I'm about to crack...read this and help!!!!

Nursonegreat · Nov 21, 2006

I was thinking about traveling for a while, but I feared that I needed to be in nursing for at least 2 years before being considered, so I have never applied. But someone else told me to that as well. I know that next fall, I plan on going back to school to embark on a new career. I would really like to stay in nursing, but since healthcare has become so business oriented, it really has been hard to be a good nurse to the patients. I have prayed and prayed about it, but it seems as if things are not getting better, only worse.
I got into nursing not for the money, but to make a difference in someone's life. But we nurses are only human. I believe they take us for machines. Our bodies are going to strain and break under all of the pressure that is put upon us. I have had so many older nurses tell me that nursing is not what it used to be. But I guess maybe they've been in it for so long that they don't want to get out.

i traveled after working on a nursing unit for 1 yr. was a great experience...saw many different sites and how things can be good and bad....

i think that we do make a difference in many peoples lives in many different ways that NOONE except us and our patients will know. GL with your decisions.

brendamyheart · Nov 21, 2006

Thank you. I would love for the State to roll up in there right now. I want them to see what I see and know. They won't be able to turn a blind eye to it. I might help them on getting there

You would be surprised at what state does and does not do. Our LTC has had many complaints on staffing. Do you not know that the Admin staff also counts in the mix. When state investigated staffing complaints, we were not sited. Until there is a mandatory nurse patient ratio we will always face the same problems.

BoomerRN · Nov 22, 2006

Not only is it against the labor laws to work off the clock but the facilities insurance policies do not allow this.

I have worked in LTC for 25+ yrs. and there has only been one facility that that I counted it a joy to work for and it had a union for housekeeping, kitchen, laundry. Whatever raises they received, the nurses also received. They (union) also made it easy to get rid of those who called in often or who were not doing their work. The staffing ratio was ideal and you were never running around like a chicken with her head cut off because someone was always willing to help. It was privately owned and I worked there for four yrs. I have since worked for many other long term facilities (we moved to another state) and as I said I have never found another one that even comes close. It seems today that (at least around here) you're expected to carry pagers/phones, and be on call 24/7. I was touring another ltc facility last year, after an interview with the don and as we approached a nurse sitting at the desk. The d.o.n asked here where she was yesterday because he had tried to call her to come in to work. She said she was off and had thought that she didn't have to answer the phone if she was supposed to be off. He (d.o.n) chastised her and went on down the hall showing me the rest of the facility. I later learned that this nurse was leaving. Wonder why? We are human beings and we do have lives! Of course, I didn't take the job.

All I can tell you is to find another job and leave this one. I found that most of the time the smaller ltc's were better to work for than the larger ones. Clinical research is better than floor nursing. You can still deal with patients in some instances and not be responsible for more than several pts. at a time. It depends on what type of research you get into.

Good luck.

SaharaOnyxRN · Nov 22, 2006

All of the above posts describe LTC to a tee, bottom line, once again MONEY.Unionize!

I think that unions would be a good thing. But they seem to be very unpopular in this area. Why? I don't know. Somethings got to be done.

SaharaOnyxRN · Nov 22, 2006

Please take better care of your own health! How long do you think an automobile would function properly if you constantly tried to drive it when the oil level was too low, or when the fuel pump is sucking sludge out of the bottom of the gasoline tank because you can't be bothered to stop at a service station and put in the fuel and oil that automobile needs? You absolutely have to give yourself enough sleep and proper food at regular intervals to help avoid any unnecessary stress in order to meet even the ordinary challenges of everyday life. When you learn to stand up for your own rights to remain healthy, you will automatically become much more able to advocate for your patients' well being. You worked too hard to earn that nursing degree to gamble it away on a bad decision you might make because of fatigue or stress.

You are very right. I have been very blessed thus far to have made good decisions. But I know that all it takes is one fatigued thought to ruin a whole career. By the way, I got the other job. When I put in my notice, they told me how disappointed they are in me and how it gets better with time. They also told me that they were going to change things, but they have been tied up with other things and that's why the conditions have been so bad and they promise things will get better. Also, they told how many countless people are lined up for my job that I should be grateful to them for my job. Can you believe that crap they spewed at me?

SaharaOnyxRN · Nov 22, 2006

i traveled after working on a nursing unit for 1 yr. was a great experience...saw many different sites and how things can be good and bad....
i think that we do make a difference in many peoples lives in many different ways that NOONE except us and our patients will know. GL with your decisions.

Thank you. I hope I'm making a wise decision.

SaharaOnyxRN · Nov 22, 2006

You would be surprised at what state does and does not do. Our LTC has had many complaints on staffing. Do you not know that the Admin staff also counts in the mix. When state investigated staffing complaints, we were not sited. Until there is a mandatory nurse patient ratio we will always face the same problems.

You know, i wonder why there are no mandated staffing ratios for nursing homes? You would think that with all the state regulations, surveys and the fear that the state puts in the hearts of nursing homes, that if they really cared, they would make staffing ratios a must. But they don't. I wonder why?

SaharaOnyxRN · Nov 22, 2006

Not only is it against the labor laws to work off the clock but the facilities insurance policies do not allow this.
I have worked in LTC for 25+ yrs. and there has only been one facility that that I counted it a joy to work for and it had a union for housekeeping, kitchen, laundry. Whatever raises they received, the nurses also received. They (union) also made it easy to get rid of those who called in often or who were not doing their work. The staffing ratio was ideal and you were never running around like a chicken with her head cut off because someone was always willing to help. It was privately owned and I worked there for four yrs. I have since worked for many other long term facilities (we moved to another state) and as I said I have never found another one that even comes close. It seems today that (at least around here) you're expected to carry pagers/phones, and be on call 24/7. I was touring another ltc facility last year, after an interview with the don and as we approached a nurse sitting at the desk. The d.o.n asked here where she was yesterday because he had tried to call her to come in to work. She said she was off and had thought that she didn't have to answer the phone if she was supposed to be off. He (d.o.n) chastised her and went on down the hall showing me the rest of the facility. I later learned that this nurse was leaving. Wonder why? We are human beings and we do have lives! Of course, I didn't take the job.
All I can tell you is to find another job and leave this one. I found that most of the time the smaller ltc's were better to work for than the larger ones. Clinical research is better than floor nursing. You can still deal with patients in some instances and not be responsible for more than several pts. at a time. It depends on what type of research you get into.
Good luck.

Thank you for the advice. By God's grace, i have found another job. I thank him for it and will still be a voice in nursing rights. How can we be good nurses when we're not allowed the opportunity?

allantiques4me · Nov 23, 2006

Hello, my fellow nurses. It's so good to be here. I need your opinions on this situation.
Okay, I currently work in LTC on a rehabilitation unit/skilled nursing facility. Before I came on, they used to do 12 hours shifts. Now they are doing 8 hour shifts. Anyone who has ever worked on a rehab unit in LTC knows that it is near impossible to get anything done in 8 hours. Well, when they went to 8 hours, no one made adjustments to the work load. I work 1st shift. So, therefore, all of the treatments are scheduled on 1st shift. In addition to the normal duties; 2 med pass, treatments, charting, dealing with various issues, we sometimes get 7 and 8 admissions on 1st shfit. I have 25 patients that mostly are post-surgical and need pain medication on a regular basis. And it seems that recently, we have been having to send a lot of them back to the hospital as soon as they get there. These people have been butchered and develop so many problems.
So take 25 patients, plus discharges and admits, plus treatments, 2 med passes that seem endless because you have constant interruptions, plus family member's concerns, and you barely have time to look up before the end of the shift has come. I often stay over to finish up what I couldn't on my shift. Well, as you know, I am getting the blues from management for staying over because I am going into overtime. I told my manager that I just cannot, with a clear conscience, leave without doing my treatments and my charting. It is not the patients' fault that we are inadequately staffed and overloaded. They came there for good and care and by George, they are going to get it from me. So, she said, cool, do that. But she is telling me that if I stay, i must clock out and work off of the clock. I don't think that's right, but I guess i have no choice. But it's really taking a toll on me, physically and mentally. And I have only been there for 3 weeks. I'm already burned out.
This is where I need your advice. What should I do?
My manager says that it's understood that I won't be able to do everything on my shift. But if I don't do it guys, it won't get done. The 2nd shfit nurses won't finish anyting because they feel, "Well, that's 1st shift's responsibility". And I don't want to always leave them something to do. They don't deserve that. Also, I fear for my license. If I never do my treatments and leave them everyday, I'm afraid somebody's foot may rot off. And you know that in a court of law, they aren't trying to hear that I couldn't get it done. All they will hear is that I didn't do it. So, I am sometimes leaving an hour or two past getting off time and that is without being paid. I don't know about anyone else, but my time is valuable. I have a child that needs me. If I am going to be there, I feel that I should at least be paid, right?
By the way, we have a treatment/wound care nurse, but she won't touch a patient. She never does any treatments, except when the corporation comes in or state comes for a survey. Even then, she lied about doing the treatments. And get this, management knows about her, but they want to jump on me for staying on doing my job. And the CNAs cannot be counte on. They are nowhere to be found when you need them. They all go on break at the same time They run the floor and will tell the nurse what they are and are not going to do. And they even will sometimes tell the nurse what to do. The situation seems hopeless. Besides leaving, what options do I have? What's a girl to do? I just started this job 3 weeks ago and with all humbleness, I can honestly say, i am a pretty good "floor" nurse. I have worked in the hospital setting and left acute care to "get away." But I can honestly say, I don't think the hospital is as bad as this. I am at my wit's end. I am so tired, physically and mentally. I feel like crying everyday when I finish. And they schedule you to work 6 out of 7 days sometimes 4 days in a row before you get an off day. Somebody help me before I leave the profession for good. I need some inspiration and some advice. And it will all be much appreciated. I'll be waiting to hear from you all.
Good day!!!

Oh my God.I was in a situation like this.I have the same mentality .the poor person in the bed could be your mother.If only every nurse and aid thought that way.Patients would be treated great.I remember staying after for 2 xtra hours to get that dressing done,I know wasnt done for a couple of days,while I was off.Or the trache ties that werent changed since the last time I changed them (at least 3 days before)I always signed my work.I personally almost threw in the towel.I found a new position which I feel am making a difference.Sometimes thats what you have to do.I started having panic attacks causeI thought i was suppossed to do all these tasks on a time limit and by myself,which looking back in retrospect was totally impossible from any nurse.also I hated hearing from family members what horrible care there family member was recieving,when I ran fron7a till7p without more than 15 minute break(breaksand lunch)without much help from the n/as or other nursesI had enough.my coworkers and supervisors kept calling me to come back,but i had enough of that environment.Remember theres a nursing shortage you could go anywhere for a job. shop aroundAs far as that treatment nurse,shame on her!!I used to be a tx nurse till they did away with the position.I loved that job.Id love to be a treatment nurse again!!!Look for another position. you sound invaluable!!!

Simplepleasures · Nov 23, 2006

The California Nurses Association has a plan to try to unionize the whole nation! Anybody who is truly interested in improving conditions in LTC really should go to thier website and take a look.

Brad_RN_Student_PA · Nov 23, 2006

Hello, my fellow nurses. It's so good to be here. I need your opinions on this situation.
Okay, I currently work in LTC on a rehabilitation unit/skilled nursing facility. Before I came on, they used to do 12 hours shifts. Now they are doing 8 hour shifts. Anyone who has ever worked on a rehab unit in LTC knows that it is near impossible to get anything done in 8 hours. Well, when they went to 8 hours, no one made adjustments to the work load. I work 1st shift. So, therefore, all of the treatments are scheduled on 1st shift. In addition to the normal duties; 2 med pass, treatments, charting, dealing with various issues, we sometimes get 7 and 8 admissions on 1st shfit. I have 25 patients that mostly are post-surgical and need pain medication on a regular basis. And it seems that recently, we have been having to send a lot of them back to the hospital as soon as they get there. These people have been butchered and develop so many problems.
So take 25 patients, plus discharges and admits, plus treatments, 2 med passes that seem endless because you have constant interruptions, plus family member's concerns, and you barely have time to look up before the end of the shift has come. I often stay over to finish up what I couldn't on my shift. Well, as you know, I am getting the blues from management for staying over because I am going into overtime. I told my manager that I just cannot, with a clear conscience, leave without doing my treatments and my charting. It is not the patients' fault that we are inadequately staffed and overloaded. They came there for good and care and by George, they are going to get it from me. So, she said, cool, do that. But she is telling me that if I stay, i must clock out and work off of the clock. I don't think that's right, but I guess i have no choice. But it's really taking a toll on me, physically and mentally. And I have only been there for 3 weeks. I'm already burned out.
This is where I need your advice. What should I do?
My manager says that it's understood that I won't be able to do everything on my shift. But if I don't do it guys, it won't get done. The 2nd shfit nurses won't finish anyting because they feel, "Well, that's 1st shift's responsibility". And I don't want to always leave them something to do. They don't deserve that. Also, I fear for my license. If I never do my treatments and leave them everyday, I'm afraid somebody's foot may rot off. And you know that in a court of law, they aren't trying to hear that I couldn't get it done. All they will hear is that I didn't do it. So, I am sometimes leaving an hour or two past getting off time and that is without being paid. I don't know about anyone else, but my time is valuable. I have a child that needs me. If I am going to be there, I feel that I should at least be paid, right?
By the way, we have a treatment/wound care nurse, but she won't touch a patient. She never does any treatments, except when the corporation comes in or state comes for a survey. Even then, she lied about doing the treatments. And get this, management knows about her, but they want to jump on me for staying on doing my job. And the CNAs cannot be counte on. They are nowhere to be found when you need them. They all go on break at the same time They run the floor and will tell the nurse what they are and are not going to do. And they even will sometimes tell the nurse what to do. The situation seems hopeless. Besides leaving, what options do I have? What's a girl to do? I just started this job 3 weeks ago and with all humbleness, I can honestly say, i am a pretty good "floor" nurse. I have worked in the hospital setting and left acute care to "get away." But I can honestly say, I don't think the hospital is as bad as this. I am at my wit's end. I am so tired, physically and mentally. I feel like crying everyday when I finish. And they schedule you to work 6 out of 7 days sometimes 4 days in a row before you get an off day. Somebody help me before I leave the profession for good. I need some inspiration and some advice. And it will all be much appreciated. I'll be waiting to hear from you all.
Good day!!!

This is exactly why we need LTC reform...and exactly why I (as a new nurse) will never ever work in LTC. And actually, why I won't send my grandma to a LTC facility, and why I will be pursuing advanced nurse practitioner status asap.

dream'n, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2006

Never, never, never let management bully you into working off of the clock! I have heard managers, in my current and past jobs, threaten staff with write-ups for overtime. Where I work now there are a couple of nurses that have been scared and will clock out and continue working EVERY DAY for an hour or two. Then there are others, that work just as long, but on the clock. Guess what? The frightened ones work 10-20 hours a pay period unpaid, while there co-workers get paid for their time. I have NEVER seen anyone written up for over-time. As long as you are justified in your over-time, I don't see that they will ever write someone up, they couldn't defend it with the labor board. Just my two-cents.