I’m lost for words.
I don’t know how to start writing what happened at work the other day.
The feeling of frustration and sadness engulf me and that leaves my brain completely blank.
(Sigh…)
The bed situation in our hospital has been very bad this month especially the ICU’s.
The other day, we transferred-out 3 patients ( 1 DKA, 1 COPD and 1 GI bleed with acute MI). After half an hour or so, we admitted 3 (2 surgical and 1 medical).
I was the lucky one who got the medical admission.
CASE: 85 yr.old, female with history of vomiting (hematemesis) and loss of consciousness at home. Brought by family to EMS unresponsive and pulseless. Coded for about 6 minutes or so and then transferred to us in MICU.
DIAGNOSIS: Massive GI Bleed developed acute renal failure with hyperkalemia.
Levophed started, central line inserted, 4 units of FFP’s and 2 units of PRBC’s transfused, pantoprazole infusion started, antibiotics started, fluid bolus given, kayexalate with lactulose/NG, D50W + HR insulin IV given. Not to mention, e-MAR and paper works that I need to finish before the incoming shift starts arriving within 2 hours of the patients arrival.
Whew!
While endorsing the patient, Nephrologist came with our Internist and ordered to prepare our procedure cart so he can insert quinton cath. Poor night shift RN! I really felt sorry for her. I almost thought of doing a 24-hour shift just to help her out! She needs to start CRRT and carry-out all the remaining orders I left for her and no one in her shift can help her out because they were also busy with their 2 patients!
We’ve tried asking for extra staff but all the supervisor or the CNO can say was that we need to manage by ourselves!
Manage my ass!
No wonder, patient care are being neglected nowadays because of understaffing…
Tsk…tsk…tsk…
understaffing is a problem that is here to stay. i guess that applies to every hospital in any country. good thing we just keep trying to be flexible.
yup buti na lang nurses are flexible..esp filipino nurses