Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Assigned to a filthy home?

This month my agency has assigned me one shift / week at a home that is filthy. Dishes always overflowing in the sink, food left out on kitchen counters all night, moldy toilet, so many piles of clutter that I can't sit to chart without moving things. Can't wash syringes, etc without moving dirty dishes and having to wipe out the sink. I did one shift last week and mom admitted she was out of gloves but "too busy" to get more, even though both parents do not work - and patient is straight cathed q4 hours. Parents have a history of not refilling meds for a week + after they run out. Is it unreasonable of me to have told my agency I refuse shifts there?

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    It sound like you need to exercise your duty to contact child services. This sounds like child neglect and unsafe living conditions.

  • Quote
    • Author

    I've left a report for DCFS.

    My office is acting like I'm unreasonable and refused to trade the shifts (even though there is an open shift the same nights at the home where I usually work), my administrator says she isn't able to change my schedule until December.

  • Quote
    • Expert

    If they won't give you the open shift on the case you are already working, there is definitely a power struggle. This is evidence of what you can expect in the future. Either do what they tell you to do and don't make waves, or decide you are finding a job with a new agency or you will develop ulcers and anxiety.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Update: after verifying my complaints with other nurses, my administrator assigned me the shifts I wanted with my other patient. She's also contacting the parents to do teaching about providing a clean, safe environment.

  • Quote

    DCFS may have called your agency to find out why they haven't bothered to intervene or report. Sounds like damage control to your advantage...for now

  • Quote
    • Expert
    DCFS may have called your agency to find out why they haven't bothered to intervene or report. Sounds like damage control to your advantage...for now

    Sad to say, it is more likely damage control for the reason JBN states instead of a sudden epiphany on the part of management at the agency. If I were you I would tread lightly with this agency and have my feelers out for a new case with a new agency. You can't assume you will be so lucky on the next round with them.

  • Quote

    By law, your agency must supply personal protective equipment at no charge to you. This means gloves, masks, soap or alcohol based hand cleaner. If not, then contact OSHA and file a complaint.

    Regarding a messy home. I have 3 or 4 cases that are messy to the point there are roaches, flies, and other bugs in the house. The bugs stay on their side, the kid and me stay on the other. I have (on more than one occasion), ripped everything out of the kid's side of the room, and cleaned (using micro-wipes) the entire area and re-built/stocked the area.

    I then make it clear to the parent(s) that this area is to remain clean. I also leave a note for the other nurses to keep the area clean. Unfortunately, I bounce between 15 different clients (some I don't see for a month or two, as I am the night float). So areas that I have cleaned in the past tend to fall in disrepair again. At least I tried.

    In private duty nursing you have two choices: (1) Either fix/clean the area, keep your mouth shut and keep your job. (2) Ignore the problem, and keep the job. (3) Call CPS or report to your agency, and lose your job (or at a minimum, the account).

    Johnny

  • Quote

    Man, this is so true. So sad, and so true. Very unfortunate.

  • Quote

    Personal protection is required by the agency, I keep a stash on me unless I know the patient is stocked up. Outside of that, it depends on you, if you're that uncomfortable and don't need the shift just inform the agency. Some patients homes are cluttered, but I once had to refuse to return to a case because of roaches.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.