I am so sick of being dangerously understaffed every night. I have been saying that it is only a matter of time until something bad happens because of it.
Administation will not bring in temps, or alow us to close the ER. Squads are lined up in the hallway.
Two weeks ago, one nurse was expected to cover 10 rooms. Things got so bad that a 30 year nurse began to vomit from the stress. Administration called in to see the results of the "no diversion" policy. Their response to this nurse was not take a few minutes and we will figure something out. It was if you leave we will go after you for abandonment.
One month ago a pt left her room and attempted to hang herself in the bathroom.
Still administation does nothing.
last night i have a older woman admitted for pneumonia but she turned into a 17 hour ED hold. I stop in to see her. No changes. 5 min later her heart stops. We start cpr. She comes back in about 30 seconds. Eyes open and alert. Bradycardic. Begin to pace. Call admitting MD and get the run around. Finally get a order for isoproturnol (SP).. After 3 attempts to get drug from pixis, I fax pharmacy the order and call them to tell him that i need this stat. pharmacy tells me that he is busy right now and will call me when i can get to it. Asked charge nurse what to do, she doesnt know. 40 min later we get drug...... No futher orders from attendings.... House officer will not come to ER to see pt. Pt remains being paced for 3 hours:angryfire . MD shows up at 0700 and takes patinet for internal pace maker.
I was gonna put my 2 weeks in but i think i will just quit. They put my licesnce on the line everyday.
Rena RN 2003, RN
635 Posts
i feel your pain. i just left an ED for those very reasons you listed. good luck...