Have you ever had one of those days when it seemed like everyone was hitting the call light every time you turn around? or is that every time you clock in? You feel like you can’t get anything done, you stay over after each shift, just to chart? Let’s get this together.

I know life happens and things can be unpredictable, but get organized as much as possible and try these 5 tips.

Tip #1

When you first get on shift go in and introduce yourself and orient your resident how you run things. When you let them know what to expect and when to expect it, it takes out the wonder and guess work. Think about it if you go to a restuarant or doctors appointment and they say ok we put you on the list and that’s it 5 minutes can seem like an eternity. On the flip side if they simply say it will be about 30 minutes then you don’t stress as much because you know what’s going to happen. So when you get there you should do this. This is what its should sound like.

“Hi my name is ____ and I will be taking care of you until _____am/pm. I make rounds every (hour, two hours) and your (other care partner makes rounds every( hour,two hour) So someone is in to check on you every hour. I am going to go look at your care plan to see what we have planned and I will be back in ____hour.

Tip #2

Think ahead. If you are going to the room to give medicines you should know how they take their medicines, so you can gather everything before going in. So take water, take cups, have a straw, if they are crushed take applesauce and a spoon. This also applies on regular rounding. anticipate what they might ask and take it in when you go, that way they aren’t calling time you leave.

Tip #3

Every time you make a round address as many things as you can at the moment.This will also reduce them calling out when you just left. So when you go in, check iv pumps and fluids (if within your scope). When you are in the room ask them if they have to potty or if we can try to potty, most people call time you leave because now they have to pee. You can also address pain while you are there because this is another common call reason. Address their comfort level while you are there, do you need to be adjusted, need a pillow moved, covers pulled up, light on or off, door open or closed -sound like some of the reasons you’ve been called back for? Address them while you are there and you won’t get called back.

Tip #4

Avoid saying if you need anything. I know we are in the business of customer service, but we also have many other things we have to complete in a shift. So avoid saying if you need anything hit the call button. Instead after addressing some needs, you would say “I will be back in ___hours, if you need something that can not wait until I get back call me, if not I will see you in ____ hour/s. This is effective because it takes out them calling you for things that can truly wait. Sometimes you say anything and they will literally call you for anything.

Tip #5

Be consistent and stick to your word. If you say you are coming back at a certain time then go back and if you can’t make it, send someone in your place.

These tips work and help build trust and will cut down on all the walking and back and forth you find yourself doing. You are becoming more efficient. You are able to get more done and within your shift.

Remember to never ignore a call light and that it always should be within the reach of the patient.

Implement these tips and let us know how they work. Click here to find out more about Legacy School of Healthcare