Nurses need to Take Care of Nurses-1

Planning for secure retirement is just one way...As one of the largest workforces in the country that provides caring and professional services to all communities, we deserve a retirement plan. We work long and strenuous hours with tremendous responsibilities and stressors and are justified in seeking this plan.

Planning for daily autonomy and safe practice is another... When decisions are made regarding changes in practice...Nurses at the bedside should always question the change..

I.E. A Current trend is the NO WAIT ER...

Again...How does one spell Ludicrous, because the hang nail and toothache in the ER really should be seen immediately and the life threatening possibilities are endless...

The triage nurse in some of these situations is now expected to treat patients and discharge patients while continuing to manage the triage area...TRIAGE should focus on triage and all that can occur there, not otherwise without a nurse specific to treating and streeting triaged patients.

What is endless is legal issues in such a situation...Many legal issues are present and problematic..

The STANDARD of CARE will be what a lawyer will address...IS it the National or Local Standard of Care for the triage nurse to not only manage triage but greet, treat and street patients in the waiting room or even a room close by...REQUIRES an additional nurse...for my standard...

What pressures does the change place on staff nurses workload and ability to practice safely?

Does the change effect the current staffing patterns and needs in your facility?

Is it safe for your patient?

Is it safe for YOUR License?

QUESTION...

QUESTION....

QUESTION!!!