Angry at feeling used

[Good_Queen_Bess]

You'll have to bare with me as this make take some time, but I feel I have to get it off my chest as I am so angry.

This morning I went to work. We have a staff shortage, but this morning, we were fully staffed plus 2 students (I know they don't really count, but they are physical "bodies" if you understand my drift). Those of you who know me may recognise my ongoing problem, but this morning took the biscuit.

I work in the neurology section of a recently merged neurosciences ward (with neurosurgery). Often the nurse in neurology is left on his/her own with NO help from Health Care Assistants (HCA). The neurology section being off from the main ward and usually less heavy. (I don't like it but it's a long story).

Well this morning I knew it would be hard work as I worked a night shift on Saturday night. They were 9 patients, 4 of whom needed virtually full assistance to wash, needing either hoisting or needing assistance of 2 to transfer. 1 of these patients has Guinne Barre Syndrome. I also had a patient who had been fitting (only "mildly" but fitting nonetheless). PLUS 2 neurosurgical lodgers who were going to theatre. During handover this morning the F grade Sister in charge delegated people to areas. I was allocated to neurology. I asked for a HCA to work in my section.

I was told "No, there isn't enough staff."

I said, "There are 4 patients to wash/hoist etc PLUS theatre runs. Can I at least have a student?"

"No, if you want help come and ask for help as and when you need it"

At this point I was angry, but didn't let it show. I just persisted.

I said, "NO, I am not working on my own, it's not safe. I am not busting a gut. Plus I have a patient who was admitted fitting."

Queen ***** then said, "Well me and so and so finished for 8.30am the other day"

Well I persisted and she eventually gave me a HCA, saying she "would need him back later". I wouldn't let him go.

Now THIS is bad enough.

But I started to think. How could you honestly do ALL washes PLUS medicine round BEFORE 8.30? We finish handover by 7.30. That means 1 hour to do ALL that.

I was speaking to the HCA who came to help me, who said that the Sister, when she was working in neurology "the other day" told the patients - get this -

"We are too busy to wash you this morning." And just washed patients hands and faces and was "too busy" for mouth care. He also said that the sister told patients that she "couldn't take them to the toilet straight away" and patients ended up being incontinent.

No wonder they finished for 8.30am!! I am so angry and upset, not only because she wouldn't let me have any help, but mostly because of LACK OF PATIENT CARE!

I am SO angry.

The senior sister is on annual leave this week, I am not sure when she is back but I intend to report this. But I am wondering if it is worth me waiting until the senior sister get's back or is it worth going higher? What I am saying IS only hearsay, but why would he lie?

Your thoughts and ideas appreciated.

[bukko]

It's fascinating for an American like me to read posts from other countries and see how things are there. (That's why I love the Aussie area.)

The word "fitting," for example. I know it's a Briticism, but if we used that term in the States we would get a talking-to for being politically incorrect. "Seizing" is considered less value-loaded over here.

Do you consider this work overload to be due to National Health? Is the government trying to do things on the cheap, making nurses and patients suffer? Is the situation the same at all hospitals, or are there variations within the system?

What do patients think of this? Do they complain about getting only hand-washes, not baths? Patients I've had from the U.K. have lower expectations from the health system there, although they are not happy about the service they've received. On the flip side, I work at a hospital that has lots of Asian patients. They expect very little service from nurses, doing the bathing, feeding and other care on their family members. Sometimes when I assist, they look at me like "Why are you meddling?"

America is criticized for being a litigious society, but sometimes this works in patients' favor. Hospitals have to give good service or they might get sued.

I can see why you're steamed. Nine patients would be almost unheard-of on a quiet med-surg ward here, to say nothing of a neuro unit. My sympathies to you.

[moia]

I have real concerns with going to management with what truly is gossip. Unless you can convince the person who told you what happened that morning to go to the supervisor then it is not your place to say anything.

You have two very large problems and yes I am aware I sound quite cynical but this is the real world we are talking about..your first problem is you have no confirmed witnesses to the comment that she had the work done by 08:30am, the second problem is the only witness and the only reporter of what truly happened is the same person and because they made no effort to report obvious patient neglect when it happened I can guarantee they will not be happy to be included in any meeting about these comments.

So if you do decide to proceed anyway you could be accused of lying. By going to a senior staff member and accusing another RN of patient neglect and abandonement of duties you could get yourself into a really bad place despite how good your intentions were.

All the people involved are going to protect their own concerns so don't expect anyone to fall on their sword.

I would approach the nurse and ask to speak to her privately. I would tell her that it has been your experience that it takes more than 45 minutes to provide thorough assessments and nutrition/skin/oral/toileting care for that many complete care patients and could she please explain what her secrets are in meeting ALL the patients needs in such a short amount of time ? Sometimes there are more ways than one to let someone to know that you are aware they are not doing their job...just by asking this question in the right tone this nurse should get the message she is being watched .

More importantly I would have a meeting with the unit manager and say bluntly the staffing on that side is unsafe and you want it on the record..in writing...and get a copy of your complaint...one day something very sad is going to happen and you or one of your coworkers is really going to need that document.

[Good_Queen_Bess]

A few patients actually complained to me about it, so I have been to another senior nurse who is more approachable and she is going to bring safety issues up at the next sister's meeting.

[Good_Queen_Bess]

A few patients actually complained to me about it, so I have been to another senior nurse who is more approachable and she is going to bring safety issues up at the next sister's meeting.

[Good_Queen_Bess]

Do you consider this work overload to be due to National Health? Is the government trying to do things on the cheap, making nurses and patients suffer? Is the situation the same at all hospitals, or are there variations within the system?

What do patients think of this? Do they complain about getting only hand-washes, not baths? Patients I've had from the U.K. have lower expectations from the health system there, although they are not happy about the service they've received. On the flip side, I work at a hospital that has lots of Asian patients. They expect very little service from nurses, doing the bathing, feeding and other care on their family members. Sometimes when I assist, they look at me like "Why are you meddling?"

I can see why you're steamed. Nine patients would be almost unheard-of on a quiet med-surg ward here, to say nothing of a neuro unit. My sympathies to you.

Patients get very good care most of the time in the NHS, including "basics" such as good washing and dressing needs. The incident I was talking about is very very rare. It's not perfect, but most are very grateful for it, as the NHS is free for all, not just to those who have insurance. Most patients have a great respect for nurses in this country, and whilst I get frustrated sometimes, I am proud of my job and for whom I work - people.

[Good_Queen_Bess]

Do you consider this work overload to be due to National Health? Is the government trying to do things on the cheap, making nurses and patients suffer? Is the situation the same at all hospitals, or are there variations within the system?

What do patients think of this? Do they complain about getting only hand-washes, not baths? Patients I've had from the U.K. have lower expectations from the health system there, although they are not happy about the service they've received. On the flip side, I work at a hospital that has lots of Asian patients. They expect very little service from nurses, doing the bathing, feeding and other care on their family members. Sometimes when I assist, they look at me like "Why are you meddling?"

I can see why you're steamed. Nine patients would be almost unheard-of on a quiet med-surg ward here, to say nothing of a neuro unit. My sympathies to you.

Patients get very good care most of the time in the NHS, including "basics" such as good washing and dressing needs. The incident I was talking about is very very rare. It's not perfect, but most are very grateful for it, as the NHS is free for all, not just to those who have insurance. Most patients have a great respect for nurses in this country, and whilst I get frustrated sometimes, I am proud of my job and for whom I work - people.

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you might be actually winning - hang in there mate!! All the best I know that this too will pass - unfortunately it quite often takes the present staff leaving to make the change.

Tell me do you have Patient/Nurse dependency systems????

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you might be actually winning - hang in there mate!! All the best I know that this too will pass - unfortunately it quite often takes the present staff leaving to make the change.

Tell me do you have Patient/Nurse dependency systems????

[Good_Queen_Bess]

I had no choice to be "down here" alone this afternoon, due to short staffing, but I think there has been some discussion amongst senior nurses as the nurse in charge is carrying the radio around with her and has assured me that help is available. It is not too busy this pm, so it's ok. Assessment of patient dependency will be assessed daily from now on in neurology to see if more staff are needed.

We do have patient dependency scores Gwen, but we are short staffed so it really doesn't help the situation anyway.

I am still looking for another job anyway, even though it is getting better here, as I fancy a change!!

Thanks for everyone's support. If I don't reply to posts quickly for a week or two, it's because my PC is playing up at the moment.