WOW! I became in house registry with a Medical Center in Orange County California over a year ago after working 5 years outside registry. I enjoyed the staff at this facility and had begun to feel "at home". However, since the staffing ratios went into effect, this facility decided that the nursing staff should absorb the increased cost by eliminating our CNA's. In fact, forcing them to sign letters of resignation. That makes us primary care for 6 patients from a demographic profile that includes homeless frequent flier med seekers, non compliant chronics, SNF patients with aspiration pneumonia on NGT who must be restrained, patients with stage 4 on clinitron beds who require frequent cleaning, turning, not to mention feeders. Enough of the "cue the violins" and on to the reality....We are non union, non contract staffers who, upon voicing our concerns were told by Administration "you voted for the ratios, what are you *****ing about?" and the ever famous "If you don't like it, there is the door." Many of my commrades have been with this facility for 20 plus years and risk losing pensions, benefits and are ill equipped to place themselves back in the market.
I have been vocal regarding the potential impact on patient safety, work place injury and the unscupulous practice of Human Resources in "coercing" our dedicated CNA's to sign letters of resignation. Well, my big mouth paid off.
I was told by HR that I was being terminated for inciting "insubordination". I am back in the trenches as a Registry Nurse and am hoping that those who are left behind at this facility will take a stand . What a mind blower huh?
I recognize another kindred spirit in the OP's post. Many here have been fired for simply being too plain spoken, sadly. I don't equate my value as a nurse by being able to stomach facility employment. We are more than just employees bound to the employer's whims and demands. While we are obligated to speak up for our patients, we are often punished when we do. The ultimate control tactic.
Facilities tend not to appreciate a committed nurse's honesty ...and too many will call us 'insubornate' and troublemakers if we are not simply yes men to their uninformed decisions that effect safe patient care.
I echo another poster...'you go!' I told my hubby to give me a swift kick...hard...if I ever am tempted to back on staff for another facility. As soon as they get you on staff the manipulation begins.
Give me agency/contract work anyday, where I can stay away from the destructive politics and intimidation tactics, and have a little control over my career and my peace of mind.
Best wishes...we feel bad to get the axe but when we think about it, we are better off. Who wants to work in that kind of destructive, Borg-like environment? Those of us who are kindred spirits are happier as entrepeneurs and contractees..and there are many here who have gone through what you did and understand. (((hugs)))
I have read all of your kind and insightfull replies, THANK YOU!!! I have been told that 3 other nurses have recently, this week been terminated without any warning. I am not sure why, I do have a good friend who is (still) there and have no doubt she will get the information to me. I have contacted all the appropriate agencies to notify of labor law violations, as well as news media and so the ball is rolling and a little glare on a subject couldn't hurt!
FYI, the facility that is eliminating it's CNA's because the nursing staff "*****ed" about wanting staffing ratio's in place is one of 3 Vanguard governed facilities in Orange County, California. In response to the nusring student who commented, I can only speak from my experience. A CNA is a trained professional who works with ALL ancillary staff for the patient's BEST interest. I need them. I need my RT, my PT, my OT, my dietician and Speech Pathologist to consider me part of the healthcare team, as well as a resource for their professional assessments and actions. Thanks my commrades!!!!
I have read all of your kind and insightfull replies, THANK YOU!!! I have been told that 3 other nurses have recently, this week been terminated without any warning. I am not sure why,
i too was fired for being extremely vocal about patient concerns and mgmt's delays in acting on them.
i have to wonder if 3 of the other nurses were fired so it doesn't look like they were retaliating against you.
i wish you confidence in your virtues, faith in others that support and commend you, and luck ( ) in finding another job.
Go get 'em Haunted! They are adding fuel to a potential lawsuit by firing more nurses. At the very LEAST you need to let the EEOC know you were in a hostile work enviroment! You have 180 days to file and you should!
So glad you took a stand and I hope all appreciate just what you have done. I worked in a facility years ago that decided to rid themselves of all the CNA'S and it didn't work. They were struggling to find and rehire staff within 6 months. The hospital I am at now is beginning to talk about this also. At this point it is still in the talking stage. I and many of my coworkers are voicing our opinions now, hopefully not on deaf ears. I depend a great deal on our CNA's. They are my eyes and ears. They are the ones who spend the majority of time with the pt., since these days I tend to be bogged down with paperwork and computers. I work on a med-surg floor and average 8-9 pt.'s a day, which is really too much in acute care even with CNA's. If they go, we will sink. I don't see our pt. load reducing as their aren't enough RN/LPN's here now and no one seems to be knocking the door down to get in. Best of luck to you. :)
I think you should not stop yet. You have nothing to loose, file a grievance with human resources, and petition for your job back. I would also consult an attorney you may have a case, especially if your record is otherwise good. Fight the good fight it is not just about you but about the rights and safety of patients.
You did the right thing! I am sure they are going to be sorry to have lost a dedicated and knowledgeable RN who knew the ropes in their facility. I just do not understand the concept of bottom line as compared to pt safety, it blows my mind. Good luck with the new registry work -- I know of an awesome registry to work for in California, great pay, great support, I work for them when I am in California. Good luck
What don't you understand? Administration isn't about to lose out on any big bonuses due to ratios. Obviously patient care and safety wasn't formerly a consideraton, and certainly won't be now that ratios are in effect.
Here in Central CA, the Tenet facilities are also letting go of there CNA'a and such. A friend I go to school with just informed me that all the CNA's at Doctors Hospital were told that as of Nov. 1 they would be let go. She has worked there for 9 yrs. It's so sad what's happening to these people. I wish you all luck.
Here in Central CA, the Tenet facilities are also letting go of there CNA'a and such. A friend I go to school with just informed me that all the CNA's at Doctors Hospital were told that as of Nov. 1 they would be let go. She has worked there for 9 yrs. It's so sad what's happening to these people. I wish you all luck.
Melanie
I have been on both sides of this so can speak positively for both. I chose to "quit" after being pushed into a corner for "insubordination"-you DO NOT want to work in a place that pushes you there. HOWEVER, I also worked in a hospital that had an ALL nurse staff, mainly RN's with 1-2 LPN's on each unit for 18 years & it was wonderful to do primary care. Our load was usually 4-6 patients for a 12 hour shift & our code rate went down dramatically because the nurses picked things up before they got bad. It made me appreciate the TEAM concept because you needed each other to help out when needed. I now have my MSN & have taught & presently do both teaching & Oncology nursing & I make sure my students can do primary care & I myself insist on doing my own cares for my patients even though the CNA's are "supposed" to. What better way to asses someone than to get them naked for a bath!!
Deb, I would make it a point to come into the room and assist my CNA with baths and linen changes and I agree, it is a good opportunity to really assess the patient. But, at this facility, we would have 300 pound diabetic non compliants with stage 3's on clinitrons and be primary. My LVN buds would also be up to their elbows in primary care with very little time to even let me know a patient needed a nusring diagnosis upon new admit. It's a mess and it's getting worse. Today, I visited my Mom at a hospital in Palm Springs. She is diabetic and has had complications from a pop fem bypass graft that occluded. You know who spent the most time with her today, besides my Dad and I ? The CNA who came to check her vital signs. I saw her wonderful RN briefly when her hep drip ran dry but have to say it was the CNA who provided the direct care she needed at the time. The hospital was state of the art, with bar coding, computers in the room and the staff, including the RN seemed very happy to work there. I agree with your concept of team nursing but here in California the situation is getting very ugly indeed.
) in finding another job.
mattsmom81
4,516 Posts
I recognize another kindred spirit in the OP's post. Many here have been fired for simply being too plain spoken, sadly. I don't equate my value as a nurse by being able to stomach facility employment. We are more than just employees bound to the employer's whims and demands. While we are obligated to speak up for our patients, we are often punished when we do. The ultimate control tactic.
Facilities tend not to appreciate a committed nurse's honesty ...and too many will call us 'insubornate' and troublemakers if we are not simply yes men to their uninformed decisions that effect safe patient care.
I echo another poster...'you go!' I told my hubby to give me a swift kick...hard...if I ever am tempted to back on staff for another facility. As soon as they get you on staff the manipulation begins.
Give me agency/contract work anyday, where I can stay away from the destructive politics and intimidation tactics, and have a little control over my career and my peace of mind.
Best wishes...we feel bad to get the axe but when we think about it, we are better off. Who wants to work in that kind of destructive, Borg-like environment? Those of us who are kindred spirits are happier as entrepeneurs and contractees..and there are many here who have gone through what you did and understand. (((hugs)))
PM if you want to talk. :)