Busy ...

One of those days when you meet yourself coming back along the corridor; oddly the one going away always seems so much more cheerful than the one returning.

Not a horrible day, nothing salacious or exciting to report, just busy-busy-busy. Matters were not helped by being the only person who can complete discharge letters, which is seriously time consuming. Seven children to theatre on an afternoon list alone would be work, but having to do all the admin creates an unnecessary pressure.

On the best of days the time for actual patient care is greatly reduced by the time spent having to complete paperwork; unfortunately whilst it’s care that is obviously most important it’s the swift completion of paperwork that generates capital and payment. My time actually providing care is so greatly diminished by the need to complete discharge documentation; write doctors letters (I remain a nurse) and make follow-up appointments. Each discharge paperwork alone takes thirty minutes, time that could be (and should be) spent providing direct care not banging(?) away on the computer trying to decipher doctor’s scribble.

Of course everyone wants to go home swiftly, but don’t seem to realize that to facilitate this it takes & attention- x-rays to be reviewed, opinions to be gained, medicines to be obtained; all takes time. People can see you’re run off your feet, but aren’t very patient or understanding. We are doing our best.