unsafe staffing

[0101peanut]

Has anyone ever reported the unsafe staffing to the state? I work in NJ. Who do we contact in NJ?

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

Your post was moved to it's own thread for best response.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I've never been unhappy enough in my job to report unsafe staffing to the state. I'm not sure how to go about it. In my last job (a union hospital, thank the deity!) we had an "assignment under protest" form that you filled out if you thought the staffing was unsafe. That was forwarded up the chain of command, and if there was an incident due to unsafe staffing you were not held accountable. Or so the theory was.

I'd advise you to work within the chain of command in your facility if you can, before involving the state. But I'm curious to what the other crusty old bats will say.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

This crusty old bat has filed many unsafe staffing complaints.

100 % sure they went into the File 13 box.

It can cover the staff in case of a disaster occurring during said shift, but at the time NOTHING will be done.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Oh, yes indeedy, always C Your own A before escalating out of the chain of command. You need to be able to say that you reported repeated problems and there were no attempts to resolve them before you go to the regulatory agency(ies).

Be aware that there could be repercussions, so document, document, document, and always save a copy for yourself (without identifying patient data, doncha know, so no one can nail you for HIPAA violations as a distraction from the actual issue at hand).

(hi Ruby! )

[amoLucia]

In NJ, the Dept of Health reviews staffing. There should be a 1-800 number posted in your lobby somewhere. (Or the phonebook.) You can report anonymously, but be specific with dates to give them (it helps them to pinpoint problems).

But not being one to burst your bubble, you may be surprised how "the numbers" are computed. You may find that the numbers are really OK.

Sorry, but you can give it a try.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

Yes, I've filed several unsafe staffing reports; not to the state, but to my union.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

depends on what is "unsafe". Being overworked is not necessarily unsafe. Not being competent is unsafe. There are just too many definitions. Many times I hear nurses complain about unsafe conditions when they really mean they is they are working harder. The BON in my state considers what is safe for the patient as part of the definition. After a while, of course, the hardworking nurse can be unsafe for the patient. Real conundrum.

[SubSippi]

Working hard isn't unsafe, but being "overworked" is unsafe. Someone who has so many patients they can barely get their medications out and dressings changed is going to have a much harder time noticing the subtle, but significant, changes in patient status.