Case Study: Team Assignment by the Registered Nurse
Brandie is a Registered Nurse with 12 years of experience. She is also the Charge Nurse for a busy postpartum unit. The unit usually houses stable patients, but will also accept higher risk overflow patients from the Postpartum ICU unit. Brandie’s shift is from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. During that time, she must oversee the care of eight postpartum patients. Her team consists of three Registered Nurses (RN’s), one Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and one Patient Care Assistant (PCA). She also has a Unit Secretary on staff to work the front desk, and answer the phone and call lights. After Charge Nurse to Charge Nurse Shift Change Report, Brandie must construct her assignment.
Patient Population …show more content…
She requests that she assist Kathy, but wants her to understand that she will perform hourly vital signs and report all abnormal findings immediately. Leslyle is instructed that systolic readings above 150 and diastolic readings above 85 are considered abnormal, as well as patient complaints of spots before her eyes or headache (Rule 224: RN Delegation of Nursing Tasks by Registered Nurses to Unlicensed Personnel, 2017). Brandie also asks Leslyle to do routine vital signs in rooms 201-207, pass breakfast and lunch trays and pick them up, and ensure that the patient rooms and bathrooms are kept clean and clear of any obstructions in walkways. Brandie understands that the small postpartum rooms become very cluttered with gifts, trash, and guests. This is not ideal if an emergency arises and must be addressed. Brandie reminds Leslyle that she should be polite and considerate to the patients and their guests and explain why she is straightening the room and keeping pathways clear. Brandie also asks Leslyle to answer call lights so that the patients can speak with a staff member immediately. Leslyle should do what she can to assist and report to the nurses if the patients need assistance that requires their care. Leslyle states that she understands her
Brandie is a Registered Nurse with 12 years of experience. She is also the Charge Nurse for a busy postpartum unit. The unit usually houses stable patients, but will also accept higher risk overflow patients from the Postpartum ICU unit. Brandie’s shift is from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. During that time, she must oversee the care of eight postpartum patients. Her team consists of three Registered Nurses (RN’s), one Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and one Patient Care Assistant (PCA). She also has a Unit Secretary on staff to work the front desk, and answer the phone and call lights. After Charge Nurse to Charge Nurse Shift Change Report, Brandie must construct her assignment.
Patient Population …show more content…
She requests that she assist Kathy, but wants her to understand that she will perform hourly vital signs and report all abnormal findings immediately. Leslyle is instructed that systolic readings above 150 and diastolic readings above 85 are considered abnormal, as well as patient complaints of spots before her eyes or headache (Rule 224: RN Delegation of Nursing Tasks by Registered Nurses to Unlicensed Personnel, 2017). Brandie also asks Leslyle to do routine vital signs in rooms 201-207, pass breakfast and lunch trays and pick them up, and ensure that the patient rooms and bathrooms are kept clean and clear of any obstructions in walkways. Brandie understands that the small postpartum rooms become very cluttered with gifts, trash, and guests. This is not ideal if an emergency arises and must be addressed. Brandie reminds Leslyle that she should be polite and considerate to the patients and their guests and explain why she is straightening the room and keeping pathways clear. Brandie also asks Leslyle to answer call lights so that the patients can speak with a staff member immediately. Leslyle should do what she can to assist and report to the nurses if the patients need assistance that requires their care. Leslyle states that she understands her