First Suspension

[MrsLPN2]

Need to vent, but will appreciate any input/advise/constructive criticism...

I am a fairly new grad, graduated April, licensed May 1st, found employment at the end of May. I am part of the union as well... The DNS where I work was my clinical instructor. I started working in June on orientation as a new LPN, was told I would have 6-8 weeks, but was taken off after 3 weeks. I have gained a lot of experience, learned a lot, and know when to ask questions.

We have two short term rehab units, which are the toughest to work, even the most senior nurses say it is extremely difficult. I happen to be scheduled for the most difficult unit 90% of the time that I work. As a new nurse I feel that I handle it fairly well. The med passes are long, there are usually five dressing changes, and 20 finger sticks, 2 g-tubes, and usually someone on IV ABT, not to mention the amount of PRNs that are requested throughout the shift. On many many occasions I come in, check someones blood sugar to find that it's above the sliding scale...has been all day but the MD hasn't been notified. So, I notify my sup. and place the call to the MD. All of this takes time...anyways so I end up written up for leaving late. I'm suppose to be out by 11pm, but I usually leave at 12am...along with the nurse on the other short term rehab unit. I have had a verbal, and a write-up for leaving late.

Then a few weeks ago, I was late. I was rear ended on my way into work, with plenty of damage to my car. I needed to wait for the police to make the report and etc. I called work, said I was rear ended will be late. Then I get written up for it. It was a verbal warning (in writing). No other tardiness.

Now today, I went into work on my day off because I was notified by the DNS via phone that since I missed the mandatory nurses meeting on Friday (I had a doctor appt) that I needed to come in Monday to go over what was discussed during the meeting.

I come in to find that I need a union rep for the "meeting". Well turns out I was being suspended for not initialing off on a shower/skin assessment that should have been done on my shift (aka failure to document), on this hectic rehab unit. Which I understand should have been signed off but I was rushing as usual to get out on time, but to suspend me?! She says it's because I've had previous "documentation" inservices. Which is not true...there have been multiple times where I have documented on a pt's change of condition (ex. chest pain) and notified the sup. only to have the sup. tell me to give a nitro and "keep it moving". A.K.A. the sup doesn't have time to assess this pt, act like it never happened, and don't put that on the 24 hr rpt or in the nurses notes. If a pt c/o chest pain or there BS is elevated past the sliding scale, or whatever the issue is I document! But the staff dev. nurse has said this put's the company in jeopardy since the RN sup is not assessing and documenting a note...when the DNS asks the sup. what happened...they say I never notified them of the change...but I always do. I am thorough and do the best that I can, but I refuse to cut corners that may directly affect the care the pt receives.

I know this is long and I'm sorry but now I will be looking for employment elsewhere, before they inevitably terminate me.

[Ella26, BSN, RN]

I am sorry to hear that you are going through this.

It sounds like the facility should be finding out why the RN does not follow up with an assessment when you have reported a decline in status to them, that is neglect. Keep doing what you are doing as far as your documentation goes because it will be your behind if your called to the stand in court and make no mistake the facility will be out for themselves. And they will throw you under the bus and run over backward. I would take this time in suspension to look for a new job if I were you, before you lose your precious license that you have worked so hard to get.

[MrsLPN2]

Ella26 thank you for your response, job hunting is exactly what I will be doing. No doubt, they will look out for themselves when they are surveyed by the state.