Help, our unit is falling apart!

[nurseklw72]

I work in a cardiac unit. We're having some serious problems. We have recently acquired a new supervisor that has initiated several changes in the way our department is run. This has caused discontent among the nurses and the physicians because this new setup is not very efficient and leads to more probability for errors in patient care. Also, team leaders were selected based on their "natural ability to lead". These individuals are all now permanent charge nurses. With the exception of 1, these individuals have held their licenses less than a year and lack the experience to run a unit. Also, the individuals chosen have personality types that I call "yes men". They do not question authority, rock the boat, or say no to unsafe work conditions. As leaders, they are not required to take a patient load and do not assist the other nurses staffed on the floor when asked to help.

Since the arrival of the new supervisor, who sees the world very black & white, the number of write-ups and verbal counselings has skyrocketed. She does not hesitate to let us know that we are whiny nurses who don't know how good we have it.

The nurses, aides, and secretary on the unit are all currently looking in other places for employment. I know, because I'm one of them. I've been a long-time employee of this facility and have worked this unit for at least 4 years. I am watching this unit which once had a reputation for being the best place to work, completely fall apart.

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

Oh I have seen this happen before, and currently our facility is going through a very similar thing as well! We have lost several excellent awesome nurses just this week...and others are following.

Administration was alerted on several occasions about the probelm but nothing was done...well...now nurses are leaving and people like me who stay are really going to get it by having to provide the same care for more patients because we are so desprately short staffed!

What to do??? We are just trying to keep our moral high, lots of back room venting or rolling of the eyes...LOL, but that seems all we can do in addition to helping eachother out! Sooner or later hopefully the administration powers that be will figure out the probelm (even though it is written on several papers on their desks!), and try to fix it?? UHGGGG!

For me personally...I avail myself to help others during the day, keep moral high by being the funny person I can be naturally (I make people laugh...it is my thing), smile as much as possible and just try to ride this storm out...

I have also tried to find ideas to submit to administration on helpful ideas to solve typical probelms! Yeah, it will proably go in the trash...but I have to try!

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

. i've been a long-time employee of this facility and have worked this unit for at least 4 years. i am watching this unit which once had a reputation for being the best place to work, completely fall apart.

sadly, this story is played out over and over, and usually the only answer is to leave.

when this type of new supervisor ruined my top-line mother-baby unit, 90% of the staff quit. by the time administration looked up and paid attention, care was in the toilet. the supervisor was eventually moved back to nicu as a staff nurse, before ultimatley being fired for drug use. sometimes this is just a chance to find an open window as the current door closes!!

((((hugs)))):redbeathe

[RN1989]

Welcome to the club! Not much you can do. It is always a constant struggle. Find your happy place and stay there, otherwise you'll be just as discontent as many of the rest of us are who have experienced this type of thing more times than we can remember.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

you did not state whether or not Administration or HR has been involved. I would try that route, then look for work elsewhere if needed. But I would at least let the right people know why the unit is failing. Be prepared to offer solutions - that is more helpful than just complaining.

[Agnus]

So sorry to hear this. Time to leave. There are so many red flags, I can't begin... well you know that. (hug) good luck on your job search.

[Canadian_Nurse]

I feel for you...much the same thing is happening on my unit, slightly different reasons, but it's falling apart. My heart is breaking, as I love the work and my colleagues, but the politics, etc., gives me tension headaches and an ulcer.

I hope things turn around soon for your unit...

[nyapa, RN]

I think for morale to improve, it requires involvement from the whole staff, from the top down. If those at the top are not willing to see what is happening before their very eyes, then I really think you may be fighting a losing battle.

It sounds as if you are not only worried about morale, but safety as well. You have no confidence in your team leaders. If this is the case, you need to also protect your registration.

You may have to consider leaving, as a last resort.

Whatever your decision, think of yourself first, not 'loyalty to the clan'

Jay