[2006RNCS]

Hello all! I am an RN supervisor on third shift in a LTC facility with 179 beds. We normally never have 5 nurses at night, sometimes only 3. We have anywhere from 6-9 CNA's. We are currently working 3 nurses short, therefore, I may end up working a hall of 70 all by myself, which has happened a few times. We just had a nurse walk out Sunday night, abandoned her pts, because she was left to care for the 70 pts by herself. I don't blame her for her frustration, but now her license is in jeopardy with the state board of nursing. So, I am taking a cart every nights until a couple of nurses are hired. Our facility has a very bad reputation in town. I understand why no one would want to work for us.

I really love the autonomy of being a supervisor, but lately I feel like I am being forced to work doubly hard. I still have my supervisory responsibilities as well. My DON has told me that a day shift job that she thinks I will love will be coming open in a couple months, but she can't tell me now.

I am making really good money, but I don't think my health can survive much more of this. I am so down about this!

I am so confused as what to do. Should I wait it out for a day shift job, or start looking for a job elsewhere? All opinions are appreciated.

[applescruffette]

Without knowing specifics about your job and having worked LTC for a couple years and watching my husband go though a nursing home like you described, I just wonder if your DON is pulling a bait and switch on you--promising a day shift job that might come up, but it never seems to for whatever reason, but she wants to keep you around while you are waiting for that supposed job. If your health cannot take much more of this place, I'd try looking for another job and don't burn any bridges with this current job. If the day shift job comes open at this facility, then you could always reapply. Good luck!

[LTCRN4LIFE]

Before I read Apple's post I would have said the same thing....your DON is "keeping" you on the line. I doubt anything will change...it takes a while to build a reputation good or bad...that doesnt happen overnight...I just went through a similar situation and I stayed on Per Diem. That prevented them from giving me a bad reference while I secure another job and now they are begging me to work. The beauty is "it's on my terms" sure I gave up my benefits but I have the ability to get them on my own also.

[caliotter3]

This would not be the first time that someone was told of an opportunity that did not materialize. You need to look for another position and stay on per diem, until a good time to switch. Your willingness to stay until they have hired others should be looked upon favorably.

[flygirl43]

Your job is not worth your health....leave. You will be so happy in a few mionths....trust me!!!

[BSNDec06]

I do not have any LTC experience, but I have had an experience with a bad manager. She continually made promises that I wouldn't have to run additional testing (this was in the laboratory), and then she would show up late and leave us short-staffed for the first 5 hours of our shift. She often would not notify the staff that she was going to show up late even when she scheduled herself "on the floor" to use nursing terms.

I endured her promises for two years. When I finally left, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner. I suggest that if you are in the midst of a stressful work situation that is becoming detrimental to your health, get out sooner rather than later. If you are a good worker, they will always be willing to hire you back (should you choose to return).

Good luck and I hope that you are able to find a happier situation down the road.

[sharlynn]

Originally Posted by flygirl43

Your job is not worth your health....leave. You will be so happy in a few mionths....trust me!!!

I have to agree with everyone else here! Get out ASAP!

[Ginger45]

I am a LTC nurse, I have been a DON. Have they not called in agency to help out? That is a very dangerous situation and it is your license on the line as well as the DONS whether she knows it or not. If I were the DON I would be there right along beside you.

I just quit a job for some of the same reasons. I was the risk manager/compliance Director and spinning my wheels. I knew how to fix it but my boss wouldn't let me. She called me and begged me back and like a sucker I am but I am putting in my notice. I have a job as a Regional Nurse Consultant hopefully to go to. The job was so bad that I was physically ill for three weeks. MY husband is squacking about money though so I have to do something. I tried online surveys, those are a joke. OH yes, they give you cash but you have to buy something. I can't do that.

Good luck to you. Go with your instincts. They will guide you.

"Someone who has been there."

[2006RNCS]

Hello all! The so-called "dream" daytime job that I was talking about has disappeared. Big surprise, huh? She most definitely was trying to keep me on nights. It is so amazing to me that people can be that cruel. She knows that I NEED a daytime job to protect my health. Well, now I am off to find that "dream" daytime job. I know one is out there for me somewhere. I just haven't found it yet. Thanks to everyone for your wonderful advice. I am listening!!

[barefootlady]

Good luck on the job hunt. Did she give you any reason for the day job being on "hold"? Are you going to work Per Diem?