Are most LTC's always low on supplies?

[Blackcat99]

I have been gone from LTC for 3 years. I remember there were always a shortage of B/P cuffs, oximeters, and other needed supplies. I had to bring my own B/P cuff because I could never find one available on the floor. The problem with that was that the CNA's would catch me using a B/P cuff and would ask to borrow mine. So I would feel sorry for them and loan them my B/P cuff but then when I would need it I couldn't use it because the CNA's had it.

Are LTC's still out or low on supplies these days? If you bring your own supplies, what supplies do you usually have to bring to work? Thanks.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Another item we're usually low on: pillows.

Many patients breathe better elevated... and a bunch of others get their heels off-loaded.

Why don't they stock an adequate number? Instead, we're made to squander valuable time running around seeking them out... and then additional time apologizing to patients and families.

Makes us and the facility look terrible.

[LaRN]

Another item we're usually low on: pillows.

Many patients breathe better elevated... and a bunch of others get their heels off-loaded.

Why don't they stock an adequate number? Instead, we're made to squander valuable time running around seeking them out... and then additional time apologizing to patients and families.

Makes us and the facility look terrible.

exactly ! and some patients need a pillow between their knees, one under their feet, one to prop a paralyzed arm, 2 for behind the head......one under their hips to offload pressure

we are lucky to get 2 pillows. but yet administration preaches about keeping pressure ulcers down

sometimes I wonder if they even listen to themselves.

[NurseNightOwl, BSN, RN]

if employees are wasting supplies admin needs to get out there and find the culprit instead of just making the patients go without.[/quote']

YES!!

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

... administration... I wonder if they even listen to themselves.

Yes!!!

[ellaballet]

The last nursing home I worked at once ran out of incontinence liners and briefs...Took a few days to restock and boy was that miserable. As a CNA I was expected to bring my own blood pressure cuff and thermometer from home.

[txnurse01]

The situation dictates that n order to be compliance with regulations that a nurse manager would need to b notified and Tj medication be picked up at a local pharmacy using petty cash. Many contracts with the pharmacy used by the facility do not include otc themselves. Needless to say it would need to be handled quickly and need to be looked atwhy he central supply is unable to keep the place stocked.