Last night when I got report from the RN who was leaving, he told me the doc had ordered a stat med for one of my patients. After report, I checked the chart, and found the order timed for a half hour before the start of my shift. I bit my tongue, gave the med, and when I discarded the syringe, found the sharps container overflowing. This was just too much, so I caught the other nurse just as he was leaving, and gave him an earful about the sharps container. He responded that the aides are supposed to replace the containers. This was the final straw. Not only had he not given a stat med ordered on his shift, he had put me at risk for a needle stick, then used the "It's not my job" excuse. I let him have it with both barrels. After he left, I checked on my other patient, a GI bleed who was having frequent bloody stools. She wanted to be helped off the bed pan, but I had to make her wait while I went for gloves, because the box in the room was empty. :(
I was venting to some of the others on my shift, and we came up with a list of co workers' annoying habits.
Not emptying an overflowing garbage can.
Leaving packaging from meds all over the counter in the med room.
Starting the GoLytely prep an hour before the end of their shift.
Leaving the bags from discontinued IV meds hanging at the bedside.
Leaving a patient in a dirty gown after he has spilled food on himself.
Not giving pain meds on time.
Leaving a patient's room a mess.
Not making sure there are adequate supplies in the room so you don't have to run for everything you need.
Not doing mouth care.
Always coming 5 or 10 minutes late and delaying report while they pour coffee and "get organized."
Giggling and whispering in report.
Not answering call bells for any patient but their own.
I'm sure I could come up with many more if I thought about it some more.
:(