ethical dilema

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I am a new LPN in a LTC facility. I work 12 hour shifts. When am finished my med passes and charting I have "nothing" to do. I notice the other LPN's just sit around and talk, or read magazines or smoke. To me this makes for a long day, so I like to see if |I can help the care-aids or anyone!!! I even ask them if I can watch them so I can learn what they have to do. Being a "new" employee, I do not intend to make the other LPNs look bad, I just really believe in teamwork. It makes my shift go faster and I am learning from the care-aids as well. What I am asking from veterans is, am I doing the right thing? Or should I be like the other LPN's and keep to our own. It just seems wrong, but I will probably get the cold shoulder from my LPN peers.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I usually sit and browse the internet or do online schoolwork after finishing my work, but this is because my work ethic is not terribly evolved.

You're doing the right thing by helping out. Good luck to you.

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I'm the same way. I work on all my stuff and extra office stuff, but I always help my AIDS toilet, serve food, and help put residents to bed. My care staff greatly appreciates all I do and they are more willing to help me out when I need things they can do. We have one nurse who refuses to help and will sit outside smoking the whole time. The care staff hates her because of that. They love when I work and they are short staffed because they know I will help out. I also work 12 hour shifts.

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Thanks for replying, Do you feel ostracized by your fellow nurses for helping out?

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

Amen! You go OP! My faith is restored on the boards tonight for reading this!

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you go OP?

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

I always feel if I have time, I will help out the CNAs. There are times when I am doing my med pass and a room right by me has turned on their light. I am on my way in there anyway and even if I am not, I ask what they need. If I can assist I will, otherwise, I will walkie the CNAs and let them know and let the resident know that I am waiting for assistance. The CNAs love me too for this. I feel if we all work as a team to meet the needs of our residents, we are doing our jobs. Maybe it comes from having been a CNA in LTC

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Thank you Quiltynurse, I agree. It's about team work and we are there for the residents. Not to be popular. Thank you for your reply.

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Thanks for replying, Do you feel ostracized by your fellow nurses for helping out?

Nope. I work an opposite schedule as the one who doesn't help out. The other nurses and my manager love my helping out attitude. We are a very small unit. The other nurse tries helping out as well, but since she is assistant DON she has more duties than I do. The nurse that doesn't help out also brushes off their concerns about residents.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
you go OP?
This means, "You go, Original Poster!"

She's essentially saying that she agreed with the sentiments expressed in your original post. Since you're new to the boards, I just wanted to clarify. :)

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oh Thank you for clarifying that. I didn't know. I feel so much better now that I know that my "gut" instincts were right. Thanks all for your input. A "newbie" appreciates this very much !!!

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Thank you !

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