but am still given this additional patient and do not receive help. I will be more vocal, in a tactful way, of course.

Your comment is very encouraging. I do need to say something. After speaking with another co-worker, she said she has heard night shift say before "Insert my name is very good with that kind of patient. She is so calm and does a good job so we'll give them to her." I immediately thought the worst. I guess, in part, b/c I have overheard a day charge assign a night nurse a difficult patient just to be mean. It would be nice if these sorts of praises were actually shared.