I feel I'm in trouble and need a new job fast

U.S.A. California

Published

Lol Trouble it wont let me edit the subject.

I work at an RCFE facility. They are not obligated to hire licensed staff. When I was hired I was a new grad and was waiting to take my test. Now I have taken the NCLEX and passed. I am an LVN in California and was told when I was hired that there was an RN on staff and "not to worry cause I wasn't being hired as an LVN but a Wellness Director". Well I found out about a week ago the RN let her license laps over two years ago. So now... I am the only licensed person in the entire facility. The med-passers had an 8 hour training class and I am being held responsible for 41 residents and about 30 staff members below me. I am really worried because there has been many errors that of course are my fault (even though I wasn't there when they occurred). Should I get out as fast as I can before I jeopardize my license? The owner called me in to her office today and told me she didn't care if I quite because if others make mistakes it is no ones fault but my own. Then I leave at 5pm and I went for my 15 min break at 4:30 because we had been in meetings all day. My boss got angry with me telling me " I could take my break later". What should I do?

Specializes in NICU.

Run Forrest Run, and write a letter to the BRN immediately to complain. Think about the patient safety and you worked too hard for your license. Run Forrest, Run:up:

Normally one should wait until they have a new job before resigning, but in this case I would resign immediately. Your license is too precious to jeopardize in this mess.

i would get out of dodge quickly! however, be prepared for the job market...as you can read on here, it's a zoo. i don't know what other experience you have as an lvn/rn, but if you want to go hospital route, it's going to be tough competition.

on another note: collecting unemployment...normally when one quits their job, they are not eligible to collect...however, you need to apply anyway. tell them you "didn't agree with their policy and procedures and the company was working unsafe, putting your license on the line" most of the time they will let you collect if you have a good reason for quitting.

call up unemployment first or go to the http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/default.htm and check eligibility. according to them, "a person who quits work or is fired from work will be scheduled to a telephone interview because there is a separation issue that must be resolved". this is where they listen to your reason for quitting and they decide whether its appropriate enough to allow you ui benefits.

good luck!

I agree, first & foremost you need to protect your license. And don't forget to report them to any licensing agency that oversees them (DHS {dept of health services}, & the BRN to name a few). The most important role for any nurse is that of patient advocate. Do not allow any one to abuse either yourself, your license or your patients. Good Luck!!!

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

residential care facilities for the elderly (rcfes)—sometimes called "assisted living" or "board and care" facilities are non-medical facilities that provide a level of care that includes assistance with activities of daily living. california regs do not require licensed rn or lpn on staff.

california regs available at:

residential care facilities for the elderly (rcfe)/assisted living ...

residential care facilities for the elderly (rcfe)/assisted living.

www.canhr.org/rcfe/

what are the qualifications for staff?

minimal training: administrators must take a 40–hour certification program, pass a simple state exam, and obtain 40 hours of continuing education every two years. staff must receive at least 10 hours of training at the facility within 4 weeks of employment, and at least 4 hours annually thereafter. for facilities advertising dementia care, 6 hours of orientation specific to dementia care within the first 4 weeks, and at least 8 hours annually of in–service training.

minimal qualifications: administrators must be 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent for facilities of 15 beds or less — these comprise over 80% of all rcfes. for facilities of 16 to 49 beds, the administrator needs 15 college credits; and for facilities of 50+ beds, 2 years of college or 3 years experience, or equivalent education and experience. staff must only be 18 years of age and pass the criminal background check. note: because rcfes are non–medical facilities, there is no requirement for rns, lvns or cnas or any medically–trained personnel. check on the qualifications of the administrator and key staff.

how to file complaints

use the rcfe fact sheet filing complaints (pdf). there is also a listing of community care licensing offices (pdf), the regulatory agency for rcfes, where you can mail your complaint.

also consider filing a complaint with the local ombudsman office

please use caution and judgement in submitting any report so you are not blacklisted from finding another position in this tight economy....alf community is small and staff do talk to one another.

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