RN's barking unsafe orders at me

[newtress]

Hello to all. I am wondering if other LPN's have had experiences like mine. I have had three different RN's on three different floors "requesting" (more like yelling or barking because they are hype frenzied themselves) that I do somthing or pull up certain meds for agitation PRN STAT. One which cost me a med error. How do I tactfully tell her/him I am the med nurse tonight and need to make sure this med is OK for me to give right now. More to the story, but trying to keep it short.

[rn/writer, RN]

Sounds like you will have plenty of chances to set the correct tone on your unit.

I worked child and adolescent psych for a long time, and truly, most of the kids were experts at pushing the big people's buttons. Those of us who stuck around learned to hide our buttons and figure out what the kids really wanted. Rarely did they really want to hurt anyone. Most of the time they wanted something legitimate but because of the chaos in their lives and the years of conflict in their homes, they had no idea how to ask for it.

I love the analogy of the nurses on safari with dart guns for the accuracy of the picture, but it makes me sad. What it says, though, is that you have a great opportunity to de-escalate staff and talk them through non-medical alternatives to achieve a healthy connection with the patients. You can model for them (and WITH them) what they need to do for the kids.

Keep up the good work.

[newtress, LPN]

rn/writer, it would be my ultimate fantasy shift if they would only find some truth behind the real meaning of The Serenity Prayer. It really applies here. Thanks for understanding how fragile and precious little ones are in the hospital setting.

[rn/writer, RN]

rn/writer, it would be my ultimate fantasy shift if they would only find some truth behind the real meaning of The Serenity Prayer. It really applies here. Thanks for understanding how fragile and precious little ones are in the hospital setting.

You know what that means, don't you? You get the privilege (though it probably doesn't feel like one) of living the Serenity Prayer in front of them. You can be the working model of calm courage in the midst of the storm.

Stay confident. Whenever anyone tries to pull RN vs. LPN rank on you, just smile and say, "You're right. You do have more education than I do," and let their wind blow right through you.

Stay humble. You know many of the secrets they have yet to learn. Teach them by example, remembering that someone taught you.

Stay strong. Your co-workers really need you and so do those kids.

Avoid power struggles but be ready to fight the good fight for those who can't do it themselves.

Sounds like you are right where you need to be.