Getting Dumped on

e-nurse · Apr 2, 2003

I've been in similar situations and @ first I would make a stink about it. It took me a while but I realized that if I made a stink then these sicko's dumping on me would just do it more, and it made me miserable thinking that I was being dumped on. Then I decided to look @ it in terms of- they're giving me these high acuity assignments b/c they know I can handle it. It may not have been true, but it made me feel better, they weren't getting their rocks off seeing what I would complain about next, and eventually I noticed my acuities getting easier.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2003

After being a nurse for ten years, I no longer have the patience for this type of tx. Now, whenever I feel I'm being treated bady at a job, I quit.

I've finally found a job where I feel appreciated and my concerns are listened to.

agnewRN · Apr 2, 2003

I think this is seen in all areas of nursing. It's a shame and then nurses wonder why they're always short. Maybe if we treated our coworkers better they'd stick around. I tend to agree- complaining about it to your supervisor may cause more tension but maybe you could talk to her in private to vent but ask her to hold off saying anything. Maybe if admits come up she can better direct them onto another team with less acuity or pts. At least your giving her a heads up, but letting her know you are trying to work with the team. Who knows they may have done this to the last person that was in your shoes.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 3, 2003

SEEEE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i would be saying as I would not let the whooshing automatic doors hit me in the azz on the way out.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Apr 3, 2003

If people are doing things in a passive-aggressive kind of way (or even an "I'm a lazy wench and don't want to work" way) it's often best to draw attention to the inequities right off the bat. For instance, you're getting your assignment in report, and you realize that you have Mr. Circlingthedrain who has lots of needy family members and will probably die about 45 minutes before your shift ends. On top of that, you've got Ms. Brittlediabetic with the glucose drip and Mrs. Dementedunsteadyonfeetandunrestrained. I think it's reasonable to inquire whether the assignment might be reconsidered based on the fact that the rest of the patients include Mr. Walkietalkie, Miss BeingDischarged, Mr. IshouldbehomebutI'vegotreallygoodinsurance and Mrs. StoicIdon'tneedanythingandallmyfamilylivesblessedlyoutofstate.

Once you're knee-deep in the assignment it becomes more difficult to switch, but if you're working there regularly and regularly getting the shaft, you need to bring this up in a non-confrontational way, and if they still screw you, then hit the road. Eventually they'll figure out they're only screwing themselves. Or not. Either way, not your problem .

Good luck - let us know how it goes!

New CCU RN · Apr 3, 2003

a glucose drip?????? sorry, ive just never heard of a glucose gtt.. insulin.. yeah.. glucose... i mean its obvious what glucose would be needed for but i have never heard of it being a drip.... please enlighten me...

what about a good old d50 ivp?

askater11 · Apr 3, 2003

I'm sorry insulin drip.

nimbex, RN · Apr 3, 2003

hey, while I'm getting the admission settled, you please do the admit pack..... you, please check on room 3 and write their vitals down...... keep it up as long as they're just sitting.

In return be a buddy and just help without someone asking you, once a few know you've got their back.... they might be tempted to keep your load equal because your there for them, this takes time.

I've learned that our one nurse who only takes care of his patients is now helping me at times very much..... I've helped carry him for awhile, when everyone has left him "because he never offers to help"...... it was great to see it happen!!!!!

Not suggesting you're not already helping.... sometimes the best way to get it EVENTUALLY, is by giving it for a bit....

If this aggressive team player bit doesn't work.... then you're forced to "suck it up" or say NO... or even nicer.... I've had 3 and 4 patients for the last few shifts.... I need a break tonight.

Very tough situation..... good luck

KC CHICK · Apr 3, 2003

....and your nurse manager says?

If you don't feel comfortable talking with these individuals...voice your concerns to the unit manager. Would he/she rather keep you or lose you? It would be more appropriate for the mgr to address this situation if these other nurses are unapproachable.

Anne:D

MandyInMS · Apr 3, 2003

Originally posted by Nurse Ratched
If people are doing things in a passive-aggressive kind of way (or even an "I'm a lazy wench and don't want to work" way) it's often best to draw attention to the inequities right off the bat. For instance, you're getting your assignment in report, and you realize that you have Mr. Circlingthedrain who has lots of needy family members and will probably die about 45 minutes before your shift ends. On top of that, you've got Ms. Brittlediabetic with the glucose drip and Mrs. Dementedunsteadyonfeetandunrestrained. I think it's reasonable to inquire whether the assignment might be reconsidered based on the fact that the rest of the patients include Mr. Walkietalkie, Miss BeingDischarged, Mr. IshouldbehomebutI'vegotreallygoodinsurance and Mrs. StoicIdon'tneedanythingandallmyfamilylivesblessedlyoutofstate.

Once you're knee-deep in the assignment it becomes more difficult to switch, but if you're working there regularly and regularly getting the shaft, you need to bring this up in a non-confrontational way, and if they still screw you, then hit the road. Eventually they'll figure out they're only screwing themselves. Or not. Either way, not your problem .

Good luck - let us know how it goes!

"""""DITTO"""""

nurseandmom · Apr 3, 2003

I was also going to suggest you ask those nurses that are sitting around to help you out. Or go to the charge nurse and tell her your assignment is very heavy so you reccomend it be split up for the next shift or the other nurse might think she is being dumped on!! Perhaps she will get the message that you "get" what she is doing. If it goes on too long speak to someone about how the assignments are done, your nurse manager or someone.

Good luck, I recently started a new job working in a float pool and I often run into the attitude, "you make the big bucks you take the hard patients". Makes me want to work elsewhere, believe me! They treat the agency nurses better than they treat me.