I work on a 31 bed cardiac telemetry unit, but at any given time we do have some respiratory patients and neuro with telemetry. Our unit has recently hired 5 new grads for my 3-11 shift. I am charge nurse. One night last week I had this situation - I was precepting a new grad, so I took report on her team of 8 patients (the normal load) and after following her a little, I didn't feel like she was ready to be left alone for any amount of time. She didn't know her meds yet, very green overall.
At the same time, I had 2 LPN's on the floor, each with 8 patients, and one more experienced RN with 8 patients. As charge, I have to sign off care plans for the LPN's, do all of their IV pushes, administer any blood products, etc. Technically I had 3 other nurses working under my license, with 24 patients. I have to do staffing for the next shift, and sign off all Dr.'s orders. Whew!
Anyone else experienced this? I just felt like that night was the perfect storm - if anyhting had went wrong it all would come crashing down. I was just praying that we wouldn't have a code or something. Oh, and also - we discharged 8 or so patients and admitted about 8 more. Sheesh.
