Need advice-Lowering your standards?

[umakemesmile]

I have worked in the OR for 19 years but I'm lost and don't know the correct direction to go. I have always prided myself in following AORN standards and facility polices. I have my CNOR out of 15 other nurse's there's 1 tech out of 16 certified. It's never been a bother to me, I only can take responsiblity for my own professional standards.

Here's the rub, manager's in the past always promoted ongoing education. Our current manager of 3yrs doesn't care to be bothered with such things. I feel no support about the staff. The easy way around problems is to ignore them. The manager has no experience prior to this. She was part of our staff and was the one who would cut corners, not follow policy, not even check arm bands of pt's. Yet because she's an outgoing, and a "brown noser" ( I'm sorry i can't think of a better term) and she was the only applicant, she got the job.

I have tried to be supportive of her as she learns the ropes of management but I see no effort being made on her part.

I will give an example: She has never written policies before, I have. I was the department educator before he took the job. So she asked if I would update our policies using a new format the hospital was developing. I said sure if given the time. I started doing the research and changing the policies. Then I would get them back because the commitee changed their mind on the format, 3 times. I told the manager I would wait until the final decision was made before doing all work over and over.

She came to me with the final answer. The nursing director said "just put the title in and say See Current Standards. OMG! I couldn't do it. I could only picture the new staff person trying to learn the policies and then trying to find the most current books to follow. I told her maybe someone else would be better to do it.

Our sterile technique has dropped off because very few ppl follow it any more. So our infection rate is going up and she's wondering why. I've tried to tell her about all the breaks in technique I've observed but to no avail. I feel it is her responsibility to learn standards and asceptic technique. She says she's too busy with department finance's etc.

Going to the director of nursing is a no-no, besides he has no exprience with the OR.

Do I look for a new job and walk into someone else's mess? Do I become the sqeeky wheel and badger them and maybe get let go? Or do I die inside a little and let it take it's course.

After 3 years with the manager, the snowball has become an avalache. It's sad to watch and I'm learning to hate the job I've loved for so many years.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Given today's economic climate -- and the current job market -- I would lay low and stay put for now unless you are close to 100% you will find a better job. Now is not the time to gamble with your employment.

Try to find ways to help as best you can, but keep your secure income and hope for better days in the not-too-distant future.

[umakemesmile]

Your right about the market. I just feel neglagent by turning the other cheek. It would be tough starting all over, losing vacation time and benefits esp. at 54. I hope this isn't the feelings I'm going to have the rest of my career. Thank you so much for responding. I guess I just need to hear from others.

[Akpywackett]

Been there, done that, paid the price (got moved from one specialty to another and chose to leave the facility) but my conscience is clear. If you can live with the silence then you have no problem.

Unfortunately, it sounds like you're having an issue with keeping quiet.

[umakemesmile]

Lol Yes I have a problem kepping quiet about important issue's. I feel the pt's deserve good care and by not keeping up with technique, policies, or competencies reflects on the pt's.

If new hires don't have a good orientation they learn wrong from the get go. It's not their fault.

But a new job is out of question so, I'll just have to come here from time to time and vent.

Thank goodness we have this site!