WHEN TO CALL DR.

[Ash0315]

Just started working in an LTC as LPN, was wondering WHEN to call the Dr/ON CALL

I understand some things include: (that i can think of)

lab results(abnormal)

xray results??? (not sure) (fax or leave in book)?

change in status..

a fall?

pt. or family wanting to see dr?/change in medication request

that is all i can think of ...any suggestions?

also correct me if im wrong please!

thank you so much. i am new and very nervous..

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

It would be best to first know your facility's policies. They may in fact address these questions. When you're new, it's important to know where to find resources, and be willing to ask your coworkers or manager- they will know the specifics of your institution.

[mrsboots87]

rule of thumb would be to call when you need an order for something stat. Anything can go in the book or get faxed or emailed to the doc. Whatever your facility does for physician communication.

Routine labs abs will almost always be abnormal. Only need to call for critical values or abnormal values that may require intervention. X-rays only need to call for fractures or crappy lungs that need an order for something.

Falls-always call

COC it depends what it is.

Get ear with your supervisor and go over these concerna. They can guide you through what is expected of you as far as callings a doctor vs not.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

OP:

This is an easy one:

You should call the doctor if there's any chance you could get thrown under the bus for not doing so.

Because if you don't, expect to get thrown under the entire choo-choo.

[GE90]

i normally just call them if i have concerns or need something

maybe a change in vs which i could not figure out why, that doesnt necessarily mean something bad is gonna happen, but i like to notify them just in case. or if i need them to do some charting. and for orders, that depends on which doc is on today, if it's the one that i know well i'll just put put in the order myself using their names

in my country we don't need to notify them with lab results

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Head on over to the LTC threads....tons of good info!

Get to know your doctors on staff. Some DRs what to be called with every little thing, some don't. Each facility will have their own method of communication with the drs. Some of our docs want everything faxed to them during business hours. I will get a huge list together with the request and some suggestions and fax it to him. If I don't hear back in a hour or so, I call the office staff. Another doc, I need to call the office with my requests/ concerns.

Falls/ incidents/ injuries/ critical labs etc/ changes in conditions that require treatment get a call/ page asap.

Family issues that are not critical can be added on the list or added into a call later on.

Once you get your butt chewed out for calling or not calling you learn real fast :)