Shift change, ding, ding --Doc's here !.!.!

I usually point out that it is change of shift and I haven't seen my patient yet. Then say, I can give you what I got in report, but cannot say much more. MOST docs I work with are reasonable people, the ones that aren't just make themselves miserable, lol.

I just say "sorry, I just got here and can't really tell you anything yet."

End of story.

How well I remember going through that senario, don't miss it one bit. 31 years was all I could take. What was so much more irritating to me was that family members would call in droves at 7:30 for an update. You tell them you just got to work and haven't seen the patient yet, their reply....I'll call you back in 15 minutes....my reply....give me your number and I'll call you back.

What's most mysterious to me is the lull after the after shift change storm-- families wanting this or that or calling to see what's up, docs ordering this or that and no time to follow up with them 'cause we're doing assessments and med passes...crazy as can be...like a restaurant that has its predicted lulls and on speed times.

I just say "sorry, I just got here and can't really tell you anything yet."

End of story.

Well said...there's no need to, ever, to apologize for what you are doing.

They all know when you change shift. As long as you tell them, without apology, that they'll have to read the chart--and be absolutely consistent in that--they'll soon get the picture and begin respecting you for who you are what you do.

Remember..the desk is yours and they can find the chart themselves.

Do not, I repeat, do not enable this behavior in doctors, or anyone else who thinks you are there to serve them, rather than your patients.

How well I remember going through that senario, don't miss it one bit. 31 years was all I could take. What was so much more irritating to me was that family members would call in droves at 7:30 for an update. You tell them you just got to work and haven't seen the patient yet, their reply....I'll call you back in 15 minutes....my reply....give me your number and I'll call you back.

With these HIPPA laws we are so limited to what we can even tell these families. I pretty much tell them all the same "Mom or Dad slept well and is currently resting comfortable, the doc's havent been here yet, yadda, yadda, yadda. Im here all day if you have any more questions. END OF CONVERSATION!!!!!!!!!!!