stphnrnm

I am currently working in the ER, prior to that I worked in OB both areas can hit you with an unexpected case at the last minute forcing you to work ot just to complete documentation after e.g delivery or code. however the floor nurse really only have to do the basics for that pt they receive from the ER 30 mnutes before shift change (in most cases). I fully agree that the most important point to remember is the care we give our pts. Team work helps us to get it done efficiently and effectively. No matter where we work in the field of nursing it is still a matter of choice or preferance and the desire and determination to deliver the very best nursing care we can. (Is this not why you became a nurse?)No nurse is an island, we must work together, rely on each other to get the job done, Nursing is an essential service, continuous 24/7, so after you have done your vitals and document them then the nurse you relieves you will resite the IV or page the doctor to clarify orders etc.,and the work goes on....

I know giving Rx someone else has drawn is wrong, but I do it and allow others to do it if the peson who has drawn it up speaks diectly to the staff relieving them stating an acceptible reason why the Rx was drawn up and not given. The syringe MUST be labelled with the Rx,date, time, solvent, amount and signitured by the person who drew it up.

Thanks guys, your answers took a load off my mind.

does anyone have any information on the questions asked at the end of the TNCC course, or know how i can get a sample test?

I am a nurse manager, in my hospital we have a "pool" of nurses, Registered and enrolled (LPN) nurses, allocated to float during each shift. They report to Nursing Administration Office at the beginning of their shift when it would have already been decided which area would need assistance and they are allocated there for that shift.There are times when specialty areas need assistance,(only general trained nurses are in the pool). This is where the shuffling comes in, if there is a critical care nurse or obstetric nurse elsewhere that can be utilized, then they are exchanged with the "pool" nurse.This works out very well as there is just an exchange of hands. However the ill feelings come in when the pool nurse is used and there is still a shortage, then you have to pull from the quietest area that can afford it, then there is the question of who gets moved today? All in all, when you sign on with my hospital there is a written clause which tells you that you may be required to work your scheduled shift anywhere in the institution where needed, this is invoked as a last resort as it is considered an infraction if you refuse to float when requested. We try to reduce overtime wherever possible, but we do not allow patient care to be compromised stphnrnm

I agree with most of what has already been said, the first thing to do is to prevent injury, position the individual. if possible insert a wadded piece of cloth between the teeth to prevent them from biting their tongue (watch out that you do not get bitten in the process), in the interim instruct someone else to call 911, while someone, else even yourself, time the seizure and make note of which body parts are involved in the seizure.If there is someone around who may have witnessed it from the beginning, and any precipitating factors eg. slip and falletc. this is very helpful information. Err on the side of safety ALWAYS call 911. stphnrnm

we all (er nurses) know how policemen can sometimes be a pain in the butt, but putting all jokes aside, we are professionals, in a well respected career and nurses should NEVER react to a PATIENT in a vengeful way. Unless you have a personal relationship with that individual and this type of interchange is accepted or even expected, save the thoughts/ expressions of revenge for those you do, lets keep our side up! if it is only a joke, then I say go for it, we all need to lighten up now and then:roll

1) patients who call up the ER to find out if we are busy before seeking their "urgent" medical care. 2) patients who are DNA in the ER then return shortly after by ambulance because they were waiting too long!