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What are some unexpected challenges that RN's might expect?
(I'm a student for Job Corps)
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Christine’s Answer
Hello! Unexpected challenges. When I did my rotation in pediatrics in school, I was supposed to work with a young child the same age as my youngest who was jumping on the couch with his brother who had an open knife. The younger child fell on the knife and it pierced his heart and lungs. It was a trigger for me, and I asked to be moved to the step down unit first. I worked as a CNA prior to school at a nursing home. I was used to residents passing and was able to accept their passing. The hardest thing to learn as a RN in the hospital was doing a code on someone that passed, and checking to see if they had a DNR. I was unprepared for nurses on the night shift "eating their young". I never had a break, they put me in positions I was unprepared for, and refused to show me what to do. I also had issues with one Dr who had his secretary give me orders, and he was standing next to her in his office. I refused to take the orders, and he came in the next day bad mouthing me to other nurses(who did stand up for me). I think the worse thing I encountered was the politics involved, not who you are but who you know kind of thing. I did become proactive and stronger when talking to Drs about the residents where I worked. I told one Dr that his patient was moaning when she was repositioned and I believed it was due to pain. He told me she was obtunded and was not able to voice her concerns. My response ( and I knew this MD well) was I hope if I moaned when turned and was unable to voice my issues that someone would believe I was in pain. I only really wanted tylenol. I ended up with a narcotic and once given, she stopped moaning. Also, pain management is an issue. I knew nurses who would not give pain meds to a dying person as they might die. One patient had bladder cancer, and kept pulling his catheter out as it hurt when he urinated. No one addressed his pain and he was on hospice. As I worked 12 hour shifts, and had him for 2 days I started him on his pain meds. I was off a day and came back in, he had passed. I was glad his last days were pain free. I hope this helps.
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Susana’s Answer
Here are some unexpected challenges that Registered Nurses (RNs) might face:
1. Emotional Stress
Nurses often deal with critically ill patients and grieving families, which can be emotionally draining. Maintaining empathy while not becoming overwhelmed is a difficult balance.
2. High Workload
RNs may encounter long shifts, frequently over 12 hours, with few breaks. Unexpected staffing shortages can increase the workload significantly.
3. Communication Issues
Clear communication with doctors, patients, and families is crucial, but misunderstandings can happen, leading to potential conflicts or medical errors.
4. Dealing with Difficult Patients
Nurses often care for patients who are in pain or scared, which can lead to difficult behaviors, including aggression or non-cooperation.
5. Exposure to Illnesses and Injuries
Nurses are frequently exposed to infectious diseases and must follow strict safety protocols. Handling sharp instruments also poses a risk of injury.
6. Adapting to Technology
Hospitals and clinics are continually adopting new technologies for patient care, which requires nurses to constantly learn and adapt to new systems.
7. Legal Liability
Even minor mistakes in patient care can have serious legal implications, making attention to detail and documentation crucial.
8. Burnout
Due to the combination of emotional, physical, and mental stress, burnout is common. Maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge.
9. Ethical Dilemmas
Nurses may face ethical challenges, such as end-of-life care decisions or disagreements with doctors about patient treatment.
10. Limited Resources
In some settings, nurses have to work with limited resources, which can hinder their ability to provide optimal care.
1. Emotional Stress
Nurses often deal with critically ill patients and grieving families, which can be emotionally draining. Maintaining empathy while not becoming overwhelmed is a difficult balance.
2. High Workload
RNs may encounter long shifts, frequently over 12 hours, with few breaks. Unexpected staffing shortages can increase the workload significantly.
3. Communication Issues
Clear communication with doctors, patients, and families is crucial, but misunderstandings can happen, leading to potential conflicts or medical errors.
4. Dealing with Difficult Patients
Nurses often care for patients who are in pain or scared, which can lead to difficult behaviors, including aggression or non-cooperation.
5. Exposure to Illnesses and Injuries
Nurses are frequently exposed to infectious diseases and must follow strict safety protocols. Handling sharp instruments also poses a risk of injury.
6. Adapting to Technology
Hospitals and clinics are continually adopting new technologies for patient care, which requires nurses to constantly learn and adapt to new systems.
7. Legal Liability
Even minor mistakes in patient care can have serious legal implications, making attention to detail and documentation crucial.
8. Burnout
Due to the combination of emotional, physical, and mental stress, burnout is common. Maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge.
9. Ethical Dilemmas
Nurses may face ethical challenges, such as end-of-life care decisions or disagreements with doctors about patient treatment.
10. Limited Resources
In some settings, nurses have to work with limited resources, which can hinder their ability to provide optimal care.
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