Beginning to dislike LTC d/t a coworker

lady_jezebel · Jun 21, 2005

Cellulitis is a complication of conjunctivitis or a sinus infection -- my son had it. If it's not treated with antibiotics, it can lead to bacterial meningitis or blindness -- pretty serious. The problem with pinkeye is that it's often assumed to be viral unless obvious bacterial symptoms are revealed, which can happen days later. My son had reddened tissue around his eyes, but eventually received antibiotics when green exudate started draining from his eyes. Your co-worker could still be using illness as an excuse, however.

I would consider looking for another job or reducing your hours simply b/c you are burned out in this one facility, however.

Fiona59 · Jun 21, 2005

My first thought was check your union contract and then I remembered most US nurses aren't unionized.

Have you thought about checking with employment/labour standards in your state. You are working 14 days out of 17 if my math is right.

Have you thought about a sick day yourself? I mean keep this up and you'll be in hospital for exhaustion and then who'll they get to work...

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2005

Are they calliny you in on your day off? Just say "NO"

I hear you about the staffing issues. I work in a small building. There is only 2 FT RNs and 2 LPNs the rest is pt or casual.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jun 22, 2005

So, she called off for 5 days stating she has "Pink eye". Then, on her night back, she called off stating --ok, now get ready for this one--cellulitis of the face.

This isn't odd (i was ready for that answer), i've had it happen 4 times, r/t a sinus infection. Not only is pink eye contagious, it's miserable, and facial cellulitus can be pretty painful and throbbing.

Sounds like you're burned out on the work itself, though.

Mulan · Jun 22, 2005

I know someone that just finished treatment for conjuctivitis, also had sinus, sore throat, ear infection, so maybe that type of thing is going around, this is an adult.

That is a grueling schedule.

Hope things work out for you.

Jdon · Jun 22, 2005

My first thought was check your union contract and then I remembered most US nurses aren't unionized.
Have you thought about checking with employment/labour standards in your state. You are working 14 days out of 17 if my math is right.
Have you thought about a sick day yourself? I mean keep this up and you'll be in hospital for exhaustion and then who'll they get to work...

Are you union? I would like to learn more about this. Care to share?

Fiona59 · Jun 22, 2005

Vast majority of Canadian nurses belong to a union.

Lets see I work 7.75 hours and I MUST have 15 hours between shifts (if not its double time). Anything over that 7.75 is overtime (up to me if I take cash or time in lieu)

Contracts state how many 12's can be worked back to back, outline how many days can be worked and how many off. If called in on a day off its overtime. Also outlines hours of vacation per year, education days, sick hours, maternity, compassionate, adoption leaves.

Unions got us our statutory holidays, overtime agreements, health care.

texas_lvn · Jun 22, 2005

Wow! I think I want to move to Canada. I will be working more than 152 hours in a 14 day period due to a nurse let her license expire and we are looking for another! The 2 PRN LVN's refuse to work stating "we need a 2 week notice for our schedules" :crying2:

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jun 22, 2005

Union: :rotfl: :lol2: :eek: :chair: :nono: :no: :no: :no:

I'd NEVER join one....they take your money and you get squat in return.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jun 22, 2005

I would simply discuss this with your DON or their superior and let them know honestly that this is burning you out! Be friendly and positive using key phrases like "I believe in teamwork, and wish to be available to help when needed, but I can feel my concentration waver with so many hours, I am not home enough to take care of issues there, and I am not getting much sleep despite trying. I really need to have more of a routine schedule so I can be at my best for our residents and our facility!"

Also suggesting a schedule is a good idea...most of our full time LPN's (RN's are not full time, they hire us part time so we don't have overtime or benifits! GRRRR), are four on three off. It is a great schedule and really works out well if you have the adequate staffing ratio! Me I am all over the board and have had that very routine you said...9 on, one off, 5 on...during a mess up with vacations! UHGGGGGGGg I wanted to die!!!!!! I reminded my superiors that I was wanting to be available to help, but the schedule was just too many stress filled days at one time! They never did that to me again! (they must have seen my paycheck...LOL!).

Fiona59 · Jun 22, 2005

If it hadn't been for the early unions a century ago, YOU would have no paid statutuory holidays or paid vacation time. Where do you think the celebration of LABOUR DAY came from? Or was it always the Monday before school starts?

You don't feel that decent wages, a system of advancement that doesnt depend on if you are the bosses nephew is a major factor, benefits, etc. are worth your dues?

I guess if you don't feel those things achieved by unions are worthwhile, maybe you should give back paid stats, education days, leaves, paid vacations. Those are all things that unions gained for their workers.

Yes, I know the Teamsters have issues but in Canada there are professional unions that bargain only for nurses or provincial unions that bargain for nurses in the employ of provincially funded hospitals.