Fellow FMC Nurses

amk1964 · May 10, 2003

I applied with FMC a few months ago and got a call from an administrator to set up an interview. I went and was interviewed for nearly an hour by him and the DON. They had said they would make a decision within 10 days. That was in FEB., I called to follow-up in APR just to make sure they weren't going to hire me so that I could accept a different position I was offered. The DON stated that they [FMC} put on a hiring freeze until MAY. I was surprised to here this as they were paying oodles in overtime. Is this the norm for FMC?

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · May 10, 2003

hmmmmmm....

Telepathic, I think it depends on who your administrator is. We've had some good ones, who were interactive, then we've had some who would never offer to speak to the nursing staff at all. Just come in once a month for CQI with the DON and Doc, etc. Never even acknowledged our exsistence.

We did get a fax from FMC re Nurses Week and their "appreciation" (whooopie !) and then our NEW administrator ( a woman.. and for some reason, they seem to be more attentive to our needs) came by Fri. and ordered a GOOD lunch from a GOOD restaurant for ALL of us ! She also had sent our DON a really nice bouquet of flowers for Nurse's Day thanking her for all her hard work. Before she left, we were each givien a little "gift" from FMC.. actually, it was pretty neat. A keychain with a square silver light thingie.. a blue light that you can click on to see the keyhole with... and it was embossed with FMC. Nothing big, of course, but more than we've ever gotten from FMC, so it was a first !

Amk, we did have a hiring freeze as well, but I think ours ended in Jan. or Feb., not sure. At any rate, the DON there should have let you know something way sooner. A lot depends on the DON at each individual clinic. We just happen to be blessed with the BEST ! :)

But yes, FMC is definately el cheapo !!!

TELEpathicRN · May 11, 2003

Haven't rec'd my key chain thing yet, but should get it next week, work at a different hospital than the DON. I saw one of my co workers, and thought the gift was neat!

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · May 20, 2003

I was on vacation on a trip during Nurses' Week. If my FMC unit gave any gifts out, I hope someone saved one for me!

I return to work on May 20.

trekker · Jun 7, 2003

Hello. I just joined. Our tech intro'd me to this site. I have been in dialysis nsg for two and a half yrs and work at an FMC unit. As for me, I would have rather have had a bit more in the paycheck, even for one pay period than that lit up key chain...nice, but probably just a PR toy. My unit is getting crazy, love most of my coworkers, but we feel neglected and unsupported by DON, though she is nice enough, that's the problem, we like her but hate how she works. Anyway, we are being asked to do more with less and have increased pt load. Thanks for letting me share.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2003

They did save me a key chain. Our DON has left the unit, and our ADON has left. A tech was suspended for insubordination and several employees have given their notice this week. A PD nurse is acting DON until the new one arrives next week. This will be her first ever mgmt job.

Moral is in the toilet. The work load is overwhelming.

I thought maybe that it was just me, that I wasn't cut out for the insanity of the dialysis unit. But, we just got a new staff RN on who has 4 years exp w/ another dialysis company.

She told me that our unit is the worst place she's ever seen.

She told me not to give up on dialysis, but to try another company. There are no other companies in this area, though.

She told me she feels I would love dialysis in a better environment. I was encouraged to hear that.

And yes, we've been told hiring freeze and possible lay-offs pending, while there are 8 new employees currently in orientation. Par for the course for FMC.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jun 13, 2003

Originally posted by trekker
Hello. I just joined. Our tech intro'd me to this site. I have been in dialysis nsg for two and a half yrs and work at an FMC unit. As for me, I would have rather have had a bit more in the paycheck, even for one pay period than that lit up key chain...nice, but probably just a PR toy. My unit is getting crazy, love most of my coworkers, but we feel neglected and unsupported by DON, though she is nice enough, that's the problem, we like her but hate how she works. Anyway, we are being asked to do more with less and have increased pt load. Thanks for letting me share.

Hi Trekker !

Welcome to the BB !

I've been in dialysis 6 yrs. now, and all of them with FMC, at my same unit. I do love my patients, coworkers, and DON (she's certainly not one of those office-sitters!) and really love what I do.

As for FMC, however, you (and all the others) hit the nail on the head ! Always, ALWAYS more with and for less. For such a MAJOR company, it sure makes one wonder...???

Hellllo, I haven't heard about layoffs and freezes here yet.. is it company wide or just local? Fill me in on the news, Girl ! Anybody else know what they might have up their sleeve next? :confused:

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2003

Jntte,

I don't know if it's local or what. In the last two months they've announced: hiring freeze, lay-offs, now hiring, another lay-off, and NOW they're hiring again.

Anyway, It doesn't matter to me anymore, because I quit!

I gave my two weeks notice last noc. I worked 10 hrs (two hours forced overtime) without any lunch break.

My 58 yr old charge nurse and I, spent our last hr and half emtying, cleaning, rinsing, shaking and refilling (all manually) 50 five gallon bicarb jugs.

So...the techs go home early and FMC wants to pay two RNs with bad backs to do this?

Why? Because a tech refused to do it, and was allowed to refuse. Many tech duties have now been assigned to nurses over the last two weeks, but techs have no new duties. Techs are still permitted to do pt "assessments" which are inaccurate and make for unsafe conditions for the pts. Several nurses have submitted written protest letters concerning this. All they did was give them an hr long "refresher" assessment meeting.

They are stupid and I'm outa there.

I am not willing to sacrifice my back, my license and my willingness to give quality care so that FMC share-holders can make a profit.

In my resignation letter, I listed the folllowing reasons for my resignation:

1. Insubordinate techs w/ poor work ethics.

2. Understaffing.

3. Archaic bicarb/acid systems.

4. An atmosphere where poor quality of pt care is permitted.

5. Generally poor working conditions.

I feel kind of scared about being newly unemployed, but I feel a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, too.

To quote S.Joe:

"We will get exactly as much crap as we will take."

I have just put an end to my taking crap from FMC.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 2, 2003

Helllo... can't blame you a bit. I have never understood the many differences in ONE company ! Our FMC policy is that techs do NOT perform assessments...I assume this is COMPANY policy. Unless this is up to the discretion of each facility's medical director? Possibly. I'll ask our DON tomorrow.

We NEVER go without break.. EVER. Our DON makes sure of that.(including our morning break). Even if we choose to stick around another few minutes to complete a task, she's right there with her apron on, taking over, insisting that we go.

Do you not have a bicarb mixer? The only time we mix one by hand is if we miscalculated the amount needed, and need an extra (and have already cloroxed and rinsed the mixer).

Yes, we all share the water/bicarb/ biohazard trashboxes(etc., etc.) duties, but we have one person (nurse or tech) assigned for this each day,(including our DON) and we rotate. Rarely does one person have this duty more than once a week and we all appreciate that day as one where we can do something different and not have a patient load that day. Although that person does "float" kinda, and help out on the floor as well.. wherever needed.. just doesn't have an actual "side", know what I mean?

Yeh, hiring, not hiring... blah, blah, blah.. we get that, too. Never had forced OT.. get little OT period, and IF needed, always voluntary. Can't understand their justifying paying 2 RNs instead of opting for the less expensive tech pay...as much as they insist on costsavings... don't get it.

At any rate, your unit, as you have always described it, has always sounded crappy to me... REAL crappy. I wouldn't work there for love or money. Again, I'm just SOOOOOO glad to be where I am in our little unit... it's a whole different world. Wish you could work with us for just one week... you'd be amazed. I consider myself VERY fortunate ! Blessed with both super coworkers AND patients !

I wish you the best in your search for employment. Something good WILL turn up for you ! Enjoy the rest. Relax. BREATHE. Destress. When you least expect it, YOUR job will be knocking at your door !

Hugs to you. :)

Jnette

jmtmom · Jul 3, 2003

Yaaaaaay Hellllllo Nurse!!!!!!

I'm so happy for you. Not that you're out of work, of course, but glad that you're not going to have to put up with the crap anymore.

I'm sure you won't have any problem finding a job elsewhere. I think Jnette is right----find a smaller unit. My unit is large and sometimes overwhelming as well. But you're unit sounded downright awful and unsafe.

Good luck!!

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2003

Jnette and jmtmom,

Thanks for your support.

I know most of my posts here have been pretty negative. I know I'm burntout. I want to find some type of work situation where I can feel good about the pt care.

All the dialysis units within a couple of hundred miles here are FMC, and all are pretty large.

However, a new, locally owned unit is opening soon. I went to their open house.

The DON is my old boss. I've talked to her about several things I believe need to be different at this new unit.

I have also sent for all my college transcripts and am looking into getting a non-nursing degree.

People here treat me like an alien when I express my concern over lack of standards of care.

The attitude about down-right dangerous practices here is just casual.

Also, there is no nursing shortage here, and jobs are scarce.

The whole situation is pretty bleak.

My DH has a great job here that he loves and his career is going very well. Otherwise, I'd be looking at leaving this area.

Wish I could work at your unit, Jnette.

Sounds like a dream.