I keep getting written up!

[CNAinNeb]

My unit manager has recently been cracking down on our call light response time. I agree that this needs to be done. Some of us are getting lax. However, I believe this woman has gone off the deep end. Everyone on the unit has gotten written up, including me. I give each shift my all, and often do not sit down once (unless I am lucky enough to take a lunch that day). I run myself ragged, and feel very lightheaded at the end of the day since I rarely get to eat/ pee/ catch my breath. What's even worse is that we are missing pagers, so if you aren't already in the hallway or at the desk, there is no way on God's green earth you would know a light is on.

I have never been written up before, but in the last week have received three write-ups for not answering light quickly enough, each under 10 seconds over the 10 minute limit. These lights occured while on lunch, while giving juice to a patient with dropping blood sugar while I couldn't find a nurse, while working in the dining hall. My co-workers have more write-ups than I do, from this recent rash of write-ups, many are one away from termination (we are already short-staffed). Not having a beeper is not an acceptable reason she states. We lost them, thus we need to find them. The beepers have been gone for the duration of my employment and longer. I did not lose them, I have searched high and low for these dang things and they aren't showing up.

This post wasn't entirely meant as a vent, I want honest feedback and I promise I won't get defensive.

[Jolie, BSN]

When you are written up you have the right to respond in writing. I would encourage you to do so in an objective manner, stating exactly where you were during that time frame and why your other activity was a high priority that could not be interrupted. Don't get defensive, just state the facts.

Secondly, document the lack of communication devices that you are supposed to have available to enable you to know about and respond to call lights in a timely manner. It is neither your, nor your patients' fault that the beepers are missing, and management needs to replace them, or devise an acceptable alternative system of communication. If all of the phones on the unit disappeared would they fail to replace them?

Thirdly, start job hunting. This is a symptom of a larger problem. Your management is not effective, staff satisfaction and retention is in the crapper, patient care is suffering, and administration is looking to place the blame on you. Better to resign and move on than stay put for the bloodbath that is coming.

Lastly, if you are willling, PM me and let me know where you are working. I'm beginning a job hunt in this city and want to steer clear!

Best of luck to you!

[TiggerBelly]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[love_being_an_aide]

Hey CNAinNEB. I am sorry that you have gotten written up. And I agree with Jolie. It's time to start looking for another job. I think your manager probably got spoken to by his/her supervisor about the issue, and is cracking down on the CNA's to make herself look better. Definitely write a response to the writeups, stating objectively what you feel. It's better to do so, and with luck this should go into your file as well. Just hang in there until something better comes along. Have you ever considered home-health? I know this is random, but after this situation occurred in my hospital (although my supervisor wasn't that bad), I looked at home-health and enjoy it tremendously. You don't have the time constraint, and you can spend more time with an individual. Just a thought! Good luck! Hope this helps!

[sweetann10]

hello, I can feel your pain. Do you have a union? and if so would you be able to take the issue to them? because it sound like she is just misserable.