Nurse manager with competencies

[medic_jajs]

I work in an level 3 emergency room. We generally run very short staffed and our nurse manager has walked away from the unit when we have been in dire straits. He has justified his actions by stating that he does not have the competencies to staff. Does anyone know of any legal avenues we can object to his position? or has anyone been through similar?

thanks

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

I can understand a manager not having competencies in things they don't typically do on a regular basis, but for him to just walk away makes me think he is just lazy, or maybe just a scumbag!

If nothing else, he could transport, help answer the phones, answer call lights, run errands, stock rooms, give a few meds, etc. He doesn't have to be intubating or helping put in chest tubes, but there is a LOT that he could still do to free up what staff is already there.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

He doesn't have the compentencies in the department for which he is manager????? You are kidding, right?!?!?!

Is he a licensed nurse?

If he is not, I would be sure to bring to the higher-ups attention the need for a NURSING administrator, that can help you out in in jam. Otherwise, an unsafe staffing report and/or incident report, to bring to light and keep on lighting a fire under administration. Perhaps also an idea for administration to communicate to your float pool or perdiems the chance to cross train to the ED for future help.

Methinks part of the reason for his sudden lack of compentency has more to do with being a salaried manager as opposed to a pay by the hour with overtime postion....