To tell or not to tell!

Chesterton1 · Mar 23, 2015

In summation

Dont pick up the bad habits and as a new nurse get fired for trying to get experienced nurses in trouble because in the grand scheme of things it is hard to be a patient advocate without a job.

canigraduate · Mar 23, 2015

In summation
Dont pick up the bad habits and as a new nurse get fired for trying to get experienced nurses in trouble because in the grand scheme of things it is hard to be a patient advocate without a job.

Seriously. If you want patients to advocate for, you should probably try to stay employed.

Anna S, RN · Mar 23, 2015

This thread is full of very wise advice from experienced nurses!

canigraduate · Mar 23, 2015

So infection control, HIPPA, and drugs left unattended are NOT good battles? I have so much to learn in nursing!

Well, you've got the sarcasm and sniping down pat. You're probably passive-aggressive, too. You should fit right in.

And it's HIPAA. HIPPA makes me think of dancing hippos.

Red Kryptonite · Mar 23, 2015

And it's HIPAA. HIPPA makes me think of dancing hippos.

Me too. Maybe I'm rude, but I don't understand why it's so hard for so many people to get that acronym right.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 23, 2015

Snitches get stitches....

Red Kryptonite · Mar 23, 2015

Snitches get stitches....

Did you order the Code Red? (from A Few Good Men, not the one about fires)

MatrixRn · Mar 23, 2015

I am orientating on an intermediate care unit and can't believe what I am seeing. I have seen blood transfusions started without gloves, meds being pulled and set on top of the cart and left unattended, computer screen left on with patient data clearly visible and left unattended, no gowns being used in patients rooms that are on contact precautions. I can go on and on. I am a strong patient advocate and feel the need to tell someone so that these things do NOT continue. What do I do?

Maintain your best practices, as best you can. You are new to the floor and since you are still in orientation have not been cut lose yet. Once you are on your own, you may find that you may cut a few corners to tend to patient care.

If you see a screen open when you walk by close it for the nurse...help her out.

If you see meds on a cart move don't mess them up, if you need the space move them aside, and when the nurse is done taking care of a patient's needs she will be back. I saw this often in the CCU...where seconds count.

And snitches DON'T get stitches. We are professionals. There are better ways to handle issues than with acts of violence.

Libby1987 · Mar 23, 2015

First, I want to know if these nurses have time to pee and take lunch.

Second, don't tattle on anyone that 1) isn't immediately endangering anyone 2) you can't out perform.

I understand high standards and perfectionism but until you can walk the walk, check yourself, your words won't have credibility until you can back it up.

caliotter3 · Mar 23, 2015

If you feel the need to correct matters, approach the offender (if you can figure out who) and take them aside to bring it to their attention. Do not approach the manager if you have not talked to the nurse(s) first. But, again, I would wait awhile until you start to get a feel for things. You can bet that they will start talking about the new guy very soon when you do this, and it most likely won't end well for you.

kungpoopanda · Mar 23, 2015

Snitches get stitches....

Another blog I read dealt with this matter just recently. should I worry about tattling at work? Ã¢Â€Â” Ask a Manager

ShelbyaStar · Mar 23, 2015

While these things aren't right, they are simply lazy mishaps and are unlikely to cause harm to anyone. I would focus on being a good influence and maybe trying to start some initiatives/getting a bit more assertive later down the road. It's a culture thing and to an extent, it happens everywhere. I am not a nurse yet, but my instructors have described seeing nurses start urinary catheters without gloves- hello spike in UTIs! That has a bit more potential for harm than a blood transfusion.

If we were talking about abusing or neglecting patients or showing up inebriated, that would be a completely different story.

At least pick the most important thing. I'd probably raise a stink about unattended meds before leaving a screen open.

Otherwise, it sounds like you also might start following nurses around to make sure they wash their hands upon every entry and exit and time it and make sure that they do it for at least two minutes. Methinks you are new and a bit gung-ho. Raising a stink over every little thing is a great way to get a target on your back, and you will be the first to be thrown under the bus when you make a mistake. Glass houses...