So my new place of work is slowly turning into a crappy place. over the last month RNs have gone from 3-4 pts to 5-6 plus managing IVs for the LVNs who have gone from 4-5 to 6 pts. Poor CNAs have gone from 7-8pts to 10-14pts each!!
We are all suffering and mistakes are bound to happen, and have been happening. Patients are suffering, and so is the reputation of the facility. Can we expect anything BUT a less than perfect standard of care with such overload on all the staff?
Well, I'm being written up for something a family made a huge issue about, no one in the team is getting blamed but me. I've got alot on my mind on what is unfair in this case but what can I write in the comments to make myself seem just and the write up unjust?
CNA got no consequences for the mistake, none. But because she falls under my license, I have to take the write up. CNAs have been seen standing together around the corner, listening to music, on their phones, and when it comes to answer a call light, they simply say "I was busy" and they go free. What can I say to defend myself??
btw I was told word for word "nothing else matters except the care we provide. Even if you're right, it doesn't matter." Makes me feel like I have no rights as an RN!
Thanks, any advice would help before I go in to sign this write up.
Oh, I also would NEVER refer to a CNA as my inferior. Never...
+middleagednurse :: That's exactly what's wrong with nursing. We are responsible for catching even the slightest cough that could potentially be fatal and "critically think up a storm" yet when it comes to being treated as people, "we don't have any rights"?? bull.
+Beentheredonethat thanks, I've applied to about 4 jobs since then, whatever was available, really. Can't refuse, don't wanna fall under their radar of attention and become a potential target. I've seen people get fired/quit because they fell under the radar of attention of the higher ups.. I wanna lay low and get out quietly.
+Buckybadger, the reason why I said it is because that's what I've been told and that's what we study! our inferiors are working under our license, we oversee their work. Hardly ever do I feel as their supervisor, more like "please don't risk me losing my license"...
I wonder why nurses don't use incident reports when CNA's delay care of flat out refuse to perform delegated care and supervisors don't do anything...
I say this because, I have used incident reports to report systematic problems, and let TPTB have to address it; if they attempt to not do anything and it falls on me, my lawyer or union rep will ask said powers whether they were alerted and what steps were taken to rectify the problems? They will have to explain they did do anything, which makes them look worse.
And if incident reports are on the computer, even MORE for the powers to get on it-it's a stronger trail, it can be seen if they try to delete or tamper with it, plus you get a "copy" in the form of a reference number where it is proof that you attempted to address the issue and was not effective.
To expand on this. I currently work with a nurse who came THIS close to being fired fir this attitude. Towards the end of shift, a nurse was looking for an open computer so she could chart, all were taken so she turned to go elsewhere. This rn says "you can just make one of these lowly CNA's to get up". Cue crickets. One of the CNA's didn't report her, the computer seeking nurse did. Luckily the CNA's did not want to see her get into trouble. She had to apologize and complete sensitivity training. Darn lucky nurse.
Oh, I also would NEVER refer to a CNA as my inferior. Never...
Oh, I also would NEVER refer to a CNA as my inferior. Never...
Inferior can refer to the "rank" of an individual in the workplace the same way "superior" does. It's not necessarily a personal judgement or an insult. I would probably avoid using it because of the possibility that some may perceive it that way, though.
well this whole time i was not aware that comments were being posted until today. Thanks for everyone's input. No, I didn't mean to refer to CNAs as MY inferiors and I respect my CNAs and never degrade them since us nurses depend on them so much, hence why that mistake on my part happened because neither I nor the CNA could attend to the pt's needs. I was using the term inferiors same as superiors.
anyway, We get this drilled into our heads that CNAs are working under us, we need to delegate and supervise because it's OUR LICENSE ON THE LINE. so That's where i got that idea. When i tried to talk it out with my supervisor, she again repeated this same thing... even if CNA was supposed to tend to the pt, it was MY patient and MY license, hence I get the write up. hard to argue or stir up a debate when saying Anything could potentially lead to me sounding like "fire me, I don't care." So in fear of losing my job, it felt necessary to just go with it, lay low and not attract any more attention.
anyway, I'm down to Per Diem from full time, so I'll focusing on my BSN until i get a better opportunity and will leave this place for good.
To expand on this. I currently work with a nurse who came THIS close to being fired fir this attitude. Towards the end of shift, a nurse was looking for an open computer so she could chart, all were taken so she turned to go elsewhere. This rn says "you can just make one of these lowly CNA's to get up". Cue crickets. One of the CNA's didn't report her, the computer seeking nurse did. Luckily the CNA's did not want to see her get into trouble. She had to apologize and complete sensitivity training. Darn lucky nurse.
Inferior in the sense that the CNA is not a peer or superior, not that she is a horrible person.
And isn't it ridiculous that there aren't enough computers for everyone to be able to chart without having to hunt for the basic equipment the job should supply?
When i tried to talk it out with my supervisor, she again repeated this same thing... even if CNA was supposed to tend to the pt, it was MY patient and MY license, hence I get the write up. hard to argue or stir up a debate when saying Anything could potentially lead to me sounding like "fire me, I don't care."
Thanks everyone for your input.
solid excrement rolls down hill, this is when you turn around and write up the CNA. It happens in the law as well.
BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN
3,520 Posts
Oh, I also would NEVER refer to a CNA as my inferior. Never...