Expected to do other nurse's work

evap2010 · Mar 8, 2011

Ask them to give you their paychecks. Seems like they only show up to work to get one.

JenniferSews · Mar 8, 2011

Have you spoken to your manager? That would be my first step, or maybe asking why X wasn't done if you feel comfortable.

caliotter3 · Mar 8, 2011

Agree you need to speak to your manager and have several examples.

CloudySue · Mar 8, 2011

If you are the regular nurse on the floor, and they are floaters or PRN, perhaps they are not as efficient about completing the workload for your floor as you are. I could bang out the work on my regular floor like clockwork and have time to spare afterwards, but if I filled in somewhere else, I was scrambling to get the basics completed on time (and we were not allowed any overtime, or I would have been very glad to do it all.) I hated doing a half-assed job, but when you are making bricks without straw, you have to learn to forgive yourself and move on. This is why I'm no longer in LTC. Not enough hours in a day to do what is expected of you.

KellyRPNinOntario · Mar 8, 2011

I agree with the above post. It may just be that they are overwhelmed. I dont think the first option should be going to the manager. I would ask the person nicely first. If they still dont pick it up then I would maove up the chain.

NaKcl, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2011

don't forget to document whatever care you had to do extra because of her not completing her job.

This will help you support the case when you speak to the manager.

mikeicurn, ASN, RN · Mar 8, 2011

I understand how this could be annoying, but how often does this happen? Since you are complaining about it and use the word "frequently" I am curious how much is this happening. I haven't missed a shift in months. Are you requesting time off and someone is filling in for you? If I were to ask someone to cover my shift, and had to sign off on some skin assessments when I got back, I wouldn't care a bit to do that if they were nice enough to cover my shift.

prinsessa · Mar 8, 2011

I have noticed this also. I am the "regular" day shift nurse on one of the carts. I have had to change PICC line dressings because the person who was scheduled to do it neglected to do so. It also seems like there is always a bunch of labs waiting for me when I have a few days off. I have talked to the ADON about it and she always says she will talk to the other nurses about it. I understand that people are overwhelmed but so am I most days.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2011

I work PT and fill in for the regular nurses. Since I work 2 days in a row, it takes me at least one day to get back into the swing of it or get the routine. If these other nurses are moving from unit to unit or only doing one day here or there this is probably the problem.

We know how ridiculous the work load is. Full timers at least can get a routine down that works for them. Sometimes I am doing things that I missed the day before that need to get done. Heaven forbid I ask the next shift to do the IV dressing change that I missed or didn't notice until very late.

If it is a consistant habbit, yes..I would say something. Might be that nurse needs better training or help from you on how to better organize the shift. I like to ask the steady nurse what works best or what is the secret to her getting things done.

nurseblob · Mar 11, 2011

Well, I have gone to the unit manager, and he says there is "nothing he can do". Incredible, huh? It would be alittle easier to take if others had not told me that the part time staff (who have been here a LONG time) take an hour lunch, many cig breaks and talk on cell phones sitting at the nursing station. It really comes down to poor management, right? If the darn economy was better, I would definately move on! Anyway, thanks for taking the time to respond.

Chin up · Mar 11, 2011

Well, I have gone to the unit manager, and he says there is "nothing he can do". Incredible, huh? It would be alittle easier to take if others had not told me that the part time staff (who have been here a LONG time) take an hour lunch, many cig breaks and talk on cell phones sitting at the nursing station. It really comes down to poor management, right? If the darn economy was better, I would definately move on! Anyway, thanks for taking the time to respond.

When i read your original post, I gave the nurses the benefit of the doubt and figured, they as floats, could not complete the assignment and did the best they could. After reading your unit managers reply, I now think this behavior has been tolerated for years and nurses are taking advantage of a lax policy. I don't think taking breaks, has anything to do with this. Nurses must and should take their breaks. As for long lunches and cell phones, unless you witness this, it is pure hearsay. The onus is on your leadership. You need to take above mentioned documentation to the DON and show " patient neglect" repeatedly happening in your absence. Your unit manager is either unwilling to rock the boat, or has no authority. (I have found this role to differ from setting to setting). The DON/DNS is responsible for all patient care in the facility and should address this issue. Patient neglect is serious and should never be tolerated. If I read you correctly, you are not talking about the occasional bad day, but a culture of laziness. If this is the case, you must report it as mandated. The residents deserve better as do you. You will burn out soon if this persist.

Lastly, this should be addresses as a "team issue", not an individual issue. Culture change invovles everyone, not, the singling out of a few. Expectations must be stated, with consistent follow-up and accountability. Only these actions bring lasting change. Peace!