Cold blooded administration

beckylpn1 · May 26, 2009

Unfortunately that's the way it is in alot of LTC facilities. I have seen several things go on in facilities and when you report them, you are the bad guy. Instances of staff on the clock and reeking of alcohol, staff asking other staff members to steal narcs for them, residents falling and nurses not reporting or falsely reporting the incident. That's why I had to leave LTC.

Moogie · May 26, 2009

I am sorry that you're going through this and I'm even sorrier that this sort of thing seems to happen a lot in LTC.

Do also check your state BON website to check for the nurse's license. I don't know about your state but where I've lived, the information is on the nursing website, not necessarily on any other sites. If this individual is truly practicing nursing without a valid license, you have cause to take it to the board. You might be able to make an anonymous complaint but if not, the state is supposed to keep your information confidential.

Also, check the most recent state survey to see what deficiencies the facility had and if there's a pattern of deficiencies. In all honesty, I'm not sure I put a lot of stock in the National Nursing Home Watch List because there are facilities that I know had "G" deficiencies or worse but are not on the list because the most recent surveys were done after the list was updated. I would definitely use the Watch List as a resource but not the only resource. Your state should have access to recent and previous surveys on the Department of Health website. Also look at any complaints that have been filed against the facility, which also should be listed on the state DOH site. Check out the nature of those complaints and whether or not they were substantiated. Remember, some people complain over minor matters but most people don't file complaints, even when something major has happened.

Hang in there and check your private messages. I wish I could say you're the only person to whom this has happened but unfortunately it seems to happen to many good nurses.

achot chavi · May 26, 2009

There is good and bad, I am so sorry you had to go through this, you sound very upset and rightfully so,

I once worked at a facility where there was abuse, and when I reported it, they fired me with a false claim. I worked at another clinic where I overseed 2 LPN's who were lazy and sloppy, screamed and cursed when I tried to set normal rules in the place, etc. They had the habit of leaving in middle of work to go shopping without punching the clock ( they claimed they were single mothers and had no other time to do it- mind you not on their meal breaks- but leaving me during critical work hours) - when I complained to the administrator- he took their side,told me he never heard them scream or curse (he was right there) and told me to live with it, (I later found out they did some housework for him on the side). I quit on the spot.

My advice: look for a better job in a good facility- they dont deserve you, you cant fix what is wrong with them (remember the serenity prayer)

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · May 26, 2009

Sounds like it is good that you are out of a bad situation. Depending where you live the LTC can terminate you any time with no reason , good news it that I would not put this on your resume.

Some people may have a different name on their license, but I would have a "friend"" call the Department of Public Health "and ask for an evaluation. This will not get your job back but it will protect the patients.

Things will pick up for you times are very tough for nurses.

Aviationurse · May 26, 2009

no wonder our master schedule wont say such and such is an RN or LPN ....i did the search myself and found out from day one that the charge nurse is not on the list.......all the others were listed except one......

Aviationurse · May 26, 2009

thanks for all your response guys.....i appreciate your kindness and support ...

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 26, 2009

One must be careful when checking BON website for eligibility...name could be under maiden or married name, hyphenated etc (perform search as part of my Manager duties).

Restraints with bedsheets --especially about the hands FAR from the ideal....however only being on the unit 5 min you don't know what had occured prior to arrival (possibly punching another resident, pulling out own hair. etc) so unable to judge if someone getting lapbelt/wheelchair pad from supply room etc.

Sounds like this is NOT the best facility to work in...sometimes best to cut loses and move to other position. Those facilites with reputation, well known in healthcare circles, so to state "left prior to completing probation for better fit" would get message across without badmouthing facility.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · May 27, 2009

Call the DPH and make a complaint. I can't imagine ever using bed sheets as a restraint regardless of the resident's behavior but I work in Massachusetts where there are more regs for us than for the nuclear power plant. There is no regulation which says the admissions person has to be licensed so many facilities use other department heads to do this. You MUST have a licensed administrator if you are a skilled facility. Call the DPH. They are mandated to investigate any complaint.

Aviationurse · May 27, 2009

my nurse friends dont want to see me because they are scared for their life and dont agree on reporting abuse to DPH and elderabuse hotline....hope my life wont be in imminent danger....i have family to feed....

thanks capecod mermaid...i thought it was ok for a recreation specialist to run a 300 bed nursing home with heavy duty skilled floor ie trach, g feeding, iv, picc line, insulin ,hospice,treatment/dressing , admission, discharge, med pass, no break, no supplies, punch out and continue to work policy, medicare charting, no puncher, bring your own office supplies, and also be a doorman, answer phone and be the operator....the list just goes on...and before i forget ask a question on restraint and be fired the next day policy....

thanks for listening....hope i will be able to find a job out there....i truly appreciate all your kind response...

achot chavi · May 27, 2009

my nurse friends dont want to see me because they are scared for their life and dont agree on reporting abuse to DPH and elderabuse hotline....hope my life wont be in imminent danger....i have family to feed....

DONT tell anyone that you plan on reporting the situation, that will just backfire, and if you feel afraid, just walk away and dont report it yourself, it doesn't pay to live your life looking over your shoulder.

Move on, the place was bad news, you weren't the only witness, just the one with morals and a conscience- such rare qualities today.

And get better friends who will be supportive. I have to say if I fired a nurse and she calls the state, it wouldn't bother me, I have nothing to hide!!I wouldn't stop being her friend just because she followed her conscience...

Good Luck

CapeCodMermaid, RN · May 27, 2009

Apparently you misunderstood what I said. I said the ADMISSIONS person does not have to be licensed. Certainly any facility that accepts Medicare and or Medicaid needs to have a licensed nursing home administrator and a licensed (RN) DNS. PS calls to the DPH can be strictly confidential.