Nurses how important is continuation of care to you?

[EachandEveryone]

I remember it was drummed into us how important it was but on my ward we don’t seem to do it. It’s a mix of itu/hdu and special care, we are well staffed for once. I’m very very flexible and experienced I just get the feeling that those in charge put me where I will be of more use to them because I am happy to get on with things. For instance three of use were on yesterday and today the three of us are in completely different areas even though there are more seniors on than juniors, fair enough when we have been off but I just would like to continue if ive been on the shift before.

Do you try on your wards?

Yes. I am often the one who allocates staff to patients for the next shift. Where possible, I try to give people who were on the previous shift the same patients as continuity of care is better for the patients and, in most cases, the nurses prefer it too. Sometimes we have especially challenging patients and people discreetly ask not to have them shift after shift and that’s ok. Sometimes it doesn’t work due to the change in skill mix or patient acuity on the next shift, but I do try.

You sound lovely. I think some people are just on a power trip. I don’t know why they can’t say good morning was anyone here yesterday? Instead of allocationing before they’ve even come in,