Offered the ONLY full-time day shift position (actually just told I was taking it)...

Nurses General Nursing

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At the end of April, I took a position in a small LTC. It is owned by a corporation that is pretty big in the area. I've been orienting to day shift and for the first time in my life, I like working days. But...it is really, really busy. The charge nurse runs from the minute she walks in until the minute she leaves and if something goes wrong, she ends up being there way past the end of the shift. Not a problem, I guess.

Their last survey had some deficiencies...things like holes in documentation, a CNA not wearing gloves during pericare, supplies not being put away after delivery...nothing that can't be easily fixed. So...they have a bunch of people from corporate in making changes, watching staff, etc. Well...the corporate nurse decided that I am the one who should be working full-time day shift. Each of the other nurses will get two shifts a week. I don't have to work weekends. I will be the one who is there when state comes in for a repeat survey.

I'm OK with all of this, but I really feel bad that a nurse who has been there for several years has been bumped out of her position. I'm not sure how the rest of the staff is going to react. I'm also not sure what exactly management's motives are. Hopefully, they are making all of the changes becasue they truly beleive they will benefit the facility. I'm not very trusting after some things that happened at my last job.

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Specializes in er/icu/neuro/trauma/pacu.

don't feel bad over getting that shift if it is something you want. The other staff members may be upset, and rightfully so if they are waiting for a dayshift job. However no one should blame you for taking the shift. I have been on both sides of this and currently am really p--d off over yet another day shift going to a new hire....but it is not her fault, management is just completely inept and the er docs wont work with the new inexperienced staff at night---only one RN---catch-22 I guess... Any way if some one is less than friendly towards you, just be even nicer to them and remember it was not your decision Good Luck with the state

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I understand about the other nurse, but yay for you!

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The one who is being bumped apparently can't cut the mustard and they think you can. Not your fault. No guilt required. She won't be mad at you, she might be upset with the bosses. Just be nice to her, do a good job, it will work out.

No gloves for peri care, eh? Puking now.:eek: :barf02:

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The DON told me flat out that the other nurse just doesn't measure up. I've worked with her during orientation and I thought she was a bit flighty, but the residents love her and she knows the facility really well. She is definetly the go-to person for policies, procedures, how to track down family members, and things like that.

I'm not really keen on being there when state is there...I always get a little edgy when someone is watching me do my thing. The nurse educator watched me do my med pass and treatments last week and told me I am the only nurse who does is 100% by the book...I kind of doubt that because the person who did my orientation to the med cart is very meticulous. I always wonder why management makes some of the decisions that they do...it seems so unfair to replace someone who has shown a large amount of loyalty to a facility with someone who is brand new. It happened to me once and I was devastated.

I'm just going to jump in and give it 100%...I really like this job and the residents and the people I work with.

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I understand how you feel, but sometimes the one with seniority is not the best choice for a position.

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all the best with your new job

the position has been offered to you, no need to feel guilty about

another person who they have not chosen for the position

(they may change things again later anyway)

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Don't take it personally, it's just business.

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Specializes in psychiatric, long term care, home health.

As someone who works for the "state", become familiar with Long Term Care Federal Regulations which are available through the CMS (Center for Medicare Services) website. Federal and State guidelines focus on safety, assessment, are care plans followed (turning, repositioning, nail care, oral care, are heels floated, etc.) along with other things that are basically safe and good nursing care. Know your facilities policies or their systems. The surveyors are looking to see that the residents needs (physical and psychosocial) are met. If everyday is survey day, then you won't have to sweat it when the "state" comes in. Good luck and God Bless!

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I don't want to be the lone voice of caution here, but it sounds like these people may like to pit one employee against the other. Watch yourself. (from one who has been there)

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Congrats on the new position. I do agree that you need to be very aware to the politics of this situation. Hope things go well for you.

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Specializes in Rehab, LTC, Peds, Hospice.

I have to say, I agree with the cautious people. She should've definitely been on her toes for corporate, but a lot of these corporate honchos really wouldn't know a good nurse from a bad nurse if the good nurse had an angel halo and wings to boot! I had a coworker replaced as well, over a year later they grudgingly accepted her, but she had a difficult time. I'm sure you are a wonderful nurse and have a lot to offer, but be prepared for some fall out. (Also, did this nurse lose hours as well? If so, I don't think much of the company you are working for.)

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