To tell or not to tell!

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2015

Since you are still on orientation, most programs have a change project that you would need to carry out. Pick one of those areas and use it. having nurses complete more modules will not solve any problem. Most of the time you can answer those questions in under 10 minutes submit and be done with it. Pick one of the areas you see deficiencies, develop a way to solve the problem, look at work flow, think about designing ways to incorporate the policy into practice. Going to the manager does not solve a problem. If you go to the manager, state, since I started I have noticed XYZ. I think we could try ABC, this is how the work flow would work. For my change project could we implement this, it will have positive impacts on our patient outcomes.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2015

Basic infection control? Let's mix up a bunch of people's blood on a nurses sometimes cracked and chapped hands, and hope for the best that we all don't spread bacteria? Hepatitis, any other blood borne pathogen, phlebitis at the site......sepsis......I dunno how likely, but it can happen. And it doesn't matter if it is blood, fluids.....I think it not great practice to be mixing an IV site with bare hands.

This makes no sense. The purpose of wearing gloves to administer a blood transfusion is to protect the nurse in case of accidental exposure to the blood product. It does nothing to protect the patient. I think you're really reaching here.

Wearing gloves when accessing a PIV is to protect YOU, not the patient. If your aim is to protect the patient, then you would use sterile technique and wear sterile gloves.

XNavyCorpsman · Mar 23, 2015

1. I am working side by side with this particular nurse.

2. Some things, like PPE, is like second nature to me. I am far from perfect.

3. I have wanted to be a nurse since 1986. I really love my job and would do it for free if my wife didn't mind. Helping patients that are sick is a natural high for me.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2015

OP, You remind me of me when I first started nursing. My advice: Keep your head low and mouth shut. Trust me this is a battle you won't win. I agree with Klone, reporting your observations to the compliance hotline is your best bet. I see screens up and patients charts lying around often. I minimize the screens and return charts to their proper place. Be the example you want to see. Hope everthing gets better.

superT RN · Mar 23, 2015

Welcome to the real world of nursing, nothing you said will harm a patient.

All these things happen everywhere

Mind your business or you'll be making enemies real quick ðŸ˜ˆ

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Mar 23, 2015

If you are still on orientation you have a lot to learn. Not everything is done by the book, there is not enough time in the day to do everything by the book. Of course in nursing school they teach you the proper & professional way to do it, but is that the way it's going to be done? Not all the time.

If it REALLY bothers you, talk to the nurse. But I don't know about the outcome of that conversation, it might end up badly for you & the nurses might think you are against them or riding a high horse (especially if you're only on orientation). You need to get along with them, at least in a professional way.

I'd wait awhile until you're off orientation & see how things are going for you & if you're not cutting corners & not making mistakes, then sure, bring it up.

ShelbyaStar · Mar 23, 2015

A module? Really? You think that these people do these things because they have no idea that they shouldn't, and they'll stop once they perform a module? Remember that they all went through nursing school and orientation too. I am sure they heard a time or two that they shouldn't leave meds or patient information unattended.

I truly am not trying to come across as belittling. Just... think before you act. It's great that you're trying to think of solutions, but that isn't one.

allnurses Guide · Mar 23, 2015

So I could be fired for being a patient advocate? Well I guess this is a small price to pay for looking out for what is best for my patients.

No, not fired, but since you are still on orientation you can be let go for anything at all, including "not being a team player" or "not a good fit for this unit". Or no stated reason at all. That is what I was trying to put out there.

You've gotten a lot of advice, mostly geared toward don't make waves at this point. I agree with those who have counseled a one-to-one approach with those you are concerned about. The low key approach will take you much farther than a perceived self righteousness (whether or not you intend it to be that way). Ask your preceptor about things, not in an accusatory manner, but just that you have noticed these things, as a way of bringing up the subject.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Mar 23, 2015

I was a manger and I would ask you who was doing what. We may have gone over all this before you got here and already had a sign and read. Then it comes down to they are still doing it wrong and I need to say something. I really really hated when people came to me said where evasive And I would also ask you if you spoke to the person yourself before you came to me.

My advice: lead by example, or use an anonymous line to

report it.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2015

You have to work with these people, so although we are patient advocates, we've got to choose wisely.

For now, concern yourself with your own practise. There's A LOT to learn. On my unit, I had a woman like this.....very eager to report everyone for everything. She also makes errors, as we all do. Yet her co-workers did not report her in return. They just don't like her.

Guess what? I purposely don't book her for shifts. She creates too much drama and I can't have the majority unhappy.

That's the same road you are headed if you continue. Not worth it.

~PedsRN~, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2015

Dear lord, if I put on a contact gown every time I had to run into a room for something I would have a stack of them 8 feet tall by the end of the night. I'm sorry, but a baby in distress > PPE. Write me up.

kidnurse07 · Mar 24, 2015

People will tell you to turn a blind eye in the workplaceâ€¦ yet (the same individuals), will advise current students to rat out their classmates for cheating.