Terminating

[EmeraldCoastRX]

TGIF.... So this week I had to terminate a nurse for the first time at my current facility. I've held management positions in the past, so this was not my first rodeo. I did however, find this one to be tough. It wasn't because I felt that this nurse didn't deserve to be terminated or because I had any personal attachment to the individual. In fact, it is the total opposite. This person had a long list of infractions and some that were very serious. I also barely know the individual. I feel that the company as a whole is much better without this individual onboard.

What's the problem right? Well, people talk and from what I understand, this person is at a very low point in life outside of work. Single parent, several children, financial issues and this list goes on. The thing that bothers me is that I feel as though I'm kicking this person while they are down. The leader in me says that every opportunity was afforded to this nurse professionaly and one must be held responsible for their own actions. The nurse in me says I should feel compassion. Not just for the individual, but for the people in this persons life. Not to mention we are a week from Thanksgiving and a month from Christmas.

Isn't this how our minds as nurses are geared to work? To be compassionate?

Thoughts? Anyone else ever have this struggle?

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

If the nurse had come to you with her issues that were causing the infractions at work, then maybe you could have helped her or understood her situation. She chose to not say anything and as a result continued her infractions. She is the one responsible for herself and her family. She chose to ignore the path she was on at work and her family has to suffer because of her actions, not yours. She is responsible for her life and ensuring that she can provide for her family, not you.

[sourapril]

It's kinda like a breakup. You may be breaking up with your ex when his father just died and his mother was hospitalized. But if the issues between you two don't get resolved, it doesn't matter if you give that person more time. The person you fired will find another job and move on with her life and so will you.

[SE_BSN_RN, BSN]

My question would be....did you talk to her before it got to that point? Did you ask her what was going on, and could you help in any way? Certainly you probably can't help with financial issues, but, did she have a sick kid? Not getting enough sleep? Having to stay up with said kid then come to work? Basically, did you try to get of the bottom of things before this point? If you think the facility is better off without her, then why feel guilty?

I was in her position once....not as a single parent, but with financial issues...and I never said a word to my coworkers, because I was embarrassed, and absolutely my work suffered.....but not enough to get terminated.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

May not be your first rodeo but is it the first time you have directly fired someone? If you've fired people before it then sounds like guilt. Either way it's like anything else...let it eat at you and destroy your peace of mind or get over it and realize it's her own fault and get on with your life. Be ready for the unemployment office to call you if she files and says she was unfairly canned.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I've had to fire many people and most of the time I don't lose sleep over it if they've been counseled and re-educated and still don't get it. I've tried to help some staff with problems outside the facility, but at the end of the day, I am responsible for the 150+ residents in my building. I'm truly sorry these people have problems, but it can't be allowed to affect what they do during the course of their working day.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

I've had to fire many people and most of the time I don't lose sleep over it if they've been counseled and re-educated and still don't get it. I've tried to help some staff with problems outside the facility, but at the end of the day, I am responsible for the 150+ residents in my building. I'm truly sorry these people have problems, but it can't be allowed to affect what they do during the course of their working day.

And to add to this....it ends up being the DON that has to answer to the family, state surveyors, or attorneys why they allowed unsafe staff to continue to work. If I allow an unsafe nurse to work (regardless of WHY they are unsafe) & they hurt someone, I have to answer to that & that is where my sympathy for the situation ends. Sorry

[Guest757854]

Everones replies sound soooooo RUTHLESS........but you guys are soooooooo RIGHT!

[LTCRN4LIFE]

I would echo Cape & Nascar. Though my response might be a little more curt.

YOU are RESPONSIBLE for the well being of the residents.

YOU cannot do that with people making multiple errors because they are emotionally unstable.

So after the counseling and reeducation that you should do I would have NO bad feelings about letting this person go.

Adults make decisions....to practice safe nursing must be a top priority regardless of our own issues when we are practicing.

YOU must fulfill the job responsibilities of the position you took and that is to employ SAFE nurses.

Yes, I have terminated many people, but my building is safe and I can sleep at night knowing I have competent employees.

Your feelings are natural but just remember what position you are in and that job description.

[miasmom]

I have been a DSD. Unfortunately the nurse on the floor is pulled so many ways; we forget paperwork is part of job. Patient falls. Nurse is written up. Distracted to prevent a fall. Yep more write up. I have seen a young women with mental and balance issues could not take more than 3 steps. No sitter. Restraint free. Who get the write up. Later put mats all over a room. Cut door in half. Sucuidal plans. No sitter. Not in budget. Yes we all rotate keeping eye but the man reasons if it comes down to staffing. I will never work LTC in a poorly run place again. Add in personality and cliques. I fear it will just get worse with the coming funding. I used to give fun in services. Info and prizes. Last place I really feel they should have some teambuilding exercise. I had an inservice on plane goes down. Material available. Pick items. Then pick items as team. Team did better. I think last pkace should have had keader and a few employees do a local ropes course. The pressure there was unbelievable. Glad I am out. I do even want to nurse anymore.

[lmccrn62, MSN, RN]

As a director myself I have terminated several people. I have always tried to help them as I hate doing it. I always think of their personal issues but I can't have them doing things that are unsafe and could potentially affect my license. People fire themselves because of their poor choices.

[miasmom]

Our work is a giving area. Tjat is why maybe they was not good in your area. Could be great some place else. Diversity is key. Teamwork.