Hello colleagues, I have been an RN for 30 years about half of that is within the field of hospice. The only position I have never done due to no desire is administrator. None the less that is my background in a nutshell.
I was assigned as a CM to a patient that was not doing well. Actively transitioning. The patient was admitted a day before and I was the one seeing them the next day. I arrived to the home with a huge family present in the living room with the patient. I introduced myself and went right into my assessment. My electronic thermometer stopped working. The family all sat in a semicircle and just watched me. One whispered OMG she is going to take the temperature. I advised the batteries may of stopped working non the less I couldn’t take a temp but all other vitals were done. I did a head to toe assessment, asked the right questions to get my data. I even called the pharmacy about some missing items while I was there. I also was asked if I would be bathing the patient and I advise the family our CHHA or hospice aid would be out today to do this. The Chaplain arrived and it was. Full house. As I was wrapping up my visit. I once again was speaking to the audience of staring family members. The patients wife was bedside. I noted when I asked a question I was getting one or two worded answers. Yes, no. Etc. I gave them some resources for reading ( a well known booklet) and advised them to call hospice anytime 24/7.
It was then I had one family member ask me what is the difference between and RN and a CHHA and LVN. They then proceeded to say that I was no where near as thorough as my LVN was! I stated the I am sorry spell and then another family member again reiterated that and added I don’t look like I know what I am doing. It was at that point I picked up my bag. Started having tears flowing and said I will see myself out. Upon that I left. I was at this home 60 minutes.
I notified my manager etc. I explained it what happened and was in tears the entire time. Grant it. I know what I did and I did nothing wrong. I also reiterated that I did a complete assessment enough to fill out our documentation and then some.. so I was there and assessing.
The next day my manager called me. He told me the family felt I was rushed. The family felt I was too matter of fact for them. That I didn’t take a temperature. That I wouldn’t provide bathing care to the patient and the worst?? I told them an RN doesn’t put chucks under patients. I answered that I will not own any of these accusations. I just won't I know what I did. My manager said, “I don’t know I wasn’t there. I have to remain neutral” and that “he was counseling me”. I once again told him I am not owning it… and didn’t feel I did anything wrong. He pushed back and said he doesn’t know for fact and that he will remain neutral.
I am so upset that a manger a director or patient care services does not have their employees back. If I was rush.. would I stay 60 minutes? that is the first BS lie I challenged. I feel like this is something I can’t let go. How can an director not believe an employee with such out to left field accusations?? It does not fit my work, no other patients have every complained about me on this level and the “I don’t know I wasn’t there speel”.
You do understand that he is accountable to his superior, right?
Maybe he doesn't care about much other than getting ahead. Or maybe he does care about staff and patient care but has to remain neutral, as he stated, because he really wasn't there.
Either way, American health care is not all that it should be because we let insurance companies run the show and their goal is profit, not on patients getting excellent care.
I agree with you. Thank you for pointing out the manager who is sad to say also an owner of the company is completely lacking in managment woefully so.
Well good for you..FYI the thermometer was actually BROKEN. And Yes, I too carry a manual blood pressure cuff, that was not the issue but thanks for the tips.
If this emotional liability is expressed at your workplace, I think you have the answer as to why your supervisor jumped on your back.
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
You do understand that he is accountable to his superior, right?
Maybe he doesn't care about much other than getting ahead. Or maybe he does care about staff and patient care but has to remain neutral, as he stated, because he really wasn't there.
Either way, American health care is not all that it should be because we let insurance companies run the show and their goal is profit, not on patients getting excellent care.