Stupid things that bosses have you do

[JB2007]

I have been told that I just have to do something completely stupid many times because State is coming soon, but today just about made me blow my top. I was told to "start kissing this resident butt and that residents family collective butts because they are malcontents and we do not want them complaining to the state". My jaw dropped and once I collected my wits I told my boss that I would not kiss anyones butt let alone those particular peoples' butts. I told her that I will give my residents the best possible nursing care that I can give and the attention that they need. I have 30 residents to care for and I do not have time to cater to a few rotten apples. I told her that is where I draw the line and she needed to get me off of that miserable unit ASAP. Nobody wants to work it because you work twice as hard as any other hall in the facility. I was told this by several other nurses. I honestly can not take this crap anymore!!! I do not kiss their butts what on earth makes these people think that I will do this to keep a few miserable people from complaining!!! These are the type of people that looks for reasons to complain and the higher ups plan will not work. I think it is time to look very seriously for a new job. Am I being completly unreasonable here? Thanks for reading this post.

[Riseupandnurse]

If administration wants that, that's fine. That is their right, as it's their facility. My problem is that customer service and nursing are not actually the same thing. The staffing at even the best hospitals (outside of California, I guess) allows time only for basic safety and comforting, not (the perception of) "very good care" or VIP ruffles and flourishes. Why doesn't management hire some people to go around and smooze, if that's what they want? People who are trained for it and not for nursing. Or give up a QAer and turn them loose for Press Ganey etc. Everyone would be happy.

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I hate when we get lectured because we didn't do something stupid!

WHAT ARE WE, FOUR!?!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

There is usually a bit of this everywhere. And this behavior performed by the managers perpetuate these orifices.

[HeyJude]

What really fries me is when it's not the VIP making such a big deal over themselves, but admin does. We had one not too long ago who was a very nice patient with a very nice family, and probably had no idea this big a deal was being made over them, but admin/mgmt was up 'checking out the room' to make sure it met standards. Barf.

They never do that when it's someone from the homeless shelter. Hmmm.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I feel for you-I know of a situation in a LTC facility in my area where a resident's wife is always complaining about her husband's care. The worst part is, she is not only reports the real mistakes, but she also twists the truth to try to get people suspended or fired. The management takes her at her word, without even asking the staffperson if the claims are true.

There's at least one of these in every facility, I swear. We have one on my floor who has been hell on wheels ever since her husband was admitted---I've seen aides come out of that room in tears more times than I can count. So far, I've been able to stay on her good side, but I know she is as fickle as they come and that could change at any time. Thankfully, I am not easily intimidated and thus I refuse to pander........but I do keep her informed and consult w/ her whenever I feel a change is needed in his treatment program. Maybe that's considered "kissing up", but it's nothing more and nothing less than I would want if the situation were reversed and it were MY husband in that bed.

[leslie :-D]

........but I do keep her informed and consult w/ her whenever I feel a change is needed in his treatment program. Maybe that's considered "kissing up", but it's nothing more and nothing less than I would want if the situation were reversed and it were MY husband in that bed.

and, i'm certain you keep ALL involved family members for ALL your pts/residents, updated with consulting prn.

so you're surely not showing any sort of partiality.

leslie

[RN1982]

I love that the powers-that-be added more paperwork to the admissions packet.