Late arriving Nurses

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

But how do you know that the 60 year old widow has few/no obligations?

I took her original statement (example of 60 y/o widow aside--she did apologize for that) not that she expected special treatment because of family obligations...but that she shouldn't be expected to show up early. "If you are on time, you're late" kind of outlook.

Myself, I don't show up early--I might be physically present early, but I'm having coffee or playing Angry Birds on my phone. At 1500, I check what rooms I have, grab a pen and paper, and take report--it takes maybe 15 seconds to glance'n'grab. I don't do anything work related before my shift starts because my time is mine. Work gets me from 1500 on, not 1445-1455 on.

I don't expect others to arrive early, either.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Aug 5, 2015

Question for those of you attending to call lights of the late nurse: who's responsibility is it if that call light continues to go unattended? If it were the nurse that is late, why bother answering it. By answering it, you are playing the role of the enabler.

Those issues ceased when I became a charge nurse. My individual report to the next charge nurse overlaps regardless of whether the next charge nurse shows up on time because of the depth of the material we are discussing. We often have 10-15 minutes of overlap. I was told that before my time, they tried to get an extra 15 minutes of pay added to our shifts, but apparently the overlap is justified by the "in charge" differential.

I see where you are going with that line of thought. Unfortunately, I think it is unethical to ignore a call bell to prove a point. While it may be that the patient wants their pillow fluffed, but it could be something serious. On my unit the call bells usually only go off because of the monitor or vent. Should I let a baby die so that I don't enable late nurses?

Chronic lateness should be handled by management.

TriciaJ, RN · Aug 5, 2015

But how do you know that the 60 year old widow has few/no obligations? That's like the day someone told me I could take their holiday call because I'm single and don't have a family. Just because someone is widowed (or single for that matter) doesn't mean they don't obligations. Maybe they have grandchildren they want to spend time with or maybe they volunteer at their church/community center. Or maybe, they just want to show up to work on time. It's not you place to decide how busy someone is.

I think Conqueror was saying these women have made it clear they don't have a life outside work. Their behaviour certainly suggests a constant blur between work and home life.

However, I do relate to single people being treated as though their time is less valuable. I once overheard a nurse say "Why can't these single nurses work all the weekends so we can spend time with our families?" Uh, maybe they weren't planning to stay single throughout their lives?

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

If the shift start is 7AM what is the issue of she's clocked in and ready to go at 6:51?

Except, if you read the original post, her shift doesn't start at 7. It starts at 6:45.

She clocks in between 6:44 and 6:51; technically, per her facility policy, still on time.

When I was still punching a time clock, a start time of 6:45 meant you were there AND READY TO WORK at 6:45. Not there 6:45-ish, getting your coffee, combing your hair and saying hi to your friends before you deign to listen to report.

Sorry, no one's life is so much busier or more important than their coworkers' that they can't show common courtesy and get to work 5-10 minutes before they clock in.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

By the time my shift is done, I'm just glad to be able to go home. Sitting in a chair waiting for my replacement, doesn't bother me a bit.

I just consider it a few more minutes of decompression time.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 5, 2015

Except, if you read the original post, her shift doesn't start at 7. It starts at 6:45.
She clocks in between 6:44 and 6:51; technically, per her facility policy, still on time.
When I was still punching a time clock, a start time of 6:45 meant you were there AND READY TO WORK at 6:45. Not there 6:45-ish, getting your coffee, combing your hair and saying hi to your friends before you deign to listen to report.
Sorry, no one's life is so much busier or more important than their coworkers' that they can't show common courtesy and get to work 5-10 minutes before they clock in.

Already clarified by another poster. I agree, to me on time means being in the unit, ready to receive report & start working at shift start, not walking in the building at shift start.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Aug 5, 2015

I guess I'm in the minority. I don't mind sitting around & waiting (after I'm finishing with everything of course). Like the PP said I can decompress & I'm getting paid waiting for my relief so it's a win/win for me.

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

You can always water down strong coffee. We had one LVN who made the weakest coffee - it was like drinking tea. We finally asked her to please, stop making coffee!
I think that is what I was saying - my shift was 0245 to 1515 . . . . but I still came a bit earlier than that.
Oh those days of 12 hour shifts, getting up at 0145, working 100 hours a pay period because they needed me.
New nurse brain back then. Give your all for the company.

When I was new back 25 years ago or so, I worked 8 hr. shifts, 5 days per week, and then did some extras (doubles) and also did private duty most weeks a night or two! hahaha I had energy and made the extra bucks. Now, I think it's a lot to do 3- 12 hr shifts. hahaha

Aurora77 · Aug 5, 2015

Lateness is one of my huge pet peeves. If a person can't arrive to work on time on a consistent basis, they should be fired so that they can find a job that suits their lackadaisical approach to time management. Showing up late regularly just lets everyone know that they disrespect their coworkers. When my shift is over, I want to go home. There's no reason (short of unforeseen circumstances) that I should have to wait on my replacement.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Aug 5, 2015

Lateness is one of my huge pet peeves. If a person can't arrive to work on time on a consistent basis, they should be fired so that they can find a job that suits their lackadaisical approach to time management. Showing up late regularly just lets everyone know that they disrespect their coworkers. When my shift is over, I want to go home. There's no reason (short of unforeseen circumstances) that I should have to wait on my replacement.

Apparently. No one should be fired for being on time. Chronically late, counseled then nothing changes, I still think firing someone over chronic tardies is a bit much but if it's affecting the work place something has to change.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 5, 2015

C

Apparently. No one should be fired for being on time. Chronically late, counseled then nothing changes, I still think firing someone over chronic tardies is a bit much but if it's affecting the work place something has to change.

Chronic tardiness is covered most often by progressive discipline, written plan of action with consequences. If self esteem/self worth is an issue refer to EAP for assessment and care. If plan of action is not followed or behavior continues termination is definitely appropriate. Chronic tardiness can affect mood, unit morale, attitude towards coworkers

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Aug 5, 2015

C
Chronic tardiness is covered most often by progressive discipline, written plan of action with consequences. If self esteem/self worth is an issue refer to EAP for assessment and care. If plan of action is not followed or behavior continues termination is definitely appropriate. Chronic tardiness can affect mood, unit morale, attitude towards coworkers

Agreed. That's why I said something needs to change, either the person or discipline. If it is brining unit morale down & the person has been constantly disciplined then said offender should be fired. You are only as strong as your weakest link.

Late arriving Nurses

late arriving nurses