This is what I dreamt about last night.

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Specializes in Alzheimer/Dementia.

On Sunday it will be me and a CMT on my unit. I am very new and still learning everything. I know on the hall she will work there is a feeding tube feeding, and an IV for antibiotics... and I have not used either machines, nor know where the supplies are for those machines are yet! I've been a my job 2 weeks, so I just haven't had the experience come up... now I know I will be alone on this unit and have to do it myself, and my anxiety is up, up, up. I don't know what to do.

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Utoh! :hrnsmlys:No orientation checklist?

Since you're a nurse I bet you'll figure it out before you break it down.:nurse:

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Specializes in PACU, MICU, PSYCH.

you can't know everything, you just need to know who to ask!

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Since the patients are already in there the machines are set up and shouldn't be a concern. If there are issues; you are not alone in the whole place are you? Ask ahead of time who to go to for advice if something should go awry. Those machines have mini screen instructions that are fairly easy.

Just make sure at change of shift that the Abx doses are available for that shift and the next and take it out of the fridge to go to room temp before it's time to give it. Remember to flush the IV before and after.........gently and make sure your IV clamps are all appropriate.

The worse that could happen is the IV will infiltrate and then you get to call the IV team and the feeding tube is basic. Even if the machine fails you could always give the feed via bolus; LOL, no - no don't worry so much; you'll be fine. Seriously............you will be fine.

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Specializes in LTC.

I was so afraid and nervous with feeding tubes when I started. Ask! I knew nothing. The nurses I work with taught me everything I know today about G-tubes. From medication administration to pump feedings to unclogged the goddarn things. Just remember to make sure the feeding is plugged in snugly(CNA's arent too happy when they just did a full bed change and then they have to do it again because the tubing dislodged from the tube and now g-tube formula is all over the bed and patient. lol) and flush the tube regularly to prevent clogs also.

I don't touch the IV's.. my facility's policy is for the RN to do all tasks concerning the IV.

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