I work on a medical floor. Our usual pt load on nights is 6-8, we are required to take one set of vitals, for all of our Pt's, at some point during our shift. This was initially so the aides could do more baths. Nurses complained because sometimes thats not always possible. Then we were told that the nurse should be taking one set of vitals, just to make sure they are accurate. I do not mind doing vitals, anytime I get a BP that seems out of the ordinary, I do a manual BP. Now the aides have come to expect us to do it, even when sometimes we have 8-9 Pt's. The director has told them, we are to do one set, and they tend to stick with it. Now they are sitting around at the desk, as nurses are trying to do port draws, call critical values, and pass am meds. Does any one else have to do their own vitals? From time to time we do primary care for 4-5 Pt's, when for what ever reason their are not enough aides on that night. i would rather do primary care, Then to have a full pt load, and do their vitals as they sit. and yes the director has been made aware, but seems to go back and forth with her opinion
