Today I made a difference

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I am the supervisor in LTC. I was assigned a newly hired grad, ink still wet on license. He was doing rotation of shifts to get a feel of the whole picture and to be trained to cover for vacationing nurses. I emphasized that he do a walking round and lay eyes on our residents very early in the shift, and the reasons why. Dutifully, he began his rounds of eyes on. Turns out he found a resident in the shower room on the floor. Thankfully she was not hurt, but I think he will remember this for the rest of his nursing career.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

woot!, please always remember how important you are, not only to our new nurses, but to our elders. you always make a difference, usually in small ways, today, in a big way. :yeah: Please always remember this, we need you, and those you teach! smooch, hugs and everything, you are so special!

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Thanks Zookeeper3. I love helping the new nurses. My shift is the seasoned nurses who rarely need anything from me except help with paperwork. I am very proud of them. But given the opportunity, i truly enjoy teaching the new grads when given the opportunity.

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

As a new grad, I live for those little nuggets of wisdom that make a difference. In just a few months I've had a lifetime of moments when I was glad for a fellow nurse happy and willing to teach in addition to my instincts! You did an amazing job to the resident and the new grad. He's lucky to work with someone so willing to teach!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Great Job!

You may not when, but one day he will say that to another new grad and so on and so on. You not only changed the way he will be a nurse, but other new grads he comes in contact with as well. Im sure your tip will be passed on.

Im sure he, his patients, and the families of those he takes care of will be better off because of you. I dont always think to tell new RNs the things that are habits or routine to me.

Way to guide of our newbies! :yeah:

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Specializes in LTC.

I work 3-11 so walking rounds would take forever since the residents are scattered throughout the facility. But I glance in each room whenever I walk by. Can't tell you how many times I have seen residents trying to get out of bed and I've stopped them before they fall.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I have a ton of respect for those of you who work in LTC. I don't think I could do it, but I'm glad y'all can and do.

And, as a new grad who has had a lot of great mentors so far, I appreciate your willingness to accept and teach the new guys.

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I don't understand why teaching the new kids is such an issue to some nurses. The only reason I can think of might be that today's nursing schedule is so hectic and explaining things takes longer. I am fortunate enough to be in the position where I can take the time.

My one fault in assisting a newbie came at shift change. I broke the rules. I ordered O2 at 2L stat and I did not have an order. The resident had COPD as a diagnosis, but no prn order for SOB episodes. Once my resident had resumed breathing normally, I called the MD and got a prn order. Guess I was wrong for being the first nurse to show the newbie how to break rules.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

My one fault in assisting a newbie came at shift change. I broke the rules. I ordered O2 at 2L stat and I did not have an order. The resident had COPD as a diagnosis, but no prn order for SOB episodes. Once my resident had resumed breathing normally, I called the MD and got a prn order. Guess I was wrong for being the first nurse to show the newbie how to break rules.

As a fairly newbie (1 year on the job today), there are 2 nurses in particular that I have looked up to as mentors. The one taught me that sometimes you have to break (or bend) the rules. Your situation would be one of those times. ABC assessment...Critical thinking...Common sense...Nursing judgement...

Peronally, I would not find you at fault or wrong, rather I believe you taught another valuable lesson. Thank you for being an awesome mentor for us newbies!

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We have standing orders for things like SOB, headache, N&V, itching, etc. We just have to write the T.O. for it and add it to the MAR. If a Res needs 02, I would hate to have to wait for a call back from the Dr.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
I don't understand why teaching the new kids is such an issue to some nurses. The only reason I can think of might be that today's nursing schedule is so hectic and explaining things takes longer. I am fortunate enough to be in the position where I can take the time.

My one fault in assisting a newbie came at shift change. I broke the rules. I ordered O2 at 2L stat and I did not have an order. The resident had COPD as a diagnosis, but no prn order for SOB episodes. Once my resident had resumed breathing normally, I called the MD and got a prn order. Guess I was wrong for being the first nurse to show the newbie how to break rules.

I was told by the Dr's at the LTC I work at that it was ok to administer oxygen for an SOB PT then, when stable, call for the order. They said to remember never to leave a COPDer on 2l to long, just bring them above 90% then adjust until you have just enough to keep them there. I never thought that was breaking the rules.

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