Job is worse, aarrrrgg

[elprup, BSN, RN]

The small rural clinic I work out is getting worse. When I started there as a new/old grad 10 months ago it was insane. I was thrown into triage and the floor. It was crazy. Well, ten months later it is worse! I am now the only nurse on the floor who knows the most. This is because two long time MA's quit. Also, the medical director stepped down and our nursing supervisor was demoted. I keep asking our executive director when are we going to get a nurse manager and/or medical director? We have been managing ourselves, and it is NOT working.

Last month I wrote a letter to the executive director voicing my concerns about pt safety, Risk management and employee well-being. I spelled everything out. Regarding why they have not hired a medical director - clinic does not have enough money. Director said they are advertising for nurse supervisor but can't find one. But today managers are all happy because they hired a physicians assistant. Um, my first question was what about hiring some certified and experienced MA's/lvn's/Rn's? We cannot keep the floor running smooth, we are exhausted and making mistakes, getting sick, and morale is at an all time low!

So I want to go to the next Board Meeting and voice my concerns regarding pt safety, risk management, and employee well being. Is this something I can do? I know meetings are public. My only concern is If director would feel that I went over her head to board with intention to make her look bad. Let me say that is not my intention. I only want to try to help make things better. Things are really getting bad. Employees tell me morale has never been this low. Clinic has been open for 20+ years.

But then I begin to wonder if medicine can ever change? I am a hopeless romantic. Ya I know.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Elprup

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

No, I wouldn't go over your supervisor's head to the board meeting, I'd just look for a new job. Or you could do both, because I feel certain if you follow through with that plan you will be looking for a new job on their time table, not your own.

Sounds terrible. Get out of there.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry, I have to say this, but "can it be fixed" being used as a Tag just made me laugh. I don't mean to be insensitive, it just struck a cord with me.

I'm not going to pretend I know what you should do. I think a nurse in management or in a higher position than myself would know better on how to direct you. But best of luck trying to make things better. I'm sure there are a lot of patients who would really appreciate your efforts if they knew about them.

[caliotter3]

I would keep my suggestions within the organization rather than going to a public meeting.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

If they actually hired a PA that should be an improvement. PA's and NP's have much more training then MA's, LPN's or even RN's. Almost like a doctor, although the PA doesn't have the independence and ability to write scripts like an NP can in many states.

All you can do is give it a chance or look elsewhere. Having a PA on the floor should give you some peace of mind, more than a supervisor would. You've got hands on expertise at your fingertips.

[Guest505077]

I understand what you're saying... I have learned over the years that management is going to do whatever they wish regardless of how many letters of concern are written...

You have a long career ahead of you, I suggest you look for a new job.. you said it yourself- it's getting worse

It's unsafe, stressful- NO job is worth putting your license on the line or putting your health at rissk

I wish you well :)

[MickeyTong]

Your concerns are laudable, and an example of what a good nurse should feel and think in such a situation. Your patients, their families and your colleagues are lucky to have you.

But......

Heroes usually become casualties, and none of your patients or potential patients will come to your rescue. Look for a new job - your bosses are probably already aware of the situation....and remember that you'll need a reference from your current employers.

Best wishes and good luck

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of support from the forum. You should accept that this job is done for you, its just not final yet. You will either quit or get fired for trying to change things. You should choose the action that you feel might have the greatest impact. If you can improve the situation you would be a hero and pull off a miracle. I feel that doing something is morally necessary and just leaving for a better job solves YOUR problem, but not THE problem. You have to weigh the cost against your desire and needs. Can you apply for the nurse supervisor position? Is a committed inexperienced nurse better than none? I would think so, best of luck.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of support from the forum. You should accept that this job is done for you, its just not final yet. You will either quit or get fired for trying to change things. You should choose the action that you feel might have the greatest impact. If you can improve the situation you would be a hero and pull off a miracle. I feel that doing something is morally necessary and just leaving for a better job solves YOUR problem, but not THE problem. You have to weigh the cost against your desire and needs. Can you apply for the nurse supervisor position? Is a committed inexperienced nurse better than none? I would think so, best of luck.

Five years ago, I'm right on board with ya.

Now. Mmmmmm. IDK.

Poor economy, harder time finding work, health institutions becoming volatile towards its nurses. I think.......poor circumstances are making many of us put up with things we would not (or not put up with, in this case with the advice being move on before things fall on her lap).

I am committed to nursing, but that won't mean much if there is no food on my table and I'm homeless.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Wanting to save a place is all well and good...but you can count on them throwing you under the bus if you're in over your head and something goes wrong. Best of luck :)

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

[Can't help it, has to say it]

My hemorrhoids are worse, aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhh

[diva rn, BSN, RN]

[Can't help it, has to say it]

My hemorrhoids are worse, aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhh

Erik...you are on a roll tonight..and my "putz" comment stands...:)

now leave these poor people alone and behave!