CNA's and Fire Power

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Specializes in med surg ltc psych.

Hello to fellow nurses who have been stung by the CNA wasp. After I got off a 3-11p shift on New Years Eve, I sat at the dining room table telling my boyfriend that I felt very uneasy about what occured at work that night and they have the power to get a nurse fired. When I got off the hall at 10:45 I discovered the vital signs sheet for my Medicare people were not where they are usually placed toward the end of the shift. When I discovered they weren't done, I asked the CNA if she could get them for me so I could do my charting and I really appreciate it. She told me I should have hand carried them to the end of the hall and given them to her personally even though they were in plain view sitting on the counter of the nurses station. All other employees pick them up and promptly proceed on to get the VS done. In the end I finally recieved them slapped on the counter with a rude smirk "there, is this what you want?" I told my boyfriend that me indicating that I couldn't get my charting done because she held me up is gonna come back on me or get me fired. Sure enough, this morning the DON gets me in her office and says she got reports that I made a stink and attituded up on the poor CNA and was told they have to LET ME GO. Folks who don't witness the balance we nurses have to keep with them and the tightrope we walk to keep our jobs. If CNA"S collaborate together to badmouth a nurse who simply needed what she needed to do her job if only they did theirs, and they succeeded. That is too much power lording over the licensed nurse. Has this happened to you or someone you know? People don't believe me that they can get you fired. :cry:

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Specializes in Sub-acute, Rehab.

Wow, that's awful. I'm really sorry that this happened to you.

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*sigh*

Hang in.

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Specializes in Mostly geri :).

That is RIDICULOUS, I'm soooooo sorry. What a horrible way to start off the New Year. Some places treat CNA's with kidgloves and it gets out of control. The good thing that will come out of this is now you may end up working for a place that has your back. Again, I'm sorry. You can share my Chinese food lol.:coollook:

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Specializes in LTC.

That's not even right. Your DON didn't even investigate it? That wouldn't have gone over in my faciltiy. That's just not right dude *hugs*

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

Sorry this has happened.... but, why would that get you fired? I must be missing something...

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based on your post alone, i don't think it is enough reason to get you fired. There must be more... And the DON should investigate further and if what you have said is the only incident that occurred, warning would be very appropriate. If you are a full time employee of that facility and a member of a union, you can ask the union to respond on this matter. but, maybe it is a blessing in disguise and will end up in having you hired in a new facility in where they will take care of the nurses.

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

:dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed:

Wow.

If you can be fired for that mere and singular incident - then woe betide the nurse that really makes a mistake. Or one that the CNA's get together and "vote off the island" :eek: --- seems like a bad situation either way.

IF and that is a big IF - there is NOTHING else going on in that CNA dynamic - then you should file unemployment and make them fight and document that there was cause to fire you. Sounds like you were ABUSED at work from the scant detail. Generally, anytime someone SLAMS stuff anywhere and makes a scene, it feels like being overpowered. Now, if there are oodles of problems and this is one in a long line and the communication and delegation matters were not resolved - then the facility may be able to make some case that supports your termination.

I think delegated practice issues are tough for some nurses and there are some assistant staff that have there own issues (don't flame me, there are just as many nurses that get a little "mighty" and have issues as well) and resist all efforts at "team" practice. The "who does she think she is?" approach (works both ways) is NEVER good for patients and makes any workplace MISERABLE for all.

Being fired sucks - but, if you are truly not at fault in any way and this came from the blue - then you have your lesson in a nutshell - they got you. If, however, you knew there was a problem with the CNA's and you took no steps to professionally resolve - then you have your lesson as well.

Key - move forward. Professional nurse practice is tough - find a good supportive and collaborative work environment.

Good Luck.

;)

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

No offense and if what you say is the whole story it really stinks, but have you noticed that NOBODY on this site ever gets fired for just cause?

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No offense and if what you say is the whole story it really stinks, but have you noticed that NOBODY on this site ever gets fired for just cause?

I never was.

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Specializes in Gyn/STD clinic tech.

you know workplace politics..

they do not need a just cause, they can fire you just because...:uhoh21::rolleyes:

unfortunately, i believe most states are at will employment, so they can let you go as they see fit.

hang in there!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

I must be missing something here. You waited until the end of your shift to wonder about your medicare vitals? My staff are required to get them right at the beginning of the shift, in case there is something off and attention is needed. Also, the nurse on the floor is responsible to follow up with the CNA's throughout the shift to ensure completion of their work.

I am sorry this happened to you.

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