Do you have any authority in your LTC facility?

Moogie · May 16, 2011

Last night a GNA called the unit supervisor to ask to leave early. She didn't even have enough courteously to ask me first. The unit supervisor said yes. After the GNA got permission to leave early she then told me she was leaving early. I replied " Is everything ok, are you not feeling well" She states " Oh I'm fine, I just want to leave early to meet up with my boyfriend to have sex" She then states" I'm going to have my feet up in the air and I'm going to have fun"

westieluv · May 16, 2011

Sounds like you need a new unit manager--stat!!!

What kind of manager would give someone permission to end their shift early to go hook up with their boyfriend??? I am completely appalled, and I can see why you are too. I have never remotely heard of anything like that happening.

As for your original question, no, I don't have any authority whatsoever where I work. Our unit has two nurses on 3-11, and since I am the newest hire, I have to take whichever hall the other nurse that I'm scheduled with doesn't want, even though one of the other nurses was hired literally one week before me. They get continuity, I never know what I'll be getting.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · May 16, 2011

Last night a GNA called the unit supervisor to ask to leave early. She didn't even have enough courteously to ask me first. The unit supervisor said yes. After the GNA got permission to leave early she then told me she was leaving early. I replied " Is everything ok, are you not feeling well" She states " Oh I'm fine, I just want to leave early to meet up with my boyfriend to have sex" She then states" I'm going to have my feet up in the air and I'm going to have fun":eek:
I was appalled at her response and angry that I don't have the authority to say no. She already asked the unit supervisor and received her answer.
I'm also not allowed to write anybody up, call the family with updates, and not allowed to call 911 without ok from unit supervisor or DON.
BTW- This is a catholic facility so its ran by nuns so everything is way different than I'm used to.

Our house supervisior has final say on who goes home and who doesn't. I'm amazed at the gall of the GNA (what IS a GNA anyway?? I know a GPN is a graduate practicle nurse and a GN is a graduate nurse (RN) haven't come across a GNA)..but anyway, the gall of the GNA to actually TELL you that! I'd be floored..I'd also be asking the super if he/she was given THAT as the reason for leaving early.

But to answer your questions as a floor nurse I had no authority on letting someone go home early. However, the staff would come to their charge nurse and ask, we in turn called the super and got the answer. I DID have 100% authority to write someone up. And it is EXPECTED of the floor nurse (RN or LPN) to call the family with changes in condition, changes in meds, updates etc. We also have to speak with the doctors and to give updates etc and any new med orders/changes, etc. We can also call 911 without authority of the super.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 16, 2011

Our house supervisior has final say on who goes home and who doesn't. I'm amazed at the gall of the GNA (what IS a GNA anyway?? I know a GPN is a graduate practicle nurse and a GN is a graduate nurse (RN) haven't come across a GNA)..but anyway, the gall of the GNA to actually TELL you that! I'd be floored..I'd also be asking the super if he/she was given THAT as the reason for leaving early.
But to answer your questions as a floor nurse I had no authority on letting someone go home early. However, the staff would come to their charge nurse and ask, we in turn called the super and got the answer. I DID have 100% authority to write someone up. And it is EXPECTED of the floor nurse (RN or LPN) to call the family with changes in condition, changes in meds, updates etc. We also have to speak with the doctors and to give updates etc and any new med orders/changes, etc. We can also call 911 without authority of the super.

GNA is geriactric nursing assistant.

shesarriot · May 16, 2011

I find it hard to believe the nursing assistant said all that.

CrazziiRN913, ADN, BSN · May 16, 2011

I don't find hard to believe she said that! People put all there information on social networking sitess why wouldn't they tell someone there use to seeing most of the week and is most likely comfortable around. Some people seriously lack common sense these days!!!

JenniferSews · May 17, 2011

Yes and no. A cna could call the sup in my facility and get permission to go home. However once it came to light that she was leaving for a reason that was not an emergency and without handing off report to the oncoming aid, there would be repercussions.

I am grateful to work in a facility which trusts the judgement of it's nurses. If a particular nurse was found to have called 911 inappropriately a few times, then that nurse would need to have a second nurse assess before sending out. That hasn't happened in the time I have been employed there. I am required to call the family with any status change and can definately write up a subordinate when necessary. I have a lot of autonomy and authority, and am very glad for it!

bsveillon · May 17, 2011

I find it hard to believe the nursing assistant said all that.

You must not been in the work force long. I remember catching one nurse having sex in the hospital!

Totally believable that someone would say that.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 21, 2011

I find it hard to believe the nursing assistant said all that.

Apparently you have not been in nursing long. You would be surprised of the things you hear, and see.

marthyellen · May 21, 2011

Apparently you have not been in nursing long. You would be surprised of the things you hear, and see.

Isn't that the truth.

The Charge nurse has the last word if someone who is already clocked-in can leave. IMHO. If the supervisor is not going to take the aids section and provide the care to the residents then she had not authority to allow that aide to leave.

If everyone called me before they called family members I would not have any peace and the nurses would not get any other work done. Family members are supposed to be made aware of every lab test, every new medication, every change in condition, every behavior. Seems like a lot of extra work for the nurse to call the doctor, and then ask permission before calling the family and then calling the family.

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · May 22, 2011

My guess is she lied to the Supervisor and said she was sick! No way any Supervisor would allow someone to leave early to "hook up" with thier bf. i would mention that she said that to you, but, she will probably deny it so it would become a she said/she said problem (unless you had witnesses who were willing to stand up with you).