Serious Questions about Neglect Etc.

[GeriatricSunshine]

I really need help here. I am grappling with some pretty serious issues at my work right now.

I am a nurses aide but I am working right now in admin due to some minor health issues. I have a pretty good job.

My retirement home is run by 2 RPN's (LPN's) and one is the manager.The other is the manager of the nurses aides.

This is a new place and I have some serious concerns about the residents and staff.

We have 40 residents now and 1 person that works during the day.She cleans the rooms, does the laundry, serves meals and does resident care. Keep in mind these are well seniors but they do have health problems.

The concerns I have are A) A nursing call bell did not work and the resident had a heart attack, this was covered up by redoing the nursing notes and claiming that the bell worked.

B) The nurse ignoring numerous complaints that a resident had a bladder infection, causing harm to the resident. Not sending her spec out in a timely manner.

The girls have a very, brief medication course and then pass out meds. Up until 1 month ago the meds where not locked.The actual med room is not even closed.

Don't get me wrong I am not looking for trouble but I am deeply concerned about the residents. The last 2 girls that brought these issues to head office where fired.

[GeriatricSunshine]

Burn out, I think you may need to take some time away from these boards. Are nurses never to be judged? Are they exempt? I think not. As for my work status I have to work to make a living, so instead of working as a PSW all the time I only do it on weekends on short shift.

As for your attititude it is unfortunate for your patients that they have to deal with someone who is using burn out as a veiled attempt to bypass your obligations. Maybe it is time you sat back and thought about your attitude.

To everyone else! THANK YOU! This is a VERY tricky situation. I never wanted to do anything about this or fear of losing my job. I am losing more of myself.

As for the LPN for 40 people, she does paper work all day and has very little interaction with the residents,The actual work is done by a health care aide.( I have never encountered this before, mostly I have an LPN working side by side !).

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

[GeriatricSunshine]

Perhaps your name suits you very well. I am very upset about your comment. I work very closely with the residents families.I have been asked to cover things up for the facility such as the call bell issue.This was NOT the nurses fault but I was made to say the bell system was working fine when it was not.

Maybe you are doing the judging here. Maybe you think I sit behind a desk all day, I don't.I am in on meetings where I shake my head on what they are telling people.

Neglect is a serious issue and I feel that this place is more about the money than patient care. I know nurses get tired, I work in LTC on weekends in addition to my "desk" job. There is 1 RPN in that facility who does meds and then goes home. The rest of the work is done by PSW's. Do not judge me.

Yes I have earned my name burn out and mostly from putting up with people like you. I am very concerned about you agreeing to lie for the place you are working...that is something I would never do .and most other people would not do it either CNA LPN or RN. What do you mean don't judge you when you sit back and judge others...judge lest ye not be judged. People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Do yourself and the pateints and your residence a favor and leave.

How is it that you have a physical condition that puts you in the office at this job but on the weekends you are fine to work elewhere.

How is me leaving going to make it better? Who would advocate for the residents? Maybe no one, I think you may be a little too burnt out.

[burn out]

I may be burnt out but I am not the one that told a lie. I will not be made a scapegoat for someone else that did something I consider ethically wrong and then has the nerve to sit back and judge others. TazziRN I will take your advice and take a break for a while.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Let's debate the subject please, not the individuals.

Again, the consensus is that if you witness abuse/neglect or feel something is occurring that isn't ethical, please report it.

BTW - I am not familar with a "PSW" - may I ask what that is? Thanks.