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?

[soontoretire2020, BSN]

If management cared about staffing they would fix it. They don't care what you think. Either deal with it or quit. No management in the history of nursing cares what anyone thinks, so don't waste your time trying to bring anything to their attention. 

[LPN Retired, LPN]

I worked alot of LTC . I had a heavy med pass scheduled for 6am and had to start early too get done by 7 am for day shift to have the cart . 

Call ins of CNAs started about 6 while I was trying to get thru this med pass. I was expected to be on phone calling all other CNAs who were scheduled off to get someone to come in .  it was horrible . it called the Supervisor to let her know but she had not advice other than call someone . I did get ahold of one CNA and got chewed out for calling her. 

Ill tell ya, im retired now I wouldn't go back to work in LTC for any amt of money. too stressful. 

I would pick corn with the chickens before going back to that. 

To the OP on this question... Girl get out now . you don't feel heard by admin  because they couldn't care less about you . if something bad happens they're gonna throw you under the bus . 

[amoLucia]

LPN Retired - I agree. Those call-out coverage phone calls were the worst. Heavy med pass was understandable, but doing scheduling ...  and then I had to keep a list of responses of each contact  And I answered for other depts too. (I would just have to call those other dept heads.) 

Since this is an on-going problem for OP, the recommendation is for her to resign. Just give the min required notice time, avoid gossiping & bad mouthing the place. And file for COBRA insurance.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

22 hours ago, LPN Retired said:

Call ins of CNAs started about 6 while I was trying to get thru this med pass. I was expected to be on phone calling all other CNAs who were scheduled off to get someone to come in .  it was horrible . it called the Supervisor to let her know but she had not advice other than call someone . I did get ahold of one CNA and got chewed out for calling her . 

Wait. You're doing the actual work and the supervisor wanted you to do next shift staffing as well? What were the expectations for the supervisor?? Carry a clipboard, wear a lab coat and walk around?

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

3 hours ago, Jedrnurse said:

Wait. You're doing the actual work and the supervisor wanted you to do next shift staffing as well? What were the expectations for the supervisor?? Carry a clipboard, wear a lab coat and walk around?

The supervisor wasn't in the building I'm sure. Heck even if the supervisor didn't do squat at least she answered the phone which believe me happens pretty rarely in that world.  I worked LTC NOC shift for years and the NOC supervisor is usually no more than the nurse working the floor that gets stuck with the job for probably no additional money, or such a small amount of "supervisor pay" that it's nowhere near worth it for the extra crap that job title comes with.  

I can't tell you how many times I was expected to drop everything and make phone calls right in the middle of a med pass that either went unanswered or were answered with shall we say a less than positive attitude, LOL.  Then of course I was left trying to get the schedule fixed which is nearly impossible plus get my med pass finished which also becomes nearly impossible after wasting all that time trying to get the schedule filled. 

About all that was usually accomplished was having angry night staff that were mandated to stay because of course nobody volunteered to pick up the shift or angry day staff because they are now working short if there was nobody that could be mandated to stay. Plus two very frustrated nurses, both myself because I was probably still scrambling to finish my NOC stuff at end of shift and the oncoming day nurse that had to wait for me to pass off the keys and give report. Fun times, not

[LPN Retired, LPN]

6 hours ago, Jedrnurse said:

Wait. You're doing the actual work and the supervisor wanted you to do next shift staffing as well? What were the expectations for the supervisor?? Carry a clipboard, wear a lab coat and walk around?

Yes on the night shift at that facility only LPNs .  supervisor on call if needed but yeah I was expected to do the calling to get the dayshift covered . im  not there anymore . 

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

On 3/23/2022 at 3:55 PM, 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. 

That was my attitude. 

Patient care will always come first. 

I am paid for 8 hours a day, and will make sure the essentials eg patient notes are done, if you want more, that requires a financial contribution

None of them would work for free, so I don't work for free either

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

"Admin knows that trick as a tit-for-tat, beat 'em at their own game employee revenge activity".

I felt sad after reading this... only because it's true. ☹️

[Bbyicu]

If people stopped working at these type of places it would force them to change how they do staffing. When there is always someone willing to work these conditions then it will never change. They do it because they can. If nurses refused to work then they'd be forced to hire contract nurses which cost more and hurt customer satisfaction. 

[LPN Retired, LPN]

You are correct . as long as someone works it , they will never change . they do it because they can and the nurse who does it is the one putting her license on the line . im retired . im glad I don't  have to work anymore .