Rude DNS

Nurses Professionalism

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Hey, I hope this is in the right area. It's my first post, so I'm sorry if it's wrong.

Im stuck right now and not sure what to do about my situation. I'm a new LPN working in long term care. As most new nurses, I've made mistakes before (mostly on my doubles. Med errors where no one was hurt thankfully). A few days ago, I picked up a double. I arrived at work to start my eve-noc shift, and happened to run in to my DNS. She turned to me and said from across the hall "try not to make any med errors this time" in front of patients, a family, and the staffing area of work. She said it loudly in a very condescending tone. It was humiliating.

I felt bad enough about the errors and I felt like how she handled the situation was terrible. This same DNS told me to "sit in the corner and keep my mouth shut" since "I was new and don't know anything" when I brought forth a concern about a patients care (or lack of). It made me never want to report anything again, let alone work another double for her.

I just feel at a loss here and I don't know how to approach the situation. She's difficult to confront. I spoke with the administrator and she pretty much said she'd talk to the DNS, but nothing has changed. Any ideas?

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No, most new nurses do not make mistakes. However, overworked ones do.You are being set up for failure.STOP with the doubles! It is compounding the problem.

There is no "approaching the situation". DNS knows you are overworked, also knows she can find another newbie to replace you. Treating you like a doormat is just part of her style of intimidation.

Run, don't walk.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
No, most new nurses do not make mistakes. However, overworked ones do.You are being set up for failure.STOP with the doubles! It is compounding the problem.

There is no "approaching the situation". DNS knows you are overworked, also knows she can find another newbie to replace you. Treating you like a doormat is just part of her style of intimidation.

Run, don't walk.

I agree - most new nurses do not make a bunch of med errors - I've been a nurse for 15 years and I have made 4. I agree you need to stop doing doubles - An over-tired nurse is an impaired nurse - No matter how much you need the money you should not be putting patient safety or your license at risk. When it comes to your med pass you need to go back to the basics. Know your 5 rights, check the label three times Verify the identity of your patient every time. I work LTC as well and pass meds for 18 to 25 patients twice a night. Don't hurry or let yourself get distracted or flustered. Figure out what you are doing that is causing you to make errors and fix it.

So far you have not hurt anyone - but med errors are the number one cause of poor patient outcomes and also loss of licensure for nurses.

Take Care

Hppy

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Specializes in Emergency.

I agree with the first response post...your self-preservation, and ultimately your license is in jeopardy. ...Run!!!

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Start your job search if there are alternative places to work, if this is the only employer in town, buck up your game and stop doing the doubles. That is about all I can advise. You also might want to rethink your efforts to be helpful with reporting things now that you know that your suggestions are not welcome. Go in and do what you have to do to survive the shift and then leave. And think about that next job, even if you have to relocate to get it. Good luck.

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

Turn in your letter of resignation now & get out of there! Hang in there & best wishes for a NEW job!

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Thank you everyone. I've got my letter written up and I'm turning it in tomorrow. The place is just set up for errors. I've received errors for things I had nothing to do with. It's just the typical setting of a place that's understaffed and filled with exhausted carers. I tried to quit once before but was bullied into staying by the same DNS.

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Plain and simple abuse and I'm glad you're leaving.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

Next time! Try to post without using any identifiable names in your post!

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Will do.

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Shady, go to your first post, click on "edit" next to the yellow triangle at the bottom, then go into the post and remove the name. If it gives you a problem, approach a staff member via the help desk link and they will fix it for you.

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Thank you! I can't find the edit button, so I'll ask the help desk.

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