Those in Med Surg

Tina, RN · Nov 22, 2010

Yesterday was a horrible day on the med/surg floor I was floated to.

We had 2 RNs, 1 LPN and 1 CNA. Each RN had 5 patients, and the LPN had 6. However, each RN was responsible for 3 of the LPN's patients as well (assessments/charting the assessments, picking up orders, phoning the MD for any issues). So, I got report on 8 patients. Then the LPN took 3, not of my choosing BTW. Apparently, she just took back the ones she had the day before. Of my remaining 5, I had 3 complete cares and 2 patients with involved dressing changes, one taking approximately an hour to complete. Plus, one dressing was BID, both times on day shift! Not to mention that 3 of my 5 patients were extremely rude and nasty. It was a complete nightmare, and in 9 hours, my tush didn't hit a chair. I am embarrassed to say that I wasn't even able to check my labs, I just prayed that nothing was seriously off. I guzzled down a few ounces of coffee at some point, and other than that, nothing to eat or drink.

To top off my shift, one of the oncoming nurses was very nasty to me, about something completely ridiculous, that didn't even concern her. I, again, am ashamed to admit that I actually teared up and broke down a bit, crying. I'm just happy that the nasty nurse didn't get the satisfaction of seeing it.

I am beginning to get a little nervous about being a "float nurse" if this is the type of day I'll be having all the time...

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

Yesterday was a horrible day on the med/surg floor I was floated to.
We had 2 RNs, 1 LPN and 1 CNA. Each RN had 5 patients, and the LPN had 6. However, each RN was responsible for 3 of the LPN's patients as well (assessments/charting the assessments, picking up orders, phoning the MD for any issues). So, I got report on 8 patients. Then the LPN took 3, not of my choosing BTW. Apparently, she just took back the ones she had the day before. Of my remaining 5, I had 3 complete cares and 2 patients with involved dressing changes, one taking approximately an hour to complete. Plus, one dressing was BID, both times on day shift! Not to mention that 3 of my 5 patients were extremely rude and nasty. It was a complete nightmare, and in 9 hours, my tush didn't hit a chair. I am embarrassed to say that I wasn't even able to check my labs, I just prayed that nothing was seriously off. I guzzled down a few ounces of coffee at some point, and other than that, nothing to eat or drink.
To top off my shift, one of the oncoming nurses was very nasty to me, about something completely ridiculous, that didn't even concern her. I, again, am ashamed to admit that I actually teared up and broke down a bit, crying. I'm just happy that the nasty nurse didn't get the satisfaction of seeing it.
I am beginning to get a little nervous about being a "float nurse" if this is the type of day I'll be having all the time...

Really annoying when this happens. You have been running all day long trying in vain to do all that needs to be done and some nasty little nurse walks into the shift with a "why didn't you do this or that" attitude. :mad: Burns me up. NURSING IS 24 HRS. I actually admit that I once got written up for pretty much having a complete meltdown at the nurses station after being confronted by one of *those* nurses.

Sorry you had a bad day. Hopefully, everyday won't be that bad. Exceptions to the rules happen but when this is day after day...it is a management problem and should be fixed.