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Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi Everyone,

I was hoping for some input on my current situation. I work for HHA doing shift work, my assignment is taking care of a 100+ yr old wmn. The agency that I work for does hire people for short money that are not certified and have no previous experience, kinda of like any body will do. My client recently went on 24hr care and when the caretaker came to relieve me she had her pillow with her. My client had a significant change of status and needed round the clock care. I advised the person that they can't fall asleep as she is very quiet and gets up several times a night to void and is a fall risk. She said it was ok she is allowed to do it per the owner. I called the office the next day when I came in and this girl was out cold and didn't wake up with me making noise in the kitchen area. I finally had to wake her...

I was concerned for the safety of the client and called the office to let them know that she does wake up frequently and shouldn't be a sleeping shift. Every since I made the call I have had to suffer the RN's wrath. She called me and said she is the boss and makes all the decisions. I was thinking this was a huge liability for her if this wmn fell and had a caregiver there asleep. After this incident my hrs were cut drastically. I thought I was doing the right thing for all involved.. This RN also has several uncertified aides doing G tube feedings which under the scope of the law a CNA can't do this either. I am considering giving my notice as I'm not comfortable with this agency. My question is was I out of line to call and let them know it shouldn't be a sleeping shift?

Thanks,

Riley

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I do not think you were out of line to call the office to report this woman. I would keep a track record of all the stuff you are noticing and report it over the head of the rn. She is not only risking you, she is risking her licensce and the licensce of the hha. JMO.

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Thanks for your reply adorable. The only problem is the RN is the owner of the HHA. She doesn't take medicare or medicaid only private pay and I think there is a reason for that. If you take federal funds you must be surveyed by the state. I don't really think I have many options but to look for other work.

Thanks,

Riley

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Specializes in CNA.

Run don't walk, to the nearest exit....

Company like that is a lawsuit waiting to happen and you'll be caught up in it.......

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That is exactly what has been bothering me. I was trying to protect her liability and my husband keeps telling me I will get caught up in this. What bothers me most is all the girls that work for her that have had no medical training and she has them doing G tubes! They are all very young maybe 19 or 20 and they just don't know better. I think her greed will be her downfall.

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That is exactly what has been bothering me. I was trying to protect her liability and my husband keeps telling me I will get caught up in this. What bothers me most is all the girls that work for her that have had no medical training and she has them doing G tubes! They are all very young maybe 19 or 20 and they just don't know better. I think her greed will be her downfall.

I agree with both your gut instincts the rn is putting people in danger and that you don't want to get caught up in this. The RN is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I would quit tonight and take what you know to the state because when this does blowup in her face, you want to be free and clear. Good luck!

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i totally agree with sonomala......quit now, not later before it comes down on you.

you do not want that on your record. report it to the state bon where you reside asap.

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i realize you said your employer only takes self-pay patients but since she is an rn she does have to anwser to the state in which she resides. i looked on google & found this link where you can look into filing a complaint....if this isn't where you would file, then perhaps they could give you the correct place. i hope this helps.

here is the link:

http://www.nursing-home-abuse-resource.com/index.html

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Thanks to everyone. I have been struggling with this for weeks. I know I have to leave. I'm calling her this morning. I will let you all know how this turns out.

Riley

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Hang in there, once its done you'll feel better. :)

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Well I did it. I called the owner/RN and voiced my concerns and gave notice. She started screaming at me that she was glad I was leaving and that she said I was confused about who the boss is. I tried to explain to her that I was trying to cover her liability and she said I needed to lighten up and she will do whatever she pleases with her clients. I was horrified over the way she spoke to me. I know I did the right thing, but i'm so intimitated by her now that if I do report her i'm afraid she will make up something about me and report me to the NA registry. I have some thinking to do. I do have an interview with Gentiva on Mon. Anyone have any experience working for them?

Thanks,

Riley

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Specializes in Hospice.

Once you are safely out from under her authority, drop a line to the BON. A registered nurse is responsible for the way she delegates/supervises workers under her license. I think the BON would be very interested in the fact that she has untrained/unqualified people doing g-tube feeds and that she is ignoring high fall risk after she's been informed of the problem.

The fact that she owns the agency doesn't exempt her from accountability for her professional behavior.

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