The patient load can sometimes be up to 12 patients and this does make it difficult to take care of all the needs a surgical patient has so I feel quite inadequate in my role. Some days we have only 7 patents per PCA/PCT and this really allows us to focus on their more specific needs.
We have 30 minutes for lunch, which really is too short over a 12-13 hour day. 45 minutes would allow us to eat without inhaling our food and really provide the mental break we need to be the best for our patients. It is amazing what 15 more minutes would do for our mental and physical health during such a long day.
Having to stay silent when I see a small portion of coworkers abusing privileges, being dishonest on the job and cutting corners. I used to say something but these employees are allowed to continue the dishonest and ethically wrong behaviors so I no longer say anything. I simply do my work and try my hardest to take care of our very ill patients and stay positive. Hopefully, these dishonest employees will leave or transfer out so our patients can receive the care they deserve from employees that have a strong work ethic and also have personal integrity.