Practice: Sherry rotates as the charge nurse RN during the night shift. She demonstrates competency using the nursing process in providing care for male and female Veterans with complex diagnoses, including but not limited to: drug/alcohol detoxification, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia with many Axis III diagnoses included. As charge nurse, Ms. Lewis delegates staff assignments and ensures that the assignments are completed correctly at the end of her shift. She considers strengths, weaknesses, and skill level when making assignments. She utilizes her experience in Mental Health nursing to make patient care decisions in patient crisis situations and ensures that the environment remains safe for staff and Veterans. Sherry is responsible for giving a detailed report to her colleagues at the change of shift.…show more content… Lewis is diligent in adhering to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics while caring for patients. She maintains patient privacy and reminds other staff members to do the same. She is careful to put the patients’ needs first, whether the issue involves the right to refuse medication, the right to be on the opt-out list, or the right to refuse to see visitors. Sherry is quick to ethically handle situations in which callers attempt to ascertain patient information, always keeping patients’ rights and privacy at the forefront of her actions.
Sherry establishes trust and rapport with patients and educates them on their diagnosis and current medication regimen, discusses daily plan of care and provides resources related to discharge. Ms. Lewis notifies the oncoming treatment team nurse of appropriate referrals to other services when she feels they may be useful. Ms. Lewis acts as a patient advocate by educating patients regarding their rights and responsibilities on the night tour, which is vital to establishing therapeutic relationships between patients and nursing
