LTC Question/Opinion

[phoebebrat]

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?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Of course it's  unacceptable. For you and your residents. There is no way you can provide adequate care. Start documenting for the state inspectors. Also document your concerns that were expressed to management.

Time to move on.. while you cover yourself. Send out those resumes, do not let anyone know you are looking to leave.

Good luck.

[phoebebrat, ASN]

Thank you for all the replies.  I did decide to quit the job.

[delrionurse]

On 3/19/2022 at 4:12 PM, amoLucia said:

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. 

Issue is working the hell out of these aides. They've got a lot on their plate already. Oh just 'call the aide' like it's a hotel. They get tired too. I would suggest to use discretion doing this. 

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, faithjohn said:

Issue is working the hell out of these aides. They've got a lot on their plate already. Oh just 'call the aide' like it's a hotel. They get tired too. I would suggest to use discretion doing this. 

Yes! It ends up being end-of-shift "double rounds" for them. Not cool, not sustainable...

[amoLucia]

I see where it could very easily become a burdensome assignment if the practice is overused. I was thinking of it as RARE, no-other option avail.

The pts on OP's SKILLED unit are being shorted on their care. And freq they are a more alert, oriented VOCAL group of residents. And NEEDY! OP is only ONE person.

I have worked with 'borrowed' CNAs. As long as duties were clearly defined for both units, it worked. Not anywhere optimal.

Hope all goes well for OP.

[phoebebrat, ASN]

They are definitely a needy group. There were aides from another unit that were supposed to help me multiple times but they always refused. They were even instructed by management to help. Based on the number of smoke breaks they always take I know they had time to help. I hated to leave the residents but I figure as long as a nurse is willing to work like that the unsafe conditions would continue. No thank you!

[Stillcrazyafteralltheseyears]

What does your state board of nursing say? I would call and ask.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

So it is just you and 18 residents?? What are  you supposed to do when you need help? Not even counting the inevitable emergent situations like falls that are bound to happen with such poor staffing there's always at least a few residents that require two staff to safely provide care. 

So what would I do in this situation? Easiest answer ever, I'd quit.  Even if that happened only once I'd quit after that shift was done and likely without notice. I wouldn't give a hoot about landing on a "do not rehire" list as there's no way I'd ever be interested in going back there anyway.  

There's zero excuse for leaving a floor staffed like that.  Either mandate somebody to stay over or management needs to step up and fill the hole if there is nobody to mandate or facility policy doesn't allow mandated OT to fill unexpected holes in the schedule. 

Leaving one staff member alone like that once is inexcusable, making a habit of it  borders on neglect/abuse by the facility so a phone call to the state Ombudsman on your way out is also something I would do. The number is supposed to by law be prominently posted in the facility but if it is not a simple Google search will certainly find the number for you. 

[phoebebrat, ASN]

Kbrn2002,   All my concerns seemed to fall on deaf ears. I talked to the don about being alone and something happening with a resident. I was told to leave the resident and go call for help.  When I said that a nurse doesn’t leave a patient that has fallen, or has chest pain, or can’t breathe, she said….get ready for this, it’s a brain cell killer…… the response was “Well where are they going to go? They are already on the floor!”  I’m dead serious. That is what she said. I knew for sure then I was fighting a losing battle. 

[SmilingBluEyes]

Glad you are quitting. This is untenable.

[Googlenurse, ASN, BSN, RN]

When that happens I tell the supervisor I’m not doing paperwork. I would rather care for the residents.

My supervisor still makes us do paperwork even if we are short aides. 

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

10 hours ago, Googlenurse said:

When that happens I tell the supervisor I’m not doing paperwork. I would rather care for the residents.

My supervisor still makes us do paperwork even if we are short aides. 

Paperwork which is probably not reflective of the truth, as you can't possibly finish all the things you're supposed to be documenting on...