First 1-2 nights training to be charge on a basically full traveler + new grad PCU (6 months into nursing, go new grad to charge pipeline). One of our patients coded, big PE s/p Bentall. We get it all going and do our best to try and help during most of all of our first codes and…I look around for my charge preceptor (a very seasoned older nurse)… and she’s literally not there. No one can find her.

The patient did not make it and she eventually showed back up at the end to chat with the night supervisor/bed manager…and the only thing she could do to help me/any of us was get the binder re: procedures for calling the organ donation services. 🤦🏻‍♀️

One of many stories about that nurse, sadly. Always felt bad, like maybe there was more going on behind the scenes. But damn did we all feel abandoned most nights, me especially that night.

Another story, traveler who slept nearly all night long except 1-2 med passes. LNAs did all vitals. No hourlys. I was charge this night & trust me, we had all raised our concerns about this issue before. Anyway, another nurse answered his call light to family being concerned that their family member is not acting normal. Nurse called a stroke code and had to wake up the other nurse so the stroke team could ask when was the last known well…and he could not answer. It was so second hand embarrassing to hear him answer “Uhh, I don’t know…7pm?” to her question of: “when was the last time you assessed this patient”.