Leaving

RNandPen, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP · Apr 25

It stands to reason that a large majority of nurses will face the decision to flee a venomous work environment at some point on their journey, only to find the alternative equally as soul sucking. Alas, the old adage, the grass is not always greener. I have a sneaking suspicion that your former colleagues will be met with similar drama most consistent with units past once the novelty of new-hire orientation subsides. My hope is that over time they maintain the integrity needed to trump airs of hostility and continue to bring first-class care to the bedside. I do believe this is one nursing skill not tested on in school.

DabofDantrolene · 2024-04-28T22:40:30Z

Shifting a culture requires building relationships with challenging team members to work to a point where you can influence the culture. If these nurses that prioritize excellence have made the decision that it isn't worth the effort to shift the culture or are being ousted - they will leave. Regardless of how hard the work is many will leave searching for community, no matter how difficult the job is. The easiest way to create change that is sustainable and will welcome the new ones that come is if it starts within the group. If you're integrated with the clique, you are already halfway there to influencing a culture change. It starts with you. Best of luck!

Mrsexylegs · 2024-05-01T13:54:30Z

The last facility I left there were many factors, unsafe nursing/staffing ratios, management taking us off shifts and then not informing management/hr about shift changes trying to get us written up for stupid stuff. Being bought by a new company recently. But the final straw was a fentanyl exposure during a med pass.(story below) and the facility didn't make any new rules or protocols to address both the issue and exposure in the first place and they are still trying to fight workers comp about it against me with them changing their story everytime. And just had to leave because it was obvious they didn't care for my safety.

I was alone of a floor (2 units long term + memory care)for a med pass. I started the med pass and while going through the stock meds/vitamins when noticed something get stuck to the back of my hand. I saw it was a 0.25mcg fentanyl patch (sticky side on my skin)and got it off asap but I started to get a head mache and my legs started to get weak. (Let me say I wasn't changing a patch and it got stuck on, no someone stored/disposed of a patch and I was unfortunately the one who got exposed)I rushed to the nearest sink and washed as best I could but my vision started to get distorted (I was having a hard time seeing distance now with some vertigo) I go to the cart thinking the narcan should be in the medcart right? Wrong it was in the medsupply closet halfway across the unit. So after giving myself the first dose of narcan I felt alittle better but knowing it work alittle ment I was in for a bad time. Called the supervisor and emergency services. Had to use 3 more narcan until the first responders showed up to take me to the hospital. My BP (which normally sits at around high 120's low 130' over 80s) was over 200/100 at one point no history htn (yes flight or fight probably wasn't helping) my vision became very nearsited with me losing the ability to comprehend written words (I remember looking at a exit sign. I knew it was an exit sign but couldn't understand what the letters on it ment) I also felt if I didn't hold on the railing with everything I had I was going to fall on the floor but had to tell myself thats that how that works. I became very ditzy and what we would call a "lulu from lala land", within 6 hours I felt mentally back to normal with most of the symptoms gone with my blood presure still high but comming down. within 12 hours my blood pressure was back to normal. And I was kept for observation for 72 hours.