Although I may not actively post on these discussions boards I still like to go through what people say but I feel now I'm now due for a little venting myself. (For a little background, I have been an RN for over a year now and finishing up my bachelors degree).
As I'm sure many of you are going through currently my facility has had a staffing shortage and we've had to resort to using agency/temp nurses. It's been a difficult situation because the ratio feels as if we're using more agency than regular staffing and reg. staff feel so demotivated and under appreciated, and our DON doesn't help the situation. Our DON does not try to take the time and make the effort to help us on the unit. For example, about a week ago I worked second shift and the third shift nurse called out sick at 1900. I began scrambling to find coverage however between making the calls to other staff members along with calling the agencies I was unsuccessful. Since it was understood by me that the DON was on-call Mon-Thurs I contacted her at approx. 2200 and she refused to come in stating that she wasn't on-call and that I would have to deal with the situation (ie. staying until I find coverage). Because I have never been in a situation such as this before I ended up calling her boss (who had no clue) and he told me it's what I signed up for. It was my understanding when I originally got hired that the DON was on call Mon-Thurs and staff nursing Fri-Sun, however our DON denied that. After I got off the phone with him the DON called me back angry for calling her boss and ends up offering to relieve me at 0330. It was difficult because I am not used to working past my shift and by the time I was giving her report I could see that mentally I was not alert and frankly if I stayed longer I'd feel unsafe. It's been so difficult to get up and go to work because all of the regular staff including myself walk into work anticipating disasters and wonder if that day will be the day our licenses go on the line.
The last night I worked recently a similar issue arose as well. I was getting ready to leave after finishing my documentation (did report, count, etc) when we heard that the agency nurse covering for the third shift on another unit didn't show up and it was because they weren't scheduled. Because there was an agency nurse working second shift on said unit was insisting that she was unable to stay because of medical reasons and was threatening to leave. The 11-7 nurse who relieved me was between a rock and a hard place, and I felt the same way as well. I quickly finished up my work and bolted out because I did not want to get stuck again. However, like I mentioned, I felt like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I wanted to stay and help but mentally and physically I felt unsafe since I'm not used to working doubles as a nurse. I came home contemplating whether or not I should go back in but at the same time after I took a shower I fell into bed and that was it. The day after I felt so guilt ridden over the situation but at the same time I am both mentally and physically exhausted. I wanted to ask one of the staff members how everything went but personally feel as if for that particular situation I need to let the sleeping dogs lie.
I am truly mentally and physically sick and tired of everything that has been happening lately to the point where the stress has made me physically ill. The facility did not have these issues when I first was hired however with changes in management it's disappointing to admit that things have declined. I know that it's a difficult situation however I am trying my hardest to stick through it all because I will admit I do love what I do and I love some of the staff members I have, but with situations such as these have made it difficult to look forward to coming into work like I used to. I know I'm still a rookie at this and I know I have much to learn but it's hard for someone to learn when dealing with conditions such as these.
I'm hoping that any experienced and seasoned nurses here will help me with any suggestions and/or advice to help me get through this. I'd truly appreciate it.
