I love working my 7p-7a shifts. I worked those for almost 10 years. Decided to go to days with a different type of job - hate it, hate it, hate it. I stuck it out for a year but now I am going to searching for a job where I can work my nights again. I agree with macgirl, if you love waking up early in the morning - go for days; if you are a night owl - go for nights. Pay is usually better at night too. See here it is almost 11pm and I have to be up at 5:30am - still wide awake. So ready for my night shifts - give me a 4:30pm wake up call any day!!
I don't know about debriding a burn wound - have done other types before but to me the question here is "Did she break the rules and not follow Dr.'s orders?" I hope the patient is ok.
I work in LTC and I think that we do still have feelings about death but we have to protect ourselves so we don't "fall apart" everytime someone passes away. Especially if you work in LTC or Critical Care where it can be a daily situation. I do feel something when we lose a patient at our home but I also know that it's like most anything else in nursing - we don't have a choice but to suck it up and keep on going - we have other patients depending on us. We live in a small town and I know people get upset sometimes because as the DON I don't go to the funerals but I can't - that pushes me past my protective zone. We have to take care of ourselves or we aren't any good to anyone else.
I work with a doctor who believes that the elderly in the LTC shouldn't have anything more than Tylenol! He's a jerk! Patients should always have all comfort measures at end of life.
I am a DON in a smaller facility, don't have an ADON or MDS coordinator. I do it all and still have to cover the floor if I don't have a nurse. I do my best to keep my hours to 40-45 but many times it isn't possible. I feel that I get paid for 40 hours a week because I don't get paid extra if I work a shift on the floor. It's your choice to work that many hours so rethink your priorities. The damn work will be there tomorrow and the day after and the after. Take time for your family because they love and care for you - if your company is like mine you are just another warm body they have to pay to make their millions. Good Luck!
I know that a lot of LTCs do have LPN/LVN as the ADON. I think it does come down to the money part. I agree, I would have a very hard time having a LPN/LVN supervising me. I really don't think they are ever in "Charge" perse, I think they would have to refer to the Charge Nurse if she were an RN. It is a money thing but let me tell you here and now - I would take an LVN/LPN right now as an ADON because I don't have one and it sucks big time. If I had an LVN/LPN as an ADON she would probably have to answer to the weekend RN because even in the administrative level the scope of practice is limited.
I know that a lot of LTCs do have LPN/LVN as the ADON. I think it does come down to the money part. I agree, I would have a very hard time having a LPN/LVN supervising me. I really don't think they are ever in "Charge" perse, I think they would have to refer to the Charge Nurse if she were an RN. It is a money thing but let me tell you here and now - I would take an LVN/LPN right now as an ADON because I don't have one and it sucks big time. If I had an LVN/LPN as an ADON she would probably have to answer to the weekend RN because even in the administrative level the scope of practice is limited.
I am a DON in LTC and I have found that several of you have the right idea. I tell my CNAs all the time that they are doing a great job. I have also found that if a situation occurs and "no one" knows exactly who's doing it that I can cover a good "counselling" to all during an inservice. I do praise them and thank them in public and so do my nurses. Work with them for a few shifts and you will get to know who's doing their job and who isn't then talk with them privately and let them know what you expect of them. Remember unfortunately some of our CNAs are not really strong in understanding their scope of practice and some think that they do all the work while the nurses sit on their butt and do nothing. We just went through our open book survey and we did not get any TAGS or Deficiencies - my people rock! My nurses do show them respect and help when needed - it's a team effort to care for your residents. Listen to the CNAs - they are your first line of patient care - they are your eyes, ears, and hands where the patients are concerned. The more you do that and respond to their comments, reports, etc the more they will respect you. Good luck - if you are close to Waco, TX - I have an opening, lol for and LVN.
Well, you must not be working in Long Term Care because it's biting us in the butt! Our patients benefits are being cut so bad we can barely do therapy or any other types of care that can improve their lives.
As a DON in a LTC I think they are really doing you an injustice - it would have to be really an emergency before I would put one of my nurses on the unit as an aide. Do I expect my nurses to be helpful & assist the aides when needed - absolutely - it's a part of their job. However, they are right when they say that you are held accountable for everything under your licensure when on the unit even as an aide. Be very careful. I think these facilities are taking advantage of the situation and not trying to hire more aides. Cut back on your hours but make sure they are the CNA hours. For the aide who wanted to know how to approach the DON - you might start out with "Do you know when we may have more CNAs hired? I don't mind helping out occasionally but it has been almost a year and I really want to work more as a nurse." Maybe that would help. I do know that sometimes we in management get busy and forget we have things going on that we need to work on so they may need a little "reminder" of how long this has been going on.
And for all of You that are working as CNAs YOU should Never be paid CNA WAGES when you are a nurse even when you are working as an AIDE -it's against the law! If they want to use you on the unit as a CNA that's fine but they have to pay you your nursing pay!!! Good luck to all!
I am a woman but I was over 50 when I got my RN. I have found that many of your elderly patients want the us "older" nurses because they have more confidence in our abilities. Your age will be advantage for you. Patients don't care how cute or young you are, they want to know that you are there for them and know how to take care of them. My suggestion - study hard, learn it, and always put the patient first. You will do fine.
I'm going to just give the reader's digest version of the backstory and get to my questions!
Last August, I was backed into a corner and forced to quit my job - I was a LVN working on a postpartum unit. I had been there 9 months. The manager who hired me knew full well I was looking at returning to school FT to get my BSN and was overly supportative as she'd begun as a LVN and got BSN where I was applying. She leaves in March, just 2 weeks before I was accepted and Ms. C takes over. I sat and discussed my options with Ms. C when I received my acceptance. She agree to a PRN schedule and though school would be difficult, there really wasn't any reason I couldn't work 4 shifts per month, minimum. She was cooperative and pleasant and seemed to genuinely want to work with me. She asked for my availability for the next schedule. Gave it to her, 8 days actually (only required 4, and 4 of those 8 were WEEKEND SHIFTS!) She posted the Aug/Sept schedule and I had been placed on completely different days! When I asked her about it, she told me that didn't need me on the days I had marked available and her schedule wasn't convenient for me, I could gladly change shifts. Problem. LVNs are only allowed to switch shifts with other LVNs. And there were only two LVNs on this unit, and we were scheuduled on the SAME SHIFTS!! I have no doubt in my mind that she did this on purpose. She never liked having LVNs work under her and she was *very* vocal about it. I went to HR and couldn't get any support, though they agreed it wasn't proper procedure, so I either had to work the shifts she gave me, or get fired. So, I quit, without my 2 week notice since shift #1 was 3 days away and happened to be the same day my mandatory BSN orientation began.
Fast forward to last week - ran into former co-worker and Ms. C has been fired. Freaking awesome - she was hell on water to work for. The assistant nurse manager, whom I adored and had a great working relationship with, has taken over the women's services dept.
Now, my question.
I WANT MY JOB BACK! Okay, I know they don't owe me a job, but I miss the unit terribly! I am less than 9 months from getting my BSN and I had fully intended on staying right where I was when I graduated, seriously loved. my. job. I've looked at the hospital website, but there are no openings posted, though my coworker mentioned how incredibly short-staffed they are. Of course, I'm still FT BSN school and could only work PRN, but I want to go back and stay when I graduate. I shouldn't need much orientation - so I'd be a cheaper new hire??
So... 1) Is it appropriate to send an email/letter to the new nurse manager (the nice one I had a good relationship with) letting her know that I would like to work for her again.
2) What on Earth do I say?? I am a HORRIBLE word-smith, so if sending her a message is an okay action, would someone please help me craft a message/letter.
3) Or should I try to schedule an appointment? And what would I say? I haven't talked to her since I left, but she did tell me that she'd always be happy to give a positive recommendation if I needed one.
THANK YOU!!!!
I love the advice from this place and I'm hoping that some more experienced nurses or managers can chime in. At just 2 years of experience, I'm still just a baby!
I think the best way to go about this is to contact HR and find out if you are rehirable first. Then submit your resume' with a cover letter, don't say you quit - say you had to adjust your work schedule to accomodate your school schedule. Let them know you are wanting to come back PRN and are interested in a full-time position in the future. You could also call the new manager and set an appointment with her - if she was there when you left she may know the whole story and help you get your foot back in the door. It really sucks when older nurses and nurse managers don't work with people who are good employees who are trying to continue their education which in turn means they have an employee who isn't at work just to draw a pay check! Good Luck!
I agree whole heartedly!! I personally believe that it should be a requirement in every state and every nursing school (LVN, LPN, RN, BSN) - that a person has to be a CNA working in a facility for atleast 6 months before they can even apply to nursing school. If they did this we would see a lot fewer of these "money nurses" because if you can't do the CNA job - you sure as hell can't do nursing without caring.
One thing that the "facility" owners are forgetting is that the private home sectors are going away from carpeting and putting in wooden or tile floors because of the dirt, grime, stains, etc... that get into carpets. Allergies are way up because of the gunk in our carpets. If you take a computer tour of new homes you will see what I'm talking about. I don't think there should be any carpeting in any patient care areas because it makes pushing a wheel chair more difficult and can add to the spread of diseases easier.
It may depend on where you live at this time also. Many states are more diversified than others. I know that in the South we have all races and nationalities. I know that when I was in nursing school all I care about was the next test because all I wanted was to get my degree. Also, check with the office at your school - all schools have a large group of private grants and scholarships that they don't advertise. I received several while in school. Just remember - you are the only one that can keep you from succeeding - no matter what race you are!
I love working my 7p-7a shifts. I worked those for almost 10 years. Decided to go to days with a different type of job - hate it, hate it, hate it. I stuck it out for a year but now I am going to searching for a job where I can work my nights again. I agree with macgirl, if you love waking up early in the morning - go for days; if you are a night owl - go for nights. Pay is usually better at night too. See here it is almost 11pm and I have to be up at 5:30am - still wide awake. So ready for my night shifts - give me a 4:30pm wake up call any day!!
I don't know about debriding a burn wound - have done other types before but to me the question here is "Did she break the rules and not follow Dr.'s orders?" I hope the patient is ok.
I work in LTC and I think that we do still have feelings about death but we have to protect ourselves so we don't "fall apart" everytime someone passes away. Especially if you work in LTC or Critical Care where it can be a daily situation. I do feel something when we lose a patient at our home but I also know that it's like most anything else in nursing - we don't have a choice but to suck it up and keep on going - we have other patients depending on us. We live in a small town and I know people get upset sometimes because as the DON I don't go to the funerals but I can't - that pushes me past my protective zone. We have to take care of ourselves or we aren't any good to anyone else.
I work with a doctor who believes that the elderly in the LTC shouldn't have anything more than Tylenol! He's a jerk! Patients should always have all comfort measures at end of life.
I am a DON in a smaller facility, don't have an ADON or MDS coordinator. I do it all and still have to cover the floor if I don't have a nurse. I do my best to keep my hours to 40-45 but many times it isn't possible. I feel that I get paid for 40 hours a week because I don't get paid extra if I work a shift on the floor. It's your choice to work that many hours so rethink your priorities. The damn work will be there tomorrow and the day after and the after. Take time for your family because they love and care for you - if your company is like mine you are just another warm body they have to pay to make their millions. Good Luck!
I know that a lot of LTCs do have LPN/LVN as the ADON. I think it does come down to the money part. I agree, I would have a very hard time having a LPN/LVN supervising me. I really don't think they are ever in "Charge" perse, I think they would have to refer to the Charge Nurse if she were an RN. It is a money thing but let me tell you here and now - I would take an LVN/LPN right now as an ADON because I don't have one and it sucks big time. If I had an LVN/LPN as an ADON she would probably have to answer to the weekend RN because even in the administrative level the scope of practice is limited.
I know that a lot of LTCs do have LPN/LVN as the ADON. I think it does come down to the money part. I agree, I would have a very hard time having a LPN/LVN supervising me. I really don't think they are ever in "Charge" perse, I think they would have to refer to the Charge Nurse if she were an RN. It is a money thing but let me tell you here and now - I would take an LVN/LPN right now as an ADON because I don't have one and it sucks big time. If I had an LVN/LPN as an ADON she would probably have to answer to the weekend RN because even in the administrative level the scope of practice is limited.
I am a DON in LTC and I have found that several of you have the right idea. I tell my CNAs all the time that they are doing a great job. I have also found that if a situation occurs and "no one" knows exactly who's doing it that I can cover a good "counselling" to all during an inservice. I do praise them and thank them in public and so do my nurses. Work with them for a few shifts and you will get to know who's doing their job and who isn't then talk with them privately and let them know what you expect of them. Remember unfortunately some of our CNAs are not really strong in understanding their scope of practice and some think that they do all the work while the nurses sit on their butt and do nothing. We just went through our open book survey and we did not get any TAGS or Deficiencies - my people rock! My nurses do show them respect and help when needed - it's a team effort to care for your residents. Listen to the CNAs - they are your first line of patient care - they are your eyes, ears, and hands where the patients are concerned. The more you do that and respond to their comments, reports, etc the more they will respect you. Good luck - if you are close to Waco, TX - I have an opening, lol for and LVN.
Well, you must not be working in Long Term Care because it's biting us in the butt! Our patients benefits are being cut so bad we can barely do therapy or any other types of care that can improve their lives.
As a DON in a LTC I think they are really doing you an injustice - it would have to be really an emergency before I would put one of my nurses on the unit as an aide. Do I expect my nurses to be helpful & assist the aides when needed - absolutely - it's a part of their job. However, they are right when they say that you are held accountable for everything under your licensure when on the unit even as an aide. Be very careful. I think these facilities are taking advantage of the situation and not trying to hire more aides. Cut back on your hours but make sure they are the CNA hours. For the aide who wanted to know how to approach the DON - you might start out with "Do you know when we may have more CNAs hired? I don't mind helping out occasionally but it has been almost a year and I really want to work more as a nurse." Maybe that would help. I do know that sometimes we in management get busy and forget we have things going on that we need to work on so they may need a little "reminder" of how long this has been going on.
And for all of You that are working as CNAs YOU should Never be paid CNA WAGES when you are a nurse even when you are working as an AIDE -it's against the law! If they want to use you on the unit as a CNA that's fine but they have to pay you your nursing pay!!! Good luck to all!
I am a woman but I was over 50 when I got my RN. I have found that many of your elderly patients want the us "older" nurses because they have more confidence in our abilities. Your age will be advantage for you. Patients don't care how cute or young you are, they want to know that you are there for them and know how to take care of them. My suggestion - study hard, learn it, and always put the patient first. You will do fine.
I think the best way to go about this is to contact HR and find out if you are rehirable first. Then submit your resume' with a cover letter, don't say you quit - say you had to adjust your work schedule to accomodate your school schedule. Let them know you are wanting to come back PRN and are interested in a full-time position in the future. You could also call the new manager and set an appointment with her - if she was there when you left she may know the whole story and help you get your foot back in the door. It really sucks when older nurses and nurse managers don't work with people who are good employees who are trying to continue their education which in turn means they have an employee who isn't at work just to draw a pay check! Good Luck!
I agree whole heartedly!! I personally believe that it should be a requirement in every state and every nursing school (LVN, LPN, RN, BSN) - that a person has to be a CNA working in a facility for atleast 6 months before they can even apply to nursing school. If they did this we would see a lot fewer of these "money nurses" because if you can't do the CNA job - you sure as hell can't do nursing without caring.
One thing that the "facility" owners are forgetting is that the private home sectors are going away from carpeting and putting in wooden or tile floors because of the dirt, grime, stains, etc... that get into carpets. Allergies are way up because of the gunk in our carpets. If you take a computer tour of new homes you will see what I'm talking about. I don't think there should be any carpeting in any patient care areas because it makes pushing a wheel chair more difficult and can add to the spread of diseases easier.
It may depend on where you live at this time also. Many states are more diversified than others. I know that in the South we have all races and nationalities. I know that when I was in nursing school all I care about was the next test because all I wanted was to get my degree. Also, check with the office at your school - all schools have a large group of private grants and scholarships that they don't advertise. I received several while in school. Just remember - you are the only one that can keep you from succeeding - no matter what race you are!