Looking for advice..

[blsmith95]

Hi all,

I am looking for some advice about a sticky situation I’m in. I have worked in med surg for going on 2 years. At my year mark I left my first nursing job to go try out a specialty. I quickly realized (2 months later) it was not a place that supported growth or education of their nurses, had terrible scheduling, and not so great staff. So, my old manager found out I wasn’t enjoying it, and offered me my job back, which I accepted.

I have been back for almost a month now. And very quickly remembered why I left in the first place. Terrible staffing, quick staff turnover, manager who wants to be everyone’s friend, soooo much gossiping, etc. When I offered to come back I was told I would have to start being in charge in April, however once I officially came back I had to start doing it that week.

Being in charge is fine generally, however I am on night shift. Our units might shift charge takes up to 8 patients, calls all doctors, records charge report, fills out papers with pt info (reason they’re there, general care for pt, history, testing they’ve had done, medications receiving, home care, etc.). With all young staff members who also have 8 patients a piece. I feel very unsafe doing this all by myself while simultaneously having to care for my own 8 patients and ensure the others are taking care of theirs, helping with questions, transporting, etc.

So ultimately, I am extremely miserable. I feel like there’s no other choice than for me to get out of here. But I am very worried about how this will make me look to future employers. But this entire situation is making me very anxious and depressed.

Just looking for some advice on what you all might do?

[JKL33]

Why in the world would charge need to make all provider calls? No way. I would reject that as both a staff RN/primary nurse and a charge nurse.

And why fill out papers of this nature (old style Kardex, it sounds like) at all?

You could come up with a couple of proposals about adjustments to these roles and workflows and see how your manager handles a positive approach (offering reasonable ideas/solutions rather than primarily appearing to be complaining).

Try to display a good attitude, maybe even get some teamwork going and encourage better rapport amongst staff. Don't stand around sniping or bellyaching with them.

You can do all that and also start looking elsewhere. That's what I would do, anyway.

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

Tell your manager you aren't able to handle all of this extra responsibility well and give a couple suggestions on what would make it better an see if she's willing to make those changes. In the mean time, start looking for another position somewhere else. I don't think it looks that bad to say you've been in med-surg 2 years and since you worked at the other specialty for only 2 months you wouldn't have to put it on a resume unless you wanted to. Or if it's the same place you find a different position, just explain you tried a specialty and you didn't enjoy that area. I think most nurses can relate. You should be fine.

[blsmith95]

Thank you all for the suggestions.

In the almost 2 years I’ve been here I’ve tried to offer many suggestions of change which all fall on deaf ears. There’s a lot of “if it’s broke don’t fix it” around here. However, much of their system, from my point of view, is broken.

I’ve spoken with my manager about me being hesitant and the only response I get is there’s no one else to do it because of seniority.

I’ve started applying elsewhere. Hopefully I hear from them sooner or later! In the mean time, I hope nothing goes too terribly wrong while I’m stuck in this position!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Now you know your manager is a user, for future reference.. most of them are. NM is requiring you to do two jobs at once.

Of course, holding a full assignment with charge duties is outrageous and unsafe. Write up the situation every day in order to cover yourself.

Best wishes in your new job search.