stillcrazymama

I'm an experienced L and D RN and this situation makes me hurt for you. If the charge nurse felt that you could not handle this patient, then she should not have assigned her to you. The comment that she made was unkind and very unprofessional. To be a charge nurse, one must lead and teach those less experienced, not belittle and discourage them. My advice to you? Don't apologize for a legitimate need, such as needing someone to verify a cervical exam. How else will you learn?We were all new nurses once. Lastly, if the providers are not signing out patients to each other properly, then they are not providing safe care.

Great article! 40 years of nursing for me. Two and a half years ago I returned to hospital nursing after 10 years of working in schools. I love your "stand-out" lessons- they are all so important. Like you, I would encourage my fellow nurses to embrace change, generosity, and forgiveness.

Yes, you should inform your supervisor as a matter of professional courtesy. Most applications request permission to contact your former supervisor. If you do not give permission, it reflects poorly on your record.

I was skeptical at first, but I really like it now. We announce to the patient that we will be giving report, and ask if any of her visitors need to leave. After we are done, I ask, "Did we leave anything out? What else do you want your nurses to know?" We use a standard SBAR reporting sheet on the front of the clipboard, and if there is information that the patient may not want shared, I just point to it on the clipboard. The patients and families like being included. Of course, if it is an ante- patient who is sound asleep and needs her rest, we just do the report outside the door.