Nursing Code

In the last 6 months I have experienced exemplary dedicated and sensitive nursing; and also a couple of heartless b*****s. There is a lot to do with personality and I think that during their training nurses should be observed for their natural rapport with patients as well as their ability to pass exams.

But in a time of nursing shortage, bad eggs will slip through. how frustrating for the good nurses.

Anyone aware of Ann Clwyd's experience when her husband was dying in hospital will know that, sadly, this is needed (eg "I'm a graduate, I don't do sick"). Anyone who had friends or relatives in Stafford Hospital will know this is needed. Anyone who saw their dear relative ignored as he was dying in a Devon hospital will know.
Just a few of examples of poor care that let down the whole profession.

What a pity they are not all like the wonderful nurses who looked after me when I was in hospital.

Perhaps we should bring back a qualification like that of the SEN as well as the degree course - it was not such a rigorous academic course but attracted caring people who became good, caring nurses.

At local DGH visitors are requested not to visit at meal times, and nurses or HCAs do ensure patients are fed when necessary - sadly I suspect this isn't so everywhere.

I agree that a lot of the problems started when nursing became degree entry only, a lot of very good candidates were lost and have likely ended up as underpaid and overworked ward assistants or whatever they are called these days. If nursing staff have to be taught how to 'care' for the patient rather than just administer drugs to a bundle of symptoms, then they shouldnt be in the job. I am no so sure about relatives being in the wards all day, and helping to feed patients; while I appreciate people do it because they are worried that their family member will starve without their supervision and help, it also makes a lot of noise and bother in a ward. This can be an issue when others are trying to sleep, are dealing with bad news, or perhaps need to use a bed pan or if they make a mess when eating, all small things which can add up to humiliation when witnessed by strangers. Also, these visitors sit on beds, sneeze, cough, use toilets in wards etc., not good practice. There should always be a quiet time, perhaps after lunch, when all are at rest, not everyone wishes to hear the gossip and inane chatter from their neighbour's bed.

Very true NotTooOld there's now discussion about reviving the former SEN role under another guise (I've been around too long!)

harrigran wearing gloves is best practice, it protects both nurse and patients and has been so for a number of years. It isn't about encouraging them to take more care it's protection against blood-borne viruses, infection etc.

Mishap, having been in hospital myself only recently I reckon it is because the wards are very short staffed and the nurses that are on duty just have too much to do.

There was a woman on the radio yesterday who was advocating that relatives of patients with dementia should have open visiting in thr same way as children, which seems sensible (as long as the carer did not feel it was expected of them). However, one of her reasons was that the nurses could not be expected to make sure that patients ate, as they were busy nursing. Pardon me, but I thought that ensuring a patient was well nourished was an integral part of the job!

loopylou - I believe someone posted elsewhere that now nurses qualify with a degree the profession is losing the less high achievers who would have made very caring nurses without a degree.

I don't know any nurses who use gloves when taking blood, it encourages them to take more care with the procedure. As long as they wash their hands it should not be a problem.

It's a very sad day for nursing when this has to be made explicit. It, I believe, arises in light of the Mid Staffordshire hospital horror story and the Francis Report but it makes me question just why some people want to be nurses.
It's not about being bright enough, all training is university level, it's about the perceived lack of knowledge and practice in basic nursing care and fundamental compassion.

Couldn't agree more. All things expected of a nurse.

DD was astounded when the first nurse to see her partner in A&E last week took bloods without wearing gloves. Basic hygiene for him and the nurse !