When someone see's your pt

[twokidsmom,rn]

I am new to a company that uses PRN RN and LPN's to see pts. My other company I did everything that is probably why I burnt out since I worked 6 days a week. But this past week I had a pt that had a hip replacement had a small opening in the incision I called MD she was to see him the next day. Another RN saw her 2 days later. I gave her report. She left me report saying she just got back from a cardiologist appt had a echo. Said sight was still open had some drainage and had a temp 100. Did not mention what ortho MD said she did not call ortho appt. I will see her Mon. Called her over weekend to check on her but her husband said she was OK.

I would have called the ortho again if I was there. What do you do?

[caliotter3]

In general I have found that sometimes I have to play detective. It can be embarrassing to find out that discussion has taken place between my supervisor and the client's parent (peds patients) with no mention of the topic of discussion made to me; likewise, the patient will have been taken on an appointment and no mention is made to me, at all, either before, or after the appointment. I now ask direct questions. If I must, I will call the doctor's office myself to find out what transpired. I hunt around for new prescription bottles, or prescription scripts that the parent saw fit not to bother filling. Also try to keep from being totally discouraged by the thought that I'm considered to be nothing but the maid who changes diapers.

The other nurse should have done a better job with the followup. I would call the MD office, because I would not necessarily trust that the husband was giving a complete or accurate rendition of the state of affairs.

[twokidsmom,rn]

She went to MD on Wed. other nurse saw Thur I was going to call MD on Friday by the time I had the chance the office was closed. I left a message for the pt to let her know I will see her Monday and hope her hip is not infected.

[Isabelle49]

I would be calling whoever is on call for the ortho. The first nurse should have been persistent. It is just not ok to drop the matter when the doc doesn't call back, not at all OK.

I called a doc once several times before receiving a return call. Patient was non responsive (this was not unusual), had foley that I changed as ordered, but also had foul green drainage from her lady partsl area. Doc reamed me out for calling, since he felt it was not an emergency. I told him that as an RN I am bound by law to call him about a health issue concerning one of his patients. He gave no orders. I learned the next night that the patient died the next day. She was probably septic! I love my cell phone, will always have a record of calls and how long they lasted.

[caliotter3]

Be careful about relying on your cell phone for a record of calls made and received. I have had calls not make it to the cell phone "history", much less my cell phone receiver. I do not rely on the cell phone or cell phone provider for anything.

[twokidsmom,rn]

One of my main problems has been worrying all the time. I worry about my pts that have a change in condition or in this case a small temp and having to rely on other nurses to pick up the ball and call the MD if they have a problem. I left 2 messages today to check on the pt and to let her know I will be making a visit tomorrow. Maybe I am not cut out to be a nurse. It is taking over my life no matter what company I work for.

[Isabelle49]

Be careful about relying on your cell phone for a record of calls made and received. I have had calls not make it to the cell phone "history", much less my cell phone receiver. I do not rely on the cell phone or cell phone provider for anything.

What carrier are you using?

[caliotter3]

I have had problems along these lines with every carrier, but Verizon was the worst.

[caliotter3]

One of my main problems has been worrying all the time. I worry about my pts that have a change in condition or in this case a small temp and having to rely on other nurses to pick up the ball and call the MD if they have a problem. I left 2 messages today to check on the pt and to let her know I will be making a visit tomorrow. Maybe I am not cut out to be a nurse. It is taking over my life no matter what company I work for.

This is something you have to address with yourself. At least you are aware. You probably need to get more involved with your own problems in life. If necessary, get a hobby and engage yourself in it or find some group to do volunteer work with.