working with orderlies/aides

[Stef.I]

Hi Everyone, I am currently doing an internship for my bachelor degree at my work in an ER. Our hospital is moving in April and I am looking at how the communication between nurses and orderlies will change due to the new layout of our unit.

At the moment we have different sections and 1 orderly assigned to each section. We usually call them overhead if we need them but often they are busy somewhere else.

How does it work on your floors?

Do you use overhead to page orderlies? How do you assign orderlies? To a nurse or to an area? Do you brief them everyday? What is your routine when it comes to communication with the orderly? Is it all oral, or something written out (such as check lists, etc.)

I would appreciate your answers! Thanks a lot, Stefanie

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

The most frustrating type of job - in any environment - is one with multiple "bosses", all demanding that you focus on their individual needs. This is the world of orderlies & nurse assistants. It's no wonder that they frequently just 'disappear' for a while to catch a breath.

I don't have a wonderful scheme for you - but want you to make sure that you get input from the orderlies about how their jobs should be arranged. You may be surprised at their insight. If nothing else, they should be provided with some tools to help them categorize requests by priority so that they are not constantly bouncing between the demands of various ED Divas/Devos.

[firstinfamily, RN]

I work on a 27 bed tele/medical floor, we usually have 2 aides. Their assignment is given by number of beds and acuity of patients, various nurses may have the same patients. I usually get with my aide at the beginning of my shift to make them aware of anything I need, like orthostatic b/ps, specimens, etc. We carry individual phones with us, so when I need the aide I call her phone. It is hard for them to meet so many needs, so if there is something I can do for them I usually try to help when I can.

[Stef.I]

Thanks for your answers.