As an RN in a, small, 20-bed ED I have the opportunity to work side be side, and have face-to-face communication with, the attending physicians (including the ED chair), physician assistants, residents, multi-functional techs, nursing supervisor, charge nurse, triage nurse, unit secretary, environmental services, X-ray technicians, CT technicians, US technicians, and transporters. The importance of open communication between all parties involved in patient care has been stressed since the first night I stepped onto the ED floor. During my orientation I was encouraged to, respectfully, question physician orders which did not make sense to me and now when I precept a new graduate I encourage the same. In our department we are able to question such orders without push-back from physicians, residents, or PAs. They are typically grateful when a nurse has caught a medication order which was meant to be ordered on another patient. Generally, they will take accountability… Continue reading