Work Ramblings

I was talking to DH last night about the work vents I seem to have, virtually daily. I think I figured out that my problem is that a lot of my coworkers (most) do not have the same standards that I do. It's weird because virtually every nurse I know would say she/he's a perfectionist. But we all have our own definition of perfection, and there's the problem.

Second issue is all the green nurses we have. Per facility policy, new nurses have two days of orientation on each wing for a total of six days. There is also two days of corporate orientation, and usually a 1/2 day of computer training. The new nurse is handed a sheet of "skills" or items that need to be taught by the floor nurse doing the orientation. The nurse usually doesn't know she'll be training until she arrives for her shift.

Essentially, this means that the nurse has 7 1/2 hours to try and do her regular job and take the time to teach someone else how to do it. We are also expected to show the new nurse all of the policies and procedures, as well as teach them how to chart, report, follow up on issues.

Most new nurses in LTC, myself included, are worried about learning the medication pass. This takes a huge chunk of time in LTC--approximately 3-4 hours of the shift. The motto in nursing, however, is if it's not charted it's not done. I get really ticked off when I report off an issue with one of my residents, return the next day, and here "resident is okay" with absolutely no follow up done I want to have a fit and bitch at that nurse.

I've been making attempts to *NOT* freak out and instead try and mentor/teach the new nurses. I'll stay later and finish things myself. I've given out my phone number with a "just call me with any questions." They have yet to take me up on it. Today, the new nurse I reported off to looked confused, and when I asked her to make sure she did follow up charting, she asked

"What do you mean?" It gets tiring having the same conversation over and over again. I remember being that confused, feeling like I was missing the big picture, and having 10,000 questions every time I got to work, and feeling like everyone was sick of all those questions. So I'm trying hard to be patient. I'm struggling with it. I'm just not that patient.

It has to get better, right? Or half of them will quit? Doubtful, with today's economy.

September Rambling

September is almost gone. Despite my decision to try and write almost every day for my own mental health, the time is slipping by. I do think I have a good excuse or three. A nasty allergic reaction to an antibiotic kept me down for almost a week. A bout with c-dif that went untreated for about a week prior to that. An infection due to a propable m/c prior to that. Between being a hell mess and the long work hours, I wasn't finding myself able to think very many coherent thoughts.

Once the hives settled down and I allowed myself another day or rest, I found myself pretty stir crazy and I realized I'm getting use to running at this crazy pace. Strangely, with beloved gone more, I'm able to get more done. I have no idea why. Here I sit, contemplating having a margarita or a glass of wine, content that I made a to do list and got almost everything on it done. I'm so good with a list.

So with September almost gone, that means I'm the mom of an 18 year old, who proudly sports a brand new tatto. I'm the Auntie to a 2 year old, celebrated my 11th wedding anniversary, wished my sister a happy 41st birthday, and my niece a happy 8th birthday. My favorite time of year has started, and I'm energized by it.

September also brings my Great Aunt's 99th birthday. My second cousin's 12 year old was also diagnosed with ALL, and my work friend's dad with an aggressive form of cancer. The circle of life is well represented this month.

Tomorrow's list: Birthday presents, birthday cards, a bit of yard work of the weather holds.