Why am I asked to fix things that are NOT my job?

[LPNwithBIGdreams]

I work agency in nursing homes. Here is a small list of things I've been asked to fix as an LPN

1.) Microwave not working

2.) Toilet clogged

3.) TV not working

4.) Recliner chair not working

5.) Lightbulb out

6.)Internet not working

7.) Help me find a channel on the TV

8.)Remote control not working

9.) Replacing batteries on non medical things (like the remote control)

Is this my job as the nurse to fix these issues? What is the correct way to deal with requests like this?

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

I do NOT have XY chromosomes. I have fixed IT issues. It's either that, or wait a week for our understaffed IT dept to show up!

[amoLucia]

OP - is it me, or do you just seem very angry re those requests?? We've all been asked useless requests at some time or other.

The most critical job might be the toilet. I have turned off the water line to prevent flooding. I don't have extra light blubs or batteries. I might whack the remote and  I'll plug things in & out, but that's as far as I go. Maint is not my forte!

I just try to be as nice as poss as I decline.

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

You are asked because you are there taking care of the patient and they are comfortable asking you, and probably noone else comes around to ask them if they need anything.  And also, you probably ask them, before you leave their room, if there is anything they need. I would do what you can if you can, like other have said or just reply, that it is not your job but will put the request into maintenance or whoever. I don't really think it has anything to do with you being an LPN, I am sure the person will ask anyone who answers the call light or happens to come into the room.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Nurses are always asked to fix things that aren't their job.  A regular hospital scenario:

Pharmacy:  I need you to call the doctor and tell him that med is non-formulary.

Nurse:  Why don't you call him so you can tell him his options?

Pharmacy:  I don't have time.

As far as fixing toilets, remotes, lamps, recliners:  "Oh, heavens.  You don't want me touching any of that stuff.  I'll put in a call to maintenance.  They know what they're doing."

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

21 hours ago, TriciaJ said:

Pharmacy:  I need you to call the doctor and tell him that med is non-formulary.

Nurse:  Why don't you call him so you can tell him his options?

Pharmacy:  I don't have time.

"You have just wasted three minutes calling me. Gotta run..."

[TriciaJ, RN]

1 hour ago, Hannahbanana said:

"You have just wasted three minutes calling me. Gotta run..."

I did try that.  They just flat out didn't bother to fill the order and I was the one with the patient clutching my lapels.  In retrospect, I should have just filled out an incident reports for the orders that didn't get filled.

[CABGpatch_RN, BSN]

On 4/15/2021 at 6:54 PM, LPNwithBIGdreams said:

I work agency in nursing homes. Here is a small list of things I've been asked to fix as an LPN

1.) Microwave not working

Patients have access to a microwave in LTC/SNF?

2.) Toilet clogged

I will call maintenance.  Meanwhile, here's a bedside commode.

3.) TV not working

Is it plugged in?  If it is, I will call maintenance.

4.) Recliner chair not working

Lemme check it out.  Oh!  There's a pillow case stuck in the recliner mechanism.  Fixed.

5.) Lightbulb out

Lemme get a lightbulb. Brb

6.)Internet not working

Lemme get you the wifi password.

7.) Help me find a channel on the TV

Sure!  What are you looking for?  Here ya go, the channel guide is on the screen now......

8.)Remote control not working

Does it need new batteries, give me a minute brb with batteries.  Oh! batteries don't fix it, lemme get another remote and plug it in for you.

9.) Replacing batteries on non medical things (like the remote control)

??  I don't get why this is beyond you.

Is this my job as the nurse to fix these issues? What is the correct way to deal with requests like this?

I wrote an entire paragraph to answer this question but it got deleted.  I will just say come down off your high horse.  Be holistic.  ?

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[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

15 hours ago, TriciaJ said:

16 hours ago, Hannahbanana said:

"You have just wasted three minutes calling me. Gotta run..."

I did try that.  They just flat out didn't bother to fill the order and I was the one with the patient clutching my lapels.  In retrospect, I should have just filled out an incident reports for the orders that didn't get filled.

Time to have the policy book updated to specify that pharmacy must contact the prescriber directly to clarify potential med conflicts and obtain new prescriptions PRN, because they are in the best position to inform the prescriber on them. 

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

At my job (outpatient)

”Nobody picks up on the Appointments line” 

“I can’t figure out how to use the MyQuest app to get my Covid results”

”The pharmacy can’t understand this script the doctor sent over”

”My wheelchair is broken and I need a new one”

”My rabbit died and I don’t know what to do with the body” (yes, I am serious)

[Davey Do]

15 hours ago, CommunityRNBSN said:

”My rabbit died and I don’t know what to do with the body” 

[londonflo]

Your role is a specific, licensed educated role.  While you want to fix those things, your time is limited to the professional tasks you must do to keep the residents healthy. You will contact maintainance to come....BTW if maintainance does not fix things promptly, complain to the higher ups that these problems are injurious (toilet) to your patients health and their disfatisaction with their care.

[Nunya, BSN]

On 4/18/2021 at 10:43 PM, CABGpatch_RN said:

 

Be holistic? You've never worked LTC have you? I haven't either but my Dad was in it and the only time I saw the nurses sit down was when they were charting.  One nurse on days and evenings giving meds and doing any treatments, dealing with problem patients/families etc.  One nurse on days talking to doctors, doing paperwork, putting out fires etc.  Two-4 aides but frequently 1-2 sitting in the lounge with patients.  40 patients.  Holistic is fine if you have time but from what I saw they didn't.