low census

[blackpants22]

I work on a busy subacute rehab unit at a longterm care facility. The census on our unit has been "low" although the acuity and amount of work hasn't changed yet administration has decided to cut back from two nurses to one nurse on my 3-11 shift, yet during the week there are three nurses on from 7-3 and on the weekend two nurses on 7-3. I really think this is unfair as it is just as busy in the evening as during the day...I pick up orders, pick up all the labs that come in, and now am doing double the work load. Plus, when we get admissions they come after three pm and now we are expected to do out admissions (sometimes 2-3 patients) and take on our patient load. We have no unit manager or real leadership on this unit so my only choice is to speak to the DON, however, my other co worker who is so nice will never complain about the workload to anyone (besides me) so I feel as though if I go and complain they will say "so and so does it and doesnt complain." I wouldnt mind this if it weren't that the other shift gets two people and they cut our shift to one nurse. How do I approach my DON without seeming like I just want to complain? It is really stressing me out that I am sick to my stomach everytime I have to go to work now and I am constantly searching for a job but having a hard time.

I appreciate any advice!

[SCSTxRN]

I would ask for some guidance with scheduling and prioritizing... and I would bring in the last couple of weeks numbers to get the help on.

"I know that this has been decided on and someone has done the numbers, but I am in need of some guidance on how to prioritize this work so that everything gets done and patient care doesn't suffer. Please look over the unit load and tell me how to arrange it so that everything gets done without sacrificing patient care." Thank you so much...

[curiosity123]

As above. If that doesn't work, mention safety concerns but be prepared to back that up.

You could propose an extra nurse to overlap from 3 to 7 PM.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

as long as the work is getting done it does not matter who does it, so the bean counters aren't motivated to spend more money. When med errors occur, or someone falls, or some other expensive event takes place, that might get attention. Meanwhile, as long as you and the other nurse do not complain and get the work done, well, ---------------