LTC Question/Opinion

[phoebebrat, ASN]

I would like opinions on this situation. Due to staffing issues it has become normal for me to be without an aide between 10p-6a. I work on a skilled unit with 18 residents. I think this is very unsafe and unacceptable. I have complained to management about my safety concerns but don’t really feel heard.  How would you all handle this situation?

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I would leave.

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

Look for a new job ASAP.

Your management have shown they don't care about patient and staff safety. It's only a matter of time till something happens and they do their best to throw you under the bus

[grammieRN, ADN, RN]

Of course this is an unsafe situation.  

I currently Supervise overnights in a LTC and unfortunately, being short staffed is the norm these days.  Our scheduler is awesome and she makes sure we are fully staffed but inevitably, someone always calls out, or there is a NCNS.  Sometimes, like the last two nights, multiple CNA's called out or didn't show up.  You're then caught between a rock and a hard place because, although consequences should occur, you don't want to run the risk of losing more staff.  

Ideally, we have 1 LPN and 2 CNA's on each of 3 units.  Last night and tonight, I covered one unit with 1 CNA, and the other 2 units had 1 LPN and 1 CNA each.   This is not acceptable coverage for optimum care of our residents, but we have no choice.  We do the best we can and remember...our residents need us and we'll do what it takes to the best of our ability.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

5 hours ago, grammieRN said:

   This is not acceptable coverage for optimum care of our residents, but we have no choice.  We do the best we can and remember...our residents need us and we'll do what it takes to the best of our ability.

Does your facility do anything for your overworked, understaffed employees? Please tell me at least that you pay them the inevitable overtime they work when they don't get off their shift on time...

[phoebebrat, ASN]

Overtime is only paid on certain calendar days because of the way the pay periods are set.  

[grammieRN, ADN, RN]

Overtime is paid after 40hrs/wk. Bonuses are also routinely offered and recently they've given $50-$100 gift cards.  The usual pizza for staff occasionally and I will often pay out of pocket for my overnight crew for pizza. 

My administration has been actively recruiting RN, LPN, and CNA's.  Many of the new staff we hire seem to just want a paycheck and don't necessarily want to work for it. When they realize the job isn't too glamorous, they inevitably leave.  

[LPN Retired, LPN]

Leave a quickly as possible . I Don t think I would even give the courtesy of a notice . 

Then watch them scramble to get coverage . 

[delrionurse]

14 hours ago, phoebebrat said:

I would like opinions on this situation. Due to staffing issues it has become normal for me to be without an aide between 10p-6a. I work on a skilled unit with 18 residents. I think this is very unsafe and unacceptable. I have complained to management about my safety concerns but don’t really feel heard.  How would you all handle this situation?

It will continue until there is a lawsuit. If bare minimum is available they'll take it. Start asking before your shift if there will be an aide available, if not, call in. 

[amoLucia]

1 hour ago, faithjohn said:

....    Start asking before your shift if there will be an aide available, if not, call in. 

Admin knows that trick as a tit-for-tat, beat 'em at their own game employee revenge activity. If OP starts doing that, she'll soon be counseled and there starts a paper trail.

Could another floor's CNA be 'borrowed' for intervals? At least an hour at 6am for last rounds and 1 hour sometimes early shift? The bigger units might run short temporarily, unless they're only singular also.

In these crazy times, they MIGHT be trying to recruit. But unlucky. And further staff complaints will just fall on deaf ears and prob annoy the dickens out of admin. 

Holy moly.

Do you have your own professional Liability Insurance? I wouldn't be convinced that the employer would stand behind you if something unfortunate happens.  You have to decide if you're going to do the best you can while not rocking the boat or doing the best you can while rocking the boat or getting out of that boat and finding another, less risky boat. What's best for you?

Good luck.

[amoLucia]

TMB - good  points, esp re liab insurance.