This is the last of my 4 night shifts… woohoo! I must admit, I’m not a night person at all but nothing much I can do about not working the night shifts I’m afraid. I’m just whinging a little, but what did I learn from these experiences? Well, I was surprised myself!
For the past 2 nights, I have been getting patients admitted to ICU due to drug overdose with self harm. A bit of a daunting task for me, as I’ve never looked after one before. Luckily for me, one of them had a family relative stayed with the patient overnight, which was handy because I have another patient to watch over the night that is becoming confused due to sundowners syndrome or electrolyte imbalances. I wouldn’t have survived that night without the helpful relative making my very anxious patient comfortable and giving her reassurance.
The following night, I had another patient with polpharmacy overdose who is now medically cleared and waiting for a psychiatric bed. I read his story on the notes. He was greatly depressed due to so many social and emotional issues. He was remorseful of his actions and wanting to get back on track after his brother visited him from interstate and offered to help him and live with him. He is the only family that he’s got.
You see, I learned something valuable about life through these experiences. For one thing, I learned that we need each other to survive and to get back on our feet when we stumble and fall. No man is an island its true!
As for my relatives who I live with, they make sure I get enough sleep during the day by keeping the house quiet. Plus, they have prepared food for me when I wake up. We help each other and that feels good! Makes life a lot easier.
What about you? What are your experiences with helpful relatives in the hospital? How does your family support you as a nurse?
Also Read: 5 Truths About Working Night Shifts
I encourage relatives to come along. In Patient Transport I always encourage a relative to accompany the patient whenever it is practical to do so. I have found that this will generally make for a better trip as the patient can relax ( making my job easier) and if the patient is seeing a specialist the relative is there to ask questions and to hear what the specialist has to say. Rich
helpful relatives Ruth I am very fortunate to have very supportive kids who understand that Nursing in AGED CARE is not a normal job.They are also understanding when it comes to my passion and drive for NSWNA campaigns such as the because we care campaign,The kids are great they answer my phone if I am driving ,pass on my where abouts if someone from NSWNA wanting to get hold of me.Living with a Nurse has also been very handy for Miss 15 this year in Yr 9 when different issues have come up at school and she has been able to take part in the debate.
night shifts..mmm.. After 6 yrs of nights and a few others for good balance it can be rewarding. As an En some Rn’s tried to be pushy so I got the ADON to move me to another Ward…simple..problem solved…
What I learnt was; don’t get over-dramatic; use the system to assist you; yes you are getting paid; if it was a poor hand-over say so; check all the Pts with your buddy if you have one;your hearing becomes ‘acute’ so respond ASAP;take time to enjoy the dawn with others you work with and Pts.
Always offer visitors drinks and assure them ..’ if you want anything at all just ask’ it is not an issue to ask us..
AND PLEASE PLEASE>>can the English phrase;- ‘not a problem’ cease being used..its not Mac’s on the way home!!
do sleep well