Thank you to you all!

[Youda]

It's so easy to sit behind this computer and read of all your struggles and the advice about unsafe staffing and disrespectful behavior towards a nurse. I've read about some of you filing lawsuits against your abusers, even against doctors. I've read how some of you have agonized over providing quality patient care when you weren't given the tools or staff to do it. Each time, I've given my own advice when I felt moved to do so. And, each time, I wondered if standing up for yourself was really a possibility for me, for each of us, for our profession.

Then, late last night, I was hit with a disciplinary action because care wasn't provided appropriately when I was given one NA (not even certified) on her second day of employment, and me . . . to take care of 34 patients. I was further reprimanded for not documenting followup on an Ativan I had given (nevermind that I didn't have staff and that my patient's need for an antianxiety med was the result of multiple screwups by Social Services and day shift (details aren't important except to say that I was in trouble for cleaning up a mess on night shift caused by another shift). I was further reprimanded for "questionable judgement" whatever that means. And, to top it off, another nurse had reamed me after report yesterday after I confronted him about abusing a resident. Sure enough, I was somehow wrong about reporting abuse and the male nurse hadn't even been counseled or reprimanded.

Now, I'm not a bad nurse. I'm the nurse who quietly goes about doing what everyone else didn't get done (being dumped on), being a patient advocate, and, in fact, this is the first time anyone in has ever complained about my care or nursing skills!

So, here's the thank you. Much to my surprized, what was coming out of my mouth was anger. If you knew me, you'd know that I would usually feel guilty and take the blame, believing that somehow I didn't do enough or else this wouldn't be happening. I'd agonize over what I "should have done" better. With all your words echoing in my ears, I blasted administration. It went something along the lines that when they give me an unsafe staffing situation, they have the choice of whether I refuse to take the assignment and go back home or they can take the blame and the responsibility for the consequences of a situation that was caused by that kind of unsafe staffing! I further blasted them for daring to reprimand me when another nurse had abused a resident. I said, "Let's get this into some perspective, shall we?" (I was a little sarcastic there).

When I was done, I stood up and picked up my purse and stethoscope and informed them I was going home (my shift was done). Then, I told them I didn't know if I'd be back; I'd let them know in time to cover my shift if I decided to quit. I also told them I was taking 5 days off, and to deal with it, because I needed time to calmly decide if I wanted to continue working there.

Then, I marched right up and filed 5 grievances ranging from failure to reprimand the abuser, unequal and unfair discipline, failure of XYZ nurse to provide appropriate care for the resident who got the Ativan, disrespect in the workplace, and hostile working environment.

Thank you. Thank you, everyone of you, who have posted these kinds of struggles and how you dealt with them. Today? I'm gonna read a mystery novel, just because I feel like it. Then, tomorrow, I'm going to start applying for other jobs. C'est le vie!

Thank you. You all taught me that I didn't have to put up with this. :) :) :)

[misti_z]

Good for you for standing up for yourself and all us overworked nurses!!!

We're glad you're here.

[Sleepyeyes]

Youda, we're here for you, and I applaud you for your actions.

I have quit jobs too over stuff like that, and I usually hike over to a few agencies and put my app in there, when I get feeling real restless...some of them are pretty good, and the money's not too bad either....

Anyhow....it is a real eye-opener to see how different facilities define "understaffed"

Keep us posted--they may even call you back and offer you a raise; I've had that happen too

[sunnygirl272]

you go girl!!

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

(((Youda)))

I'm sorry you had such a rotten night - but massive kudos to you for forcing some perspective on your clueless colleagues.

This place has given me some great suggestions, too, and I think of everyone here often during the day when faced with situations.

There was a meeting this week at my workplace on "dissatisfiers" (or whatever that buzzword is.) While others were busy grouching about inhouse and outside agency making *too much money* (fools - didn't let that drop, but that's another thread), I was able to speak coherently about issues of safety and the many times we have been asked to endager our licensure because of poor planning in which we were uninvolved.

More ((hugs)) to you.

[kittyw]

Way to go! Good luck on the job hunt.

Kitty

[sjoe]

Youda: Well, congratulations for sticking up for yourself, and doing so appropriately (making a paper trail, no fisticuffs, no mealy-mouthing, e.g.)! That is so very rare in nursing, as these pages (and the nursing shortage) illustrate clearly. Feels good, doesn't it.

Too bad the managers and supervisors don't stand up to THEIR bosses in the same way, or things would be working much better.

Enjoy your well-deserved week off and don't settle for dysfunctional and unsupportive environments in the future. You don't have to.

Best wishes.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Youda!! You stand up for yourself and know we are here for you to vent, chat, whatever. That is what "online" friends are for. Good luck and keep us updated!

[JailRN]

You go Youda! there are better things out there for good nurses. We don't need to put up with thier garbage! I, too have left positions, where my license was on hte line, and ususlly taken a few other good nurses with me. Hugs, and enjoy your time off.

Let us know what happens

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Way to go!!!!!

This needs printing up as a script for the rest of us.

[l.rae]

congratulations...feels liberating doesn't it?

[RN-PA, RN]

WOW!!! (((((((((Youda))))))))))

My heart was pounding as I read your story-- You handled everything SO well and I can't wait to hear what happens-- Please let us know and enjoy your break!

This BB and the wonderful contributors here have taught me a lot and empowered me in many ways, too. I am much better prepared now when dealing with notoriously disrespectful (to nurses) doctors, and feel stronger about my abilities and my practice due to time spent absorbing all the views and ideas here. THANK YOU TO BRIAN AND ALLNURSES!!!

:balloons: :kiss