frequent fires

[nola1202]

if it happens to one of us, it can happen to all of us. Seems like a lot of people are fired at the place I work. Sometimes the story given doesn't fit with the scenerio described. I am not sure if this is politics, throwing someone under the bus to show a corrective action was taken or what. I suspect the latter. I guess I'm wondering how long it will be before it happens to me. Some of these are new nurses who haven't learned what to say and not say things to family, who then turn around and complain about care or work conditions. Corperate drives a lot of the actions taken per mgmt, profit and loss is a big deal..as it is in any company. As difficult as my job is, I wouldn't want to be a floor nurse or cna here..too much risk of being disciplined for doing the wrong thing. Pressure to not send people out, pressure to send people out with life threatening injuries, make the wrong call and it's a problem. Mgmt is hard nosed about problems that directly effect me, but instead of improving things, it's leading to an exodus of staff...I'm going to start looking for other employment but I just don't see a good job market. Plus I love the hours, I like the staff. They tell me I'm doing a wonderful job, but I wonder how long that will last. My best bet is to keep my mouth shut in meetings. I obviously am not supposed to stick up for staff. Most insist we are fully staffed but I see workers who work really hard and still don't get breaks or lunch.

I know this is no different than any job in Nsg, but I really hate it when administration says we are spoiled and have plenty of staff. I see it from a floor nurses eyes and wonder how many patients have to fall and sustain injuries before they provide one more lousy staff member. I know if I voiced this I'd be so fired! I am afraid I will be next. Then what a bad recomendation or reference I can't afford to have or job hopping which I am guilty of.

Sorry this has turned into a big vent. Anyone else out there dealing with this stuff, and how are you dealing with the stress and frustration?

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I worked one place where we were specifically told to not speak to fired employees- whether floor or management firings... It was weird. Definite hush policy- and it made me mad. But, when ya gotta pay the bills, you either shut up or move on- and neither is easy ....

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

There are some places that are just bad to work for. Sometimes it's a corporation, sometimes it's an individual hospital. As you alluded, there can be many reasons for it. One hospital in Southern New Mexico was infamous for firing people for "inadequate charting." On the other hand, listing being fired from there on your resume opened many doors because other facilities were familiar with their unethical practices. All that matters is do you want to work there knowing you could be next? If they get to the point that nobody will work there, and all the managers have to do the work, maybe things will change.

[Bella'sMyBaby]

The issues you describe are exactly why there is so much turnover.

You have a good head on your shoulders...you're wise enough to see the stunts that LTC Corporations pull.

LTC is LTC, they all do this & some are worse than others.

It's important to always have a back-up plan...doing a good job today & on the chopping block tomorrow...

Keep sending your resume out.

Good Luck! :)

[prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP]

Yes I work in a place exactly like that but worse. So after getting my 2 plus yrs of so called experience with them, I am going to home health. Woohoo!

[optimist]

It sounds as if we work for the same place! I too watch as mgmt fire good people because they were too vocal about their concerns or as part of their 'plan of corrective action'. Its a crummy place to work but I love my job and it pays the bills with great hours. All I can do is fly under the radar and try to avoid attention from the higher ups. I dont sign on for extra shifts or return calls for coming in on my days off because Im afraid anything I do 'above and beyond' what is expected of me will open me up for the next round of firings. Im afraid most LTC is like this so Id say stick it out until you find something better. Good luck!

[IowaKaren]

So sad LTC has come to this.

[nola1202]

I'm getting to the point I am sick at heart at the thought of going to work....resume time, I guess, but I wonder who would want me..so much for my backbone and positive self regard. grrrrrr get mad, use that energy for good not evil!

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

What you're describing is sadly true for too many healthcare organizations.... and the best nurses (in my book) are at highest risk - those who are pt advocates, who refuse to take dangerous shortcuts or do other unethical things (or worse) that allow them to leave on time on a floor/unit/department best described as a hell hole.

All I can say, bus drivers had better be careful when driving near such places - they might find themselves with lots of nurses tossed under their wheels

DeLana