1st job-advice please!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in NICU.

Hi guys, I don't post much on here but I really need advice from fellow nurses. I started my first job as an RN a couple months ago in an LTC setting and while I think I'm doing pretty good job, I really need advice about how to deal with my unit. I am the charge nurse on my side, and usually the only RN there. The aides on the unit are completely out of control. I am the part timer, but I see them pushing around the full-time RN, telling that person what they will and won't do. They are nasty to the residents, they are rude to me and the LPNs when we give them an order, they complain about the assignments, the residents complain about how they are treated by these aides, some are using the the resident's rooms as their own staff lounge with their coats and shoes in the resident's closets, they eat their lunch and change the channel in the resident's rooms, they drag the residents from the bed to the geri chair, they are out of control! One of them told me they are old enough to be my mother so I don't need to tell them what to do, and also that I cant be her child because she has "big children" (In not so nice words)

I have spoken to my supervisor and requested a meeting to discuss their behavior.

He has yet to meet with me.

Said supervisor laughs, jokes, and parties with them.

The full time charge nurse allows them to do what they want. This charge nurse will even relieve the CNAs if they tell this person to to. This charge nurse also does their weights for them because they won't do it.

I'm new to this facility, I am only there twice a week. I don't expect to come in and change people that have been this way for 15+ years.....What am I to do? Almost everyday I leave disappointed and it is so hard to remain professional and not stoop to their level with the screaming matches and name calling. I have only gotten into it with one person and we talked our differences out and neither one of us yelled but I am feeling like my fuse is running short and I want to remain as professional as possible and deal with this issue because residents are suffering. Any advice?

Specializes in Critical Care.

Sounds like you just need to find a new job fast. Besides driving you insane, it sounds like an unsafe facility which may put your new license on the line one day.

Specializes in NICU.

Many times I have said the same to myself, but with the job market the way it is, I should be kissing the floor & thankful that I have a job, especially as a new grad. Thanks for response though.

How about putting your concerns in writting to the supervisor? People hate to see things in writting and this may prompt him to address the issue. I know what you mean about having a job and being grateful.. but I have to agree... do you really want to be associated with this place?

Do your best to get this addressed. Someone can call the number on the wall and everyone's hide will be in a sling. LOOK FOR A JOB. Tell them in the interview why you are leaving, most places have a reputation in an area, the interviewer will likely already know about the problems at the old job. Be an advocate for pt care and safety, even if you may have little support. I'm so sorry you have to start out with this kind of bad situation.

The supervisor has to have a supervisor. Why not address the situation with that person if you can't get results from your immediate supervisor? Sometimes the best thing is to jump ship and find another job but I always worry about the residents that I would leave behind. Who is going to advocate for them? If the aides truly are being nasty to the residents, maybe an annonymous call to the dept of aging or your ombudsman is in order.

Call the State Board.

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