Whipping med surg nurses into shape

Nurses Activism

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Have they done this at your hospital and mainly it is legal or is this harrassment?

Our nurse manager and administration ( on med surg unit) has begun a new program of shadowing each nurse for approx 3 days the entire shift ( 12 hrs). This was explained to us an

effort to see where there are weaknesses and to help improve overall performance.

At first I was feeling this was positive. I have not had my turn yet but seeing what goes on I liken it more to an engaging three day clinical where you will pass or fail. Some comments I have heard from those having completed this was " it is demeaning"

"I felt like I was taking a tough clinical test" and "I was shaking so bad being guestioned with each and every action what my rationale was that by the end of the shift I was shaking".

So my hospital has taken the sposition" if there are problems on

the unit, it must be the nurses so lets whip them into shape"...rather than seeing what system problems there are.

anyone else going through this?

Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

If someone tried to time my bathroom break, I'd be sure and bring them a specimen just so they would know exactly why it took me so long. :rolleyes:

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As if you don't already have ENOUGH stresssss...geeeeez!

OK..fine..shadow me for 3 days..and I'll do the same and follow you around for 3 days pointing out how YOU could use your time more wisely..starting with : If you have that much time on your hands (to follow somebody for 3 friggin days)I think you need some more duties. :(

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Typical admin-speak. Blame the nurses for the problems, not the fact there is a horrendous shortage causing it.

I agree with the poster that said you CAN use this as an opportunity to show them WHAT IT IS LIKE to WORK LIKE YOU DO. But with a mindset like that, don't expect much. They are looking to pin the deficiencies and problems on NURSING, as usual, not on what the REAL ROOT CAUSE Of the problems are.

Real efficient....riiiight.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

It would be my luck that my shadow would be with me on a day when census was down, the pt. load was lighter, though. Then they wouldn't know the average day as the nurses normally have it.

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I had the opportunity to "shadow" my nurse manager yesterday. It wasnt an official thing - it just worked out that way - and at the end of 22 hours - yes 22 hours - I had to tell her how proud of & awed by her I was.

We went into disaster mode as soon as the blackout hit. My NM manages 3 critical care units - one being the ER - and an hour before my shift ended, she pulled me there to help her out. I was with her for another 10 hrs. With a walkie talkie in one hand & a hospital cell phone in the other, she didnt stop all night. People, even the VP of Nursing, were calling her for direction from all over the hospital and she handled it all, solved tons of logistical problems, managed all 3 units from the walkie talkie, kept her eye on the staff to make sure we were ok & got breaks, food and drink, kept things moving on all of her units & sent extra staff from the ER to help the floor nurses with admissions we were constantly sending up, kept things moving & kept the chaos controlled. And kept her cool, and her smile too. She started the day at the same time I did but I got to go home 22 hrs later - and she was still there.

I have a lot of respect for that lady. She did an amazing job.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Wow JT- your NM sounds like a real trooper! It made me think about my NM and wonder if she would have handled that kind of situation so deftly, and I think she would. I have had bosses before that would've run home crying in such a situation, but the one I have now is pretty supportive of her staff. Thanks for your story- I'm going to call my NM on Monday and tell her how much I appreciate her and what she does for us.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Originally posted by P_RN

Those NM ought to be putting on the running shoes and HELPING or soon they won't have any NURSES to MANAGE

Amen.

My asst NM gets right in there, takes an assignment or does charge, any shift if there is an urgent need, and she WORKS, man!

My NM yesterday did day charge.

It speaks volumes to me, I tell ya!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
I have a lot of respect for that lady. She did an amazing job. [/b]

Cool. Somebody should write a letter!

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most of our aministrators couldn't follow the nurses around.. they'd be totally lost. esp. med/surg. it's totally hectic. no way would the bean counters even have a clue what the nurses were supposed to do. to all of you who do med/surg, i must say i admire you. i know i could not do it. it was bad 13 years ago when i left and now probably 10x worse. i think you guys deserve a differential w/ all of the heavy pt. loads and various types of pt's you deal with.

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WOW:D Hats off to both you and your NM. Great job in a very difficult time. My NM would have never left her office:chair:

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ALL I CAN SAY IS ........ONLY IN CALIFORNIA......WHERE THEY TAKE IT TO THE EXTREME MY OH MY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.
originally posted by badbird

........................perhaps after you are all scrutinized you could shadow the nurse manager for 3 days each and critique his/her work.

now that idea i like!!! :lol2:

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