"they're not my patient" syndrome

[The Bell Jar]

Whoah I have run into a bad case of "they're not my patient syndrome" where I work. I am having several instances happen where I am busy in one of my patients room,and another nurse will come and tell me that another patient of mine needs to go to the bathroom.Then I go to said patients room and on the way I see that nurse sitting and on the internet.I would understand if they were just as busy.But this is happening time and time again.Talking accomplishes nothing.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

As a student and a nurse, I can side with the students saying "not my patient." As a student, you have no idea what is going with these other patients (sometimes not even with your own!).

Assisting a nurse with a patient whose background you don't know can be harmful at times. Bringing an NPO patient water, helping a patient on BR to the bathroom, or proimising pain meds to patients that can't have them are common mistakes made by well meaning students. Sometimes it's better to have them/us stay with the patient that they know about.

The truth is, students are there to learn about becoming a nurse, but can easily be viewed as extra CNA's. I've routinely had CNA's ask me to check vitals on three or four of their patients, clean patients, and help walk people when I am setting up IVPB and charting assessments. When looking through a chart and trying to notate orders or obtain medication allergies, I've had CNA's ask why I am "surfing the internet." In these situations, they don't have a complete understanding why I am not jumping up to help them give a bed bath. I don't blame them, but - at that moment - it is important to stay on track.

Although ALL nursing students at some time or another will "do CNA work" because it all falls under the scope of nursing, students are in a particular place during clinicals. They have paid for the experience while others are being paid to be there. There are certain skills that need to be practiced at certain times. During my last semester in school I would always place starting an IV over bringing someone juice. I try to remember this when I see students and those that interact with them.

CrazyPremed

Excellent post. When I was in school, we would look out for each other and you could always grab a classmate if you needed help with your patient, but we were told that our main focus was to be the patient/s we were assigned. I'd answer call bells if I was caught up with my patient, but if I was unfamiliar with the other patient-I'd find whatever nurse or CNA was assigned to them to find out if there were any restrictions or concerns.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

If this is happening too often, you may have to take on the same attitude, unfortunately, or you will burn out. How is it that their bodies are better than yours? If the patient's condition is not emergent, let them do their patients and give yourself a break. Sounds sad, I know, but you will kill yourself slowly and it is not fair to yourself and ANY patient that needs care. Do the same-"Hey, nurse so and so...your patient needs her pillow fluffed..." in fact, do it to Ms. Internet Surfer.