The September 2021 editorial, "Transformation-or revolution-will fix this hot mess," hit every bullet point on my list of frustrations: lack of CNAs, lack of phlebotomists, excruciatingly inefficient and redundant EHRs, lack of transport, and constant new tasks being dumped on nurses. Over the past year, I've also been verbally and physically assaulted multiple times while trying to provide patient care.
I recently completed a Workplace Violence Prevention course. What stood out to me from the assigned videos was one scenario with an obviously undersupported nurse. She was carrying a pitcher of water and a glucometer while answering the phone when an irate family member aggressively approached her about their loved one who had been waiting for over an hour for help. The nurse was then shown to be flustered and tongue-tied. In the course, a "re-do" scenario was then shown, with the nurse putting everything down on a nearby counter and hanging up the phone to give full attention to the patient in order to avoid a violent encounter.
After watching the videos, some members of the class, who were not staff nurses, shared their feedback, including: "Wow, she's so unprofessional." There was no mention of other issues, like where the CNA was, or simply: Why was the nurse doing everything by herself? It is infuriating that my organization thinks it is okay for nurses to be so unsupported. The situation is unsafe for patients and the staff, and I don't hear anything better from colleagues at other hospitals.
Thank you for the editorial. I'm putting it up in the break room.
- Anonymous
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