How can I make the paperwork and everything more organized?

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2010

My biggest piece of advice to you: do not try to change anything. Yet. You will be resented, and royally.

Keep on doing what you're doing and in six months, when you are accepted and the newness has worn off, see if you can implement something for the others to use.

Mom02895 · Jun 28, 2010

I feel so lost half the time there. Its crazy! Im not sure If I will last 6 months, its just not practical. I feel bad for the residents I really do.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2010

Well, I keep a steno pad in my pocket - gotta have big pockets - and jot down a list and notes all through the day.

Learn to do your job efficiently before you decide to stay or go. And then, if you decide to stay, and adter some months in, you will have become respected (by the hard workers) and your suggestions will be valued.

Hang in there.

:)

Tina, RN · Jun 28, 2010

Oh, I hope you stay! It sounds like that facility could really use someone there that truly cares and is willing to step up and help straighten things out.

However, I do agree strongly with comment #1. You should first put in some time there, work hard, and then introduce your ideas. Best wishes!

TDCHIM · Jun 28, 2010

I agree with the previous posters. The place may be a disaster area, but you still have to establish yourself there before you can have a chance of effecting real change (as opposed to being rejected, resented, and cold-shouldered out the door). Even then, it may get ugly, because people tend to become resentful over any change. While you're waiting, I suggest you keep a log of the types of problems you encounter on each shift, so that you have hard data to use when designing and justifying your solution.

Another thought: While you're putting in your time there (and it definitely needs to be at least six months, or else you won't have a solid enough handle on this specific facility's arrangements, traditions, culture, and needs), keep your eyes peeled for an established employee with whom you can collaborate on this project. There may not be anyone suitable, but chances are you won't be the only person there frustrated with such a chaotic situation. Things will go down a lot easier if you join forces with an established, respected employee for this particular venture; in addition, that employee will have additional ideas you two can incorporate.

Now, all that presupposes you will stay at least six months at this particular workplace. You may decide it's just too big a mess, and there's no shame in that. Some places accept suggestions from the staff level and some places reject anything that isn't the brainchild of management. At least your impulse is to help change the situation for the better, as opposed to merely grouching about it!

SCSTxRN · Jun 29, 2010

For your own use, and yours only unless someone asks to see it - the CNAs at the LTAC I work with have their own "brain" - or nursing sheet of their responsibilities... it's a legal size sheet of paper on a clip board and it's titled like this:

|BP Pulse RR O2 Temp| 06 1130 1630 2100 | BP Pulse RR O2 Temp|

They Write in VS, BBG, and Foley - Check off Bath and BM. They show us and chart after the nurse signs off. Our Aides are AWESOME.

CBsMommy · Jun 29, 2010

I agree with the above posters! Hang in there for 6 months, devise a plan and paperwork you would like to see, keep a positive attitude and, once you get on good terms, suggest the paperwork to your supervisors and say that you think this would really help. Whether or not they take your suggestions, you will be much more well received than people who just complain and moan. And above all, THANK YOU, for actually trying to make a difference instead of just complaining about nothing changing!