Can't prove it! Very frustrating.

[LatinGirl]

Ok....just venting! I work at a facility that didn't have a DON for months. The last one we had lasted about 1 month due to his nasty attitude and numerous complaints lodged against him. During the whole time of not having a DON and the month we did have one we have had a supervisor of another department trying to run nursing. We contacted the BON about issues we were having including this non-medical supervisor who at that point was claiming to be the acting DON and the BON called the facility to let them know this was not legal nor acceptable. He backed off for a little while and now he's back at it only he's using the new DON to implement his changes in nursing policy and procedures. We have no way of proving this, but its apparent to us what he's doing. He has told many people at the facility he has major changes happening in the nursing department, but of course any memos or policies are signed by the DON with no trace of his being involved. He doesn't like nor respects nurses and has us doing menial (sp?) things that takes us away from our real duties as nurses. Its frustrating knowing there isn't much the nurses can do unless he slips somehow, which I doubt. I have been looking for a new job elsewhere since this all began with no luck, so basically I'm stuck there for now.

[caliotter3]

If he is using the new DON as a puppet, there is nothing you can do. I suppose he is not holding a gun to the head of the DON to get the signatures on new policies.

[LatinGirl]

I agree! The DON lets him manipulate her and so he will keep doing it.

[delilas]

There really isn't anything you can do; If the DON is letting the changes be implemented, they must agree with them - even if they don't, and are letting the manager do this in the sense of getting along at a new place, there isn't much to be done about it.

That being said, I worked at a place that once, with no warning, began giving us cleaning chores we were expected to have done each shift, like vacuuming client rooms. It's part of why I quit the place. I didn't spend 40k and 4 years of my life getting a degree to be a maid. I know some people don't mind it, but if you do, it's time to look for a job elsewhere.

[canchaser, BSN, RN]

Is this facility a nursing home?? If so, what about going the administrator of the home with your concerns??

[suanna]

What else is new. I know of one center in my area that has gone to great lengths to recruit upper level nursing administration members with lots of letters after thier names that were little more than figure heads. Minor policies are managed by these administrators, important corporate decisions are not in the nursing venue. Nursing is still not seen as an equal partner with "Health Care Administration", "MBA", or even Medical Directors. Your employer is just not as adept at masking that phylosophy as most. I assure you- it is the norm. I can say to some extent I can agree with this point of view. I was educated as a clinical caregiver. I have little background in business management from my BSN. Even the MSN programs at our local schools offer little that would prepare a nurse to run a hospital or make economic decisions needed in todays health care market. All nursing can do is fight for thier piece of the pie and advocate for a save enviornment for providing patient care.

[LatinGirl]

@delilas we are expected to sweep and mop the med room and nursing station as well as defrost the refrigerator. Makes ya wonder what exactly housekeeping's role is.

[LatinGirl]

@canchaser.....no its a psychiatric facility and the CEO makes himself invisible to staff members with complaints.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

similar to the experiences of others, the nurses in my er have to clean the beds after a patient leaves a room. if we get too busy, i have known triage nurses to place a patient into a nasty room. afterwards, we, the nurse is yelled at or complained to by the patient and family members. the only time housekeeping is involved is when the trash needs to be dumped, the sharps box needs replacing, or the room is too filthy or contaminated to clean quickly.

op: if the policies are not such that you will present a danger to your patients while providing care, then there is not much that you can do but find another job. on the other hand, if they are dangerous for whatever reason to include interfering with patient care, it does not matter if you can prove or disprove that a non-nurse is trying to implement the policies!!! you can prove the don is implementing them and that they are unsafe!!! go to the bon or osha or whatever regulatory organization that will listen and whistle-blow on that facility.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

First, confirm that the newly hired DON, is, in fact a nurse....check the state lic site.....good luck

[LatinGirl]

Thanks for all your replies.....I just needed to vent a little. As I said before I am sorta stuck there at the moment in which case I am going to try and make the best of it.