I roll my eyes as my ass barely hits my chair when the patient in 403 hits the call light. Again. For the millionth time this shift. I need to get my charting done!
I take a deep breath and let out a sigh. We're working without an LNA again this shift. I guess they figure things are "quiet" at night and we can manage without one. We can. Barely and sometimes poorly.
I step into 403 and say,
"Hey Steve, what can I do for you?"
And he answers,
"I just wanted to tell you what a great job you're doing! Sorry for being such a pain.."
Instantly I'm ashamed of myself. Being a patient totally sucks. Especially when you're as sick as Steve. He has no control over anything, except the call light. I get that he is lonely and wants someone to talk to.
I need to do my job, which yes, includes charting (oh, so MUCH charting), but mainly involves patient care.
Patient care isn't just pills and assessments. Patient care also means taking the time to tend to the emotional and mental well-being of the folks entrusted to us. It's a big responsibility. I need to focus on that more and on the minutiae of charting less.
It makes me a better nurse, and a better person. And all of my patients benefit.
