1 GPN to 52 residents? Is that legal?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 24, 2008

When you say GPN, I assume you mean Graduate Practical Nurse...are you working on permit or do you have your license? Either way, I say to heck with them and their staffing problems if you do not feel safe and run for the hills. I don't know if you can refuse to work nights, because if no one else comes in and you leave, that is grounds for abandonment.

Only thing is that I am hearing that all LTC facilities are basically run like this. You may not be able to escape this by working elsewhere if all of the places in your area work have similar circumstances.

Keep in mind that these people only have their interests at heart, not yours. There are some that are able to function working like this because they have figured out a system, and there are others (I can be included with the 'others' bunch) that probably could not. Just the thought of that many gives me the willies.

Screw them, do what is right in your heart. Give them two weeks, be careful during that time and leave for greener pastures. If you are finding that many other places are this way, and are having a hard time getting a decent position as a PN, then, think of how you can deal to make things easier for your work day and your conscience.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 24, 2008

should i run for the door

:yeahthat:

they don't care about anything but the bottom line. there's a good reason why they can't keep nurses. let them suck it up and hire an experienced agency nurse for alot more money.

normally i would say by all means give a 2 weeks but in this case,you don't need them for work experience when applying for another job since you're a new grad. do not let them set you up for a huge malpractice suit in which they will leave you to hang out and dry. alot can happen in two weeks, especially if they know you're leaving. don't look back, don't worry about the management! the patients have obviously been use to a continually different parade of nurses, sad as it is, one more nurse out the door isn't going to change life for them. run girlie!

BayouLPN · Feb 24, 2008

I hope you have your license. I am not familiar with GPN. Than sounds like "permit" to me. If that is the case....It is my understanding that any GPN on a permit can only work while there is a RN on duty. LEGALLY. Same as in school. A permit allows you to work on the RN's license. Heaven help the poor residents but you have got to cover your own hard worked butt. While at the LTC I started at...I had 50 residents I was responsible for. Initially it was very overwhelming. But our DON worked the floor with all 101 residents. All of the nurses worked together. While on permit and for the first 2 weeks after my license, I only worked during the week when a RN was there. I really hate to say this....But I would get out quick. If the DON and ADON are not splitting their time to cover some of the night shift of new nurses...they are leaving you, the residents, and themselves open to trouble.

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Feb 24, 2008

Run away!! YOU have to think about YOU, because you're facility certainly won't. As long as they have a body on the shift, they won't be in a big hurry to staff the shift appropriately. My facility, and most of the ones I've heard about, are chronically short-staffed. You are just starting out, and I'd hate to think something would happen that would put your future license in jeopardy before you ever have a chance to hold it. Also, I'd look into some malpractice insurance ASAP until you get out of there, (and beyond, never hurts to be prepared). And don't be afraid to call the on-call if you're not sure about something. It's their JOB to take calls and help straighten things out. Don't worry about making them mad. They'll get over it. And if they don't, who cares? Your #1 priority is the residents. But, really and truly, I'D RUN FOR THE HILLS AS FAST AS I COULD. Good luck with the NCLEX and with your career, and whatever choice you make with your current employer.

mel p · May 1, 2009

Does any body know of any nursing homes, hosptials or agencies that hire gpn's in the new york city area?

systoly · May 1, 2009

You said it yourself, you don't feel it's safe and there's no one to help you in a difficult situation. I'm sure it would be legal for a LPN, but I'm not sure about a GPN. In any case, it's just darn irresponsible and shows complete lack of concern for your or the residents safety. You don't owe the facility anything. Run.

elkpark · May 1, 2009

Unless your state has passed legislation mandating specific client/nurse ratios (and I believe CA is still the only state that has done this, although a few other states are now talking about it), there is no # of clients (however high) that is "illegal." It is the responsibility of the individual nurse to make a determination about whether an assignment is safe to accept (whether s/he will be able to provide safe, adequate care to all the assigned clients), and refuse to accept the assignment if the answer to that question is "no." Some employers will put you in dangerous situations without batting an eye, and figure it's your problem if the doo-doo hits the fan, not theirs. You have to protect your own license and future.