Working short

Don't freak out. It causes stupid mistakes. Move at a good, efficient pace even if someone is asking you to rush.

Like the above post take your time and do not rush. Do what needs to be done first, when it rooms try and do everything you need to do (bed, linen, patient and all) while in the room so you do not have to go back right after. Do not panic or get frustrated.

If faced with only being able to the most basic of care to prep patients for the day, focus on their hands, face, armpits, and peri area along with combing their hair and brushing their teeth. Make them look presentable but work efficiently. Always toliet as close to the appointed time as possible.

Being short will make some nurses always try to get you to do their bidding even when you have 15 patients pulling you in a thousand directions, your phone is buzzing as you're cleaning a patient, etc. simply because they don't want to do work that they claim they can do but won't.

Breathe... Realize it will end and take breaks. Drink water. Go to the bathroom when needed.

Remember days like this are what will strengthen you and make you truly appreciate the easier days.

Teamwork is the only way to truly do short days effectively.

Don't feel ashamed if you need a day off after those days are a beast mentally and physically.

Even when you are short handed never compromise your back. Wait for a partner to pull up a patient in bed.

Time management and patient safety. You can cut corners here and there with some tasks but pt safety is always número uno. Also not dwelling on the issue of working short and focusing more on your tasks, nothing will make a shift longer than being a negative nancy for 8-12 hours. Teamwork is also crucial when working short

The nursing home probably makes enough money to put more cna's on the floor or to plan for short staffing. I would go to the don or supervisor each and every time I had to work short. Other than that, I would probably head for the door.

Prioritize.

Do the best you can. Don't let your self get stressed out.

Keep saying, I can only do what I can do.

It may mean leaving a total care/combative resident in bed for a meal, the bed unmade, or trash cans full. Someone won't get shaved that shift and someone else will get a bed bath instead of a shower.

Either way, most of the resident's will be upset with you because you took too long to answer their call. It is what it is. Smile, apologize and move on to the next person asap.