Advise needed from UM or DON/DNS

[ComeTogether, LPN]

Im looking for feedback from Unit Managers or DONs. 

I work in a skilled facility on the rehab unit, just got promoted to unit manger but am very green and I don't know what I don't know.  I've been a floor nurse/bedside nurse for 3 years with this director and she is teaching me as I go.  (In hindsight, I was their only option and I see that now, but I digress)

I'm trying to find my way and one of the things I often want to do is advocate for my nurses/patients/residents. 

Im not sure if its my place to do so, but for example - We took a very complicated patient on Saturday and I'd like to voice my concerns for if this were to happen again in the future.  I'd like to say that I think its unsafe and that the patient doesn't get the attention or care they need when they are admitted on a weekend we are short staffed, and next time I really think we should delay.   

That being said I have no idea if thats something I need to say, because surely she already knows that. 

 

On the other hand, I'm thinking that she can't advocate for me If I don't advocate for the patients/staff. 

 

Any feedback would be appreciated.  I want to do a good job and this is a great opportunity for me to learn, but I'm really feeling like I am on foreign land lately. 

[ConnecticutMassRN]

This is a great question and  I'm personally glad you asked it. 

There isn't an easy answer, unfortunately.  First, I would consider your DNS and Administrator's characters.  Have you been privy to similar conversations?  Do you know how they react to concerns raised over staffing, acuity of patients, admissions, etc? 

In my experience, I have had to advocate for my patients and staff for these same reasons/scenarios.  Depending on the Administrator and/or DNS, your concerns may fall on deaf ears; they may only have the $$ on their minds, which will always conquer. 

You may be lucky enough to work for an administration who values quality healthcare.  In that case, use your voice.  Be professional, calm and give straight facts.   You will never regret advocating for delivering the best, quality care.

[ComeTogether, LPN]

6 hours ago, ConnecticutMassRN said:

 

You may be lucky enough to work for an administration who values quality healthcare.  In that case, use your voice.  Be professional, calm and give straight facts.   You will never regret advocating for delivering the best, quality care.

I AM this kind of lucky, which is why I really want to say something.  In hindsight, I probably should have gone in that day - but, like my DNS says "You need a day off" 

 

I just don't want patient care to suffer when simply admitting the person on a different day could make such a huge difference.  Then again, I'm one of those people who can't let little things go when they don't make sense to me, so I regularly find myself saying "But why...."  

 

I'm going to let this one go for now and the next time this situation presents, I'm going to speak up before hand and see what else we can do.  The staffing crisis surely doesn't help, that much I know. 

 

Thanks for responding.