How do you handle staffing?

[DPRN]

I am at odds about staffing in our building. If a nurse aide is needed in unit A, should the nurse aide be pulled from unit B or should unit A have their staff work overtime? My staff on unit B is tired of being pulled to unit A because of a hole in unit A's schedule. I feel that unit B is the float pool for unit A. Usually the replacement to unit B is an RN. Why can't the RN who wants to work, work as a nurse aide instead of creating havoc on the other units? As long as the RN is paid RN wages, does it matter how they function?

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

You should look at which floor has the heavier residents. Whoever needs the help should get it. Honestly, I've been at places where the RNs and LPNs had to work as CNAs. It never works. You might be getting paid RN wages to be a CNA but you are still an RN and are held to a higher standard.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

To my mind, the fact that there is a chronic hole in Unit A means it needs permanent staffing, instead of filling the slot with staff from another unit. It's better for continuity of care AND for morale, as few people like being pulled to a unit they're less familiar with, and even fewer nurses want to do CNA work no matter what they're paid.

Just sayin'.........

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

and even fewer nurses want to do CNA work no matter what they're paid. Just sayin'.........

Very true. I toilet people every single day, walk residents to dining room, help feed, etc BUT I have no desire to walk thru the door knowing I have an 8 hour day as a CNA. I really am not one of "those nurses" who thinks I am too good for that but if I am being really honest, thanks but no thanks, I'll just stay home.