Early morning phone call cracked me up!

Published

I work at a small LTC. We have exactly enough staff to get the job done...when we are short staffed, things can get pretty stressful.

Last night one of the CNAs on duty got a phone call saying her father was being taken to the hospital and was in critical condition. She needed to leave right away.

The night charge nurse made phone calls trying to find a replacement. The first call on my voice mail simply explained the situation and asked if I could come in to cover. The second phone call informed me that "If I don't hear from you, I will see you at 4:00. If I don't see you at 4:00, we will consider it an unexcused absence." I know things are pretty desperate when they are calling nurses to cover a CNA position, but wow!

I just ignored it...especially since I didn't even wake up until 8:00 AM. I have had four calls from CNAs asking if she was going to get away with her threats and if I knew what they needed to do. I told them to enjoy their day off and that I would talk to the DON on Monday. I have a feeling that the DON is going to have a line of people waiting to talk to her when she arrives Monday morning!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Yeah, that's a no-go ... if you aren't on call, you aren't obligated! Nice try, though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wha??? I work in a small LTC and totally understand the staffing issues, but this was crazy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.

At lease they haven't tried the tired old "we'll report you to the board for pt abandonment if you don't come in". My facility tried that on one of my co-workers who actually believed it. Until several of us pointed out that the BON doesn't give a flying fig if you don't come in to your job. They only care if you leave an assignment you have accepted without someone to care for them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am on call for disasters. However, short staffing is not a disaster. They ended up with three CNAs showing up at 0400. I am a bit speechless at the charge nurse's tactics to ensure staffing. I feel bad for the people who didn't know that she really can't get someone in trouble for not coming in on a day off. The DON was mad, especially since no one was sent home when three people showed up to cover for one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion