Agency allows caregivers total control

[danij040866]

I work in home health and my agency feels that it is ok to bend over backwards for families @ the risk of nursing injuries. They allow parents/caregivers the right to refuse hoyer lifts and want the nurses to manually lift patients/clients that way above and beyond 80+ pounds. But the caregivers themselves won't lift patient by themselves but expect staff to do it. They refuse to move beds away from walls for access to both sides of beds etc.... Management will not fight for our safety. My agency also feels it is ok for their nurses to do the laundry, cook, clean etc... And then what happens is family becomes more concerned that dishes done, beds made, vacuuming. Patient care suffers because cannot address medical needs. No raise in the five years of working for company. Pretty much whatever the client wants they get. Heck, i've even walked dogs, LoL. I receive excellent evaluations every year just to be told no raises are given period. They also want nurses to ride to doctor appts with clients and sign out while client with doctor, pretty much work for free for about 1/2 hour as long as 1 1/2 hours, no double billing allowed. What kind of crock is this?

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

You have the freedom to move on ...and maybe you should.

[DragonPurr]

Vote with your feet. You are the one enabling the company by staying and putting up with the BS you are complaining about. I know its not fair and we all wish that companies would just do the right thing but they won't until we hold them accountable for their actions. The only reason any organizations gets away with treating nurses they way they do is because we them treat us that way.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

I worked in home health and can tell you first hand, not all agencies are like yours. If possible, I would get out of there as soon as you can. Companies can only get away with what employees tolerate. Best of luck to you

[danij040866]

You know you are all right. Sometimes easier said than done. Jobs scarce even with 18 years experience. Really not looking for sympathy, just venting makes me feel better to get it off my chest.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Run, don't walk. Yesterday. Then call OSHA.