eyes and ears
Joined: 12 Apr 2003
Posts: 24
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2003 3:44 am Post subject: Staff Who Cheat
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This is how it works. RN notices patient's bp is seriously low as recorded on the machine screen. Asks patient how he is feeling. When patient says ok, instead of readjusting the bp cuff and getting a correct bp reading, just records the errant bp. If there is an impending problem, sonce bp can drop very suddenly, the patient is left wide open.<
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>Tech is taking patient off. The standing bp systolic is in the 80's. Tech asks patient if he feels ok. Patient says yes, it's just a loose cuff again. So the tech whispers to the patient, "Well I'll just put you down for 100 systolic, but don't tell anyone".<
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>Comment--I can understand how weary staff must become of recording so much data, rearranging bp cuffs that loosen up etc., but somehow it has to be done if patients are to be observed carefully. Cutting corners can cause loss of life
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Lin
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 337
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2003 1:20 am Post subject: SHAME!!!
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on them! I believe you, but have noticed that in the unit I go to if a person gets either an unusually high or low reading the bp cuff is adjusted, or the manual one is used, and it's taken over. If a tech. ever says to me they are going to "fudge" on the paperwork I'm going to nicely ask them to take it over. Months ago my tmps were running in the pluses, but techs. were writting them down in the negatives (where they are supposed to be). All it took to change things was catching them in the act and inquiring "is it harmfull to have tmps in the pluses?" Of course I knew it wasn't right or healthy, but I wanted to subtly let them know I was curious. Now things have been adjusted and tmps are NEVER in the negatives! If they know you're inquisitive and there is a possibility that you will find out the truth they are more carefull about things. It however bothers me to know that some staff will let things go if they think a pt. is unaware or doesn't care. Too many pts. aren't able to keep an eye on things; we have to keep an eye on things for them! Lin.
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eyes and ears
Joined: 12 Apr 2003
Posts: 24
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2003 5:08 am Post subject: staff who cheat
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I know what you're saying, Lin. and I've corrected staff before in just the subtle way you recomend. I think you get better results, because you are in a unit where much more attention to correct protocal is paid. Yes, my bp will be taken over again if I indicate it needs to be. They'll go get the manual bp unit if I request it. But no matter how many times the problem occurs, they will not do what is right unless I say something. And they will not do what's right for patients who don't know what's going on. They do only what the administrator tells them to do for unit efficiency. I no longer correct them everytime they fail to do something as long as I know I will not be hurt, because I know its going to take something stronger than asking them to pay attention for them to do their job correctly. Units like this just don't change unless harsher action is taken.
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Lin
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 337
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2003 11:52 pm Post subject: Kind of
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they only will take mine over because they aren't quite sure if I know what is going on or not. They don't trust me, and I like it that way. That is why I feel for the rest of pts. because I hear and see them get the bs. I used to wonder how they could say and do some of the things they do, but then I guess some get so much practice it becomes easy. They used to blame it on me when the bp was not in normal range or wouldn't take, saying that I was moving or didn't keep my arm straight. They also blame cramps on drinking too much, but most of us know the real reason most pts. get cramps is because of overagressive fluid removal! The few weeks of training they get doesn't provide a good education or insight. Bug them as much as you have to, to get a proper bp taken; it's important both you and they know what your bps run. Also, it's part of their job! Just my opinion! Lin.
