Ok, again another story about being overwhelmed

[AngelsWings09]

I have been agency for a number of years. Last evening, another agency nurse and I were put into a very

dangerous situation. We each had 24 patients, one admit each, and only 3 CNA. This was a subacute unit,

trachs, vents, g tubes, IV meds. Indeed, a very dangerous situation, but we stuck it out, pooled our resources

and pulled thru the night. I did call my agency this morning, and informed them of the situation. She, of course,

warned me about patient abandonment, something that I have seen happen with other nurses. What can

we, as nurses, do about these dangerous situations? I know it is all about money and nursing hours, and

management does not want to hear this.

[jnrsmommy]

I would not have accepted report until, at the very least, another nurse showed up to work (making it 3). And I mean seeing that person physically there, not hearing whomever you call to get more coverage "We'll see if we can get someone to come in." If something bad were to happen on your shift w/ that horrible staffing situation, that facility and your agency would be there looong after your license is revoked.

[oramar]

Yes, but you can say you will never go back there again.

[*ac*]

My understanding is that it's not pt abandonment if you don't accept the assignment from the beginning.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Amazing that you even pulled thru! Wow, lucky. I always wonder how exactly it would go down. If she came on, refused to accept. Do they really come up with more nurses fast? The poor off-going nurse having to stay till they can round up more nurses. So tricky all of this is. In the end it is quite clear, you cannot lose your license.

Has anybody in a situation similar to hers refused, without heavy fallout?

[PAERRN20]

You can also contact your state's BON. Also, keep documentation of your own. You can refuse to accept the assignment, but I do believe the hospital can terminate you. Not really fair though.

[blusueNP, MSN, APRN]

I too have been agency for most of my nursing "career" because as an agency nurse, I choose when and where I work. I personally would never accept an assignment such as the one you describe. One time , I exercised this option when told my assignment would consist of 9 pts on a floor with vent/isolation/tele. The charge said "Well if you don't take 9 pts, that means that another nurse will have 10 - to which I replied "Listen, a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part - I can always leave, your choice" I stayed and took 8 pts and boo hoo, the charge had to take that pt.