RN2B07

My facility has started team nursing & I dont care for it. I am on a busy sugical/ortho floor. We have had meetings about team nursing and 10pts at one time is to be our max. Lately we have been going up to 12. I told the CNM it is way too much for 1RN and 1LPN, she says well you have at least 2 d/c's. The point is I am ultimately responsible and must pass their meds and so an assessment. Not all the RN's are doing this seems only a few. And I dont know why. But I emailed the DON and her response was they will have 10 pts max and 11 pts if necessary. Which probably mean I will be in the same situation. What are my options? Can I refuse the pt. load of 12??

Prior to nsg, I never worked more than 8 hr shifts. I was a little nervous at first, but they arent as bad as I had imagined. I love them and couldnt imagine going back to 8 hrs. Ironically 8 hr shifts seemed to drag more than 12. But I am not gonna lie, I work on a very bust M/S ortho floor and am pretty beat when I come home. But 4 days off makes up for it.

On a post-surgical floor this is very important. I find many pts to be very sleepy and groogy after surgery. How can I effectively encourage this?

Let me clarify...original order was for po. Last post was correct because pt had recurring C-Diff infections. Thats why she was on po. The po vial is a powder mixed with sterile water...when mixed is clear. The MAR states for oral use only! I dont know for sure but she was the one giving it 250mg qid...and said in report pt was receiving IM vanco. I never heard of it...but she had been giving it.

Hi I have been working with a LPN doing team nursing...I am worried because she told the charge RN that one of our pts gets vanco IM. She gives all injections and p.o. meds. Now the following day we had the same pt. group and a SN asked to give the vanco. The LPN said oh...you get to give an IM injection. The SN looked at the MAR and said, no its po. The LPN just stared blankly for a second and said oh right. But I think she had been giving it IM. What would happen? I am scared. Only worked with this LPN 4-5 times and I dont trust her. Please help!

What color are your crocs? :monkeydance:

2 days on the web

First of all, you CAN do this. I have been working M/S for 6 months and it really does get better. I had a horrible preceptor and sounds like you do too. What really helped me was to make up a sheet that has all info about my pts. and tasks needing to be done. If I need a stool sample, I write it and make a box next to it. Then I check it when its done. Prioritze your day. Things will always come up. Honestly, I left in tears many times. But the best thing for me was coming off orientation. I was scared as hell. But felt free and able to prioritize my own way. You need to hang in there! Give it at least till you are off orientation. Just tell yourself, you are still learning. I tell myself that everyday when I feel overwhelmed. Good Luck

Anyone trying team nursing? I am currently on a very busy med-surg ortho unit and my manager wants to try team nursing for more effective patient care. This consists of a RN/LPN team caring for about 10-12 pts. (usual load for RN is 6 pts.) Not sure if assessments are split or together, but the LPN would handle all p.o. meds while RN gives IV pushes. I am curious to hear any feedback!

Can you explain what the Betty Boop I-140 is??

I'm with you on this one! I know I have BSN tacked on behind my name but it doesnt bother me that it isnt printed on my badge. Some pts. will ask and I can tell them. As long as RN is there, thats all I care about. Life is too short to be caught up in the petty stuff!

Hi Jason...I am a new grad, working 6 months now. I am not gonna lie, its hard work getting thru school. Now I am working its stressful, but extremely rewarding. I love what I do, and wouldnt change it. I work 3 12 hr shifts and then have 4 days off per week. Plenty of time to do whatever intersts you. Its not for everyone. but good luck in whatever you decide to do. :welcome:

Many hospitals will hire you as a graduate nurse as long as you pln on working there after passing the NCLEX. You will make less than a RN but it is better than miminum wage. But that depends on the state. Look into that to get your foot in the door & gain experience. You will most likely buddy up with a preceptor and there are certain things that obviously you will not be able to do without a license..such as administer meds. Dont freak out about the boards, you will do fine. Go in with confidence...GOOD LUCK!

Just questioning whether a rough estimate of 6-10 units per bag sounded right. Not questioning the order. The next nurse came on and she said she would find out and start the transfusion. Then I was off, so I am not sure.

Nursing is definitely something you MUST want within....you will get a wake up call if you are just doing it for the money. If you really want to be a nurse, then yes...it is very possible to make that amount. But you have to want it from within yourself. Good luck!