Short-staffing at my facility is nothing new, and I know other nurses can relate to the dilemma. However, recently, we've had multiple staff members either become injured or quit, so many that we are now in "a staffing crisis." There are many shifts to be picked up, and not enough floor or even agency nurses to fill them.
We had a meeting last week about how we may need to rearrange staff assignments, including those of in management. For one, they'll likely be pulling my co-manager back to the floor to fill some of these shifts. This will leave me as overseeing all three of our facilities units, or 56 patients. There is also talk of assigning a TMA only to our LTC unit and having the nurse manager (which will likely end up being me) responsible for not only managing their rehab unit(s) but also for administering all narcotics and insulins on the LTC unit and completing all nursing assessments for the unit. I'm already working 60-70+ (even upwards of 80 sometimes) hours a week, and with this new rearrangement, I anticipate the hours will only become worse.
Anyway, during this staff meeting, the Executive Director and Staffing Coordinator mentioned that "any nurse with a license is welcome to step up and fill in these shifts." My co-manager has offered to fill in some and even be on-call sometimes on the weekend. However, she will also be gone 2.5 days a week for school during the week. Our Infection Control specialist has also volunteered to pick up a few shifts. If I'm being honest, I haven't volunteered for anything extra at this point. I feel as if I already have enough on my plate managing 56 patients Monday through Friday while also being nurse for one of those units. For my own physical and mental health, I really cannot handle any more hours and need my weekends off.
At the same time, I wonder if that comment was passively directed at me, because I haven't volunteered for anything extra. I do worry about not being viewed as a team member and that not wanting to work extra shifts reflects poorly on me as a manager. Any thoughts? Although I want to help out, I'm at the point I cannot do any more than I'm already asked to. And yet, I want to be fair to my colleagues.
Specializes in Clinical Leadership, Staff Development, Education.
Triage your regular duties and determine what you can let slide. You could even discuss with your boss what is of lesser priority. I think picking up a few shifts would be a tremendous show of support for your staff. I agree with others that moving forward, you need to find a better work/life balance.
Also, ask to be paid. Where I work, salaried nurses are being paid "critical bonus pay" for picking up extra shifts (additional base hourly rate plus 25.00)
vintagegal, BSN, DNP, RN, NP
341 Posts
Hence why I will not work salary as an RN or be a nurse manager.