Survey: Are you confident that your nursing colleagues are competent?

MollyMo · Sep 4, 2002

For the most part, the crew I work with are very competent. The original crew that was hired when I was,anyways. We have a few additions to the unit now that I wish were never hired for us or transferred to us. Just this morning I was late leaving due in part to cleaning up my coworker's mess. He left before I knew it. He came to us from the ER because he has gout real bad and a bad knee and was moving too slow for ER. Well, we work Interventional Cardiology so if someone's groin starts to bleed it's not exactly a slow stroll to get to the patient. Since these last 5 have been hired we've had more problems with post cath bleeds than we ever did. Management knows how we feel, but for them it's an issue of bodies more so that competence.

Rottie1 · Sep 4, 2002

I answered yes. Working in the OR, I put myself in that setting and I know which nurse I would pick to be my nurse. But after reading some of the posts, I recalled some of the situations that happen and realized that No I would not feel confident if I had to come out in an emergency and be stuck with whomever was on call. That is sad and very sorry that as nurses we are not confident in one another.

ktwlpn, LPN · Sep 4, 2002

I answered "yes" At this time I am in LTC-we have the best staffing in this area and have full time supervisors on all shifts(not common in other LTC's around here) They are knowledgaeble and very accessible and they know who may need more support.On my unit I am fortunate enough to work with some very intelligent and supportive co-workers.I am very grateful....I have seen some frightening incompetence in both acute and LTC over the years in all disciplines and at all levels of education...How DO some of these people get through orientation?

Maineeyak · Sep 7, 2002

I also answered "yes" w some hesitation. I gave it some thought and have to agree w/ most of the posted responses that there are the good and the scary. For the most part, I have worked with a high percentage of competent people and can usually determine quickly who I feel is incompetent. Whenever I feel that a nurse's skills are shaky, my first inclination is to try and educate--although, I know that w/ some that is an impossible task. But, hey--why not give everyone a chance to succeed!!!!

shygirl · Sep 7, 2002

Where I work, we have the best staff. Each and everyone puts the patient's best interest first. Now as far as personality, well there are about 7 nurses that are so crotchety and crabby all the time, you can't even say "Good morning" without hearing how their lives suck or how so and so did this or that.

Shygirl

OBNURSEHEATHER · Sep 7, 2002

My hospital, my unit, my shift.... I have the utmost confidence in. They are all wonderful nurses that I trust entirely!

But I've worked with a few in my short time, that have made me wonder.....

Heather

dazedandconfused · Sep 7, 2002

I say no. And will leave it at that.

ptnurse · Sep 8, 2002

I really, really want to say "yes" but I just can't quite bring myself to do it. But "no" does not cover it either. For every competent nurse that comes to mind, I can think of a nurse who is truely scary.

cmggriff · Sep 8, 2002

If you have no confidence in your co-workers, you should get out of the field. I have seen more pt's killed by Dr's in the past 18 years then by "Dangerous scary nurses." I have been called dangerous and scary by my collegues. I have been counseled and " written up" for doing things that went beyond the hospital P&P. Give it a rest already. Gary

Youda · Sep 8, 2002

Originally posted by ptnurse
I really, really want to say "yes" but I just can't quite bring myself to do it. But "no" does not cover it either. For every competent nurse that comes to mind, I can think of a nurse who is truely scary.

I agree. I decided not to take the poll, because there isn't a "some" answer, just 'yes' or 'no.' I've had the pleasure of working with some nurses who I'd trust with my life or anyone dear to me. Others, well, I think they are either criminally negligent or criminally stupid, take your pick.

alansmith52 · Sep 9, 2002

ANYONE WHO VOTED NO ON THIS SUBJECT IS GUILTY OF EATING THEIR YOUNG. AND GUILTY OF BRINGING THE PROFESSOIN DOWN.

ITS NURSES LIKE YOU THAT GIVE US ALL A BAD NAME.

IF YOUR NOT CONFIDENT IT IS YOUR RESPOSIBLILITY TO HELP THEM.!!!!!!!!!

RNinICU · Sep 9, 2002

Originally posted by alansmith52
ANYONE WHO VOTED NO ON THIS SUBJECT IS GUILTY OF EATING THEIR YOUNG. AND GUILTY OF BRINGING THE PROFESSOIN DOWN.
ITS NURSES LIKE YOU THAT GIVE US ALL A BAD NAME.

IF YOUR NOT CONFIDENT IT IS YOUR RESPOSIBLILITY TO HELP THEM.!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I can't agree with you here. One of the most incompetent nurses I know has 25 years of experience and is also one who treats our new staff harshly.