Hello everyone, I am hoping for some feedback on a work situation. I am an ICU nurse and we hold mandatory competencies annually. One component is an EKG test. It is the typical test with identifying the rhythm. I have taken countless of these tests in all my years and never had a problem. Well...this past year I failed along with 55% of the nurses on my floor. This is a large hospital and the nurses are very intelligent with a wide array of experiences. I'd like to think I am smart too, btw. Anyway, we were given the opportunity to take the test again, many of us passed. Phew!
I was then presented with a disciplinary write-up to sign.Huh? How is this action disciplineable? I was told that passing the EKG test isa job requirement so I was subject to discipline. Everyone else also was disciplined. I might add that there were a surprisingly large percentage of nurses that had to retake this test twice. They were told that their job would be in jeopardy if they failed a third time. Why are we failing the test? Strips that are marginal, difficult to read, could be sinus tach or sinus rhythm when presented with a strip with a rate of exactly 98 bpm (or is it 100?) The possibility of buried p-waves, has anyone heard of a "very slow afib" with arate of 45? Etc. Most tests I have taken, the strips are obvious, or at least fair if you know your rhythms.
I believe the test was flawed. With failure rates like this,the problem is usually the test giver, not the test taker. In this case, the test giver is a power trip kinda person. Anyway, my manager feels the same way I do. Why would she want to lose nurses over an EKG test? She is not in a position (or maybe doesn't want to be in the position) to do much about it but I am meeting with her boss...the director soon.
My goal is to get the write-up out of my file but the broader goal is to change the process surrounding this test, the punitive nature of failing and the added stress going into this. What information do you think I should bring to the director that will make her take this seriously and not just say "Well, it's been like this for a long time" or "Policy dictates,yada yada". I don't want her to blow me off
I want to bring her information like "At the University level, a high failure rate such as this would warrant a review of the test" or "Most ICU nurses are internally motivated to review knowledge regularly and do not require additional pressure of written disciplines". I'd like to have some data. Any ideas? Thanks
Specializes in CCU, CVICU, Cath Lab, MICU, Endoscopy..
For lack of better I have to say I have seen these tactics used by management to get rid of experienced staff or staff under pension system that will cost more money to bring in newbies that are cheaper....budget...budget...on the other hand as a former educator I consider myself a failure when my students fail to succeed, so perhaps this educator doesn't need to be one. I am curious what type of nursing leadership does your facility boast to have? If it's transformational then its a failure big time by being punitive. If it's a teaching facility thats even worse! With such a high failure rate I think a challenge should be considered...I mean if your bosses are not concerned that the education competency needs a boost...maybe its not a facility worth working for....just my 3cents :-)
eCCU
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For lack of better I have to say I have seen these tactics used by management to get rid of experienced staff or staff under pension system that will cost more money to bring in newbies that are cheaper....budget...budget...on the other hand as a former educator I consider myself a failure when my students fail to succeed, so perhaps this educator doesn't need to be one. I am curious what type of nursing leadership does your facility boast to have? If it's transformational then its a failure big time by being punitive. If it's a teaching facility thats even worse! With such a high failure rate I think a challenge should be considered...I mean if your bosses are not concerned that the education competency needs a boost...maybe its not a facility worth working for....just my 3cents :-)