"Uses call light extremely well"

[FireStarterRN]

Yesterday I was running my tush off with 3 busy patients and no tech on a cardiac care unit. This one woman should go on Jeopordy! I ended up scrambling to finish up my charting after I gave report.

All I could think of to say was "Pt conts to have frequent urination, uses call light very well" "Continues with excellent ability to use call light" "A&O, uses call light extremely well" That's pretty much my shift with her, she didn't really have any issues, other than the fact that she needed her water pitcher topped off or her bed side table slightly moved... Definately a passive personality.

[DoeRN]

One of my favorite charting nightmares:

Had a patient once who claimed that previous nurse had only seen her once all day long. Given the fact that she had been on the light three times in five minutes for silly stuff, I doubted that...called day nurse into room and told her in front of patient, "Jane, Mrs. Smith claims you only saw her once all day today. I'd like to hear your side of the story as well, let's get this all cleared up before you leave for the day." Mrs. Smith couldn't believe I would have done that to her, as she ended up having to admit she had lied about it. Intervention documented.

Luckily I had a light team otherwise all night, one of those kinds of shifts that you pray for. I was able to document every time her call light went off, what it was for, and what was done. I ended up being glad that I did b/c at 0600 her husband and daughter appeared at my station wanting to know why I didn't check on Mrs. Smith all night. I explained nicely that she had been cared for quite well with frequent interventions all night long. They didn't believe me. I loved the look on their faces when I pulled out the novel I had charted on her and was able to tell them:

"At 2003, I pulled her blankets up for her.

At 2005, I pulled her blankets down.

At 2010, I got her fresh ice water.

At 2012, tech got her juice.

At 2016, I adjusted her thermostat up.

At 2020, tech pulled her blankets up.

At 2025, I adjusted her thermostat down.

At 2030, I gave her pain meds and pulled her blankets down.

I have twelve hours of charting like this, would you like to hear it all?"

They never bothered us again about whether or not we had taken care of the patient correctly.

Classic I love it!!!!! :heartbeat Good for you!!!!

[deyo321]

When that sweet nurse calls to give report on your new admission and says "Alert and oriented, able to make needs known....theres your sign.