I'm currently the DON of an 11-bed chronic unit. One I didnt apply for at that. Hired for acutes but got stuck in a chronic unit when they fired the previous DON. Been 1 1/2 years now!! Anyway, we have a census of 38-40 varying at this time and open 6 days/week. Not only am I doing all the administrative, careplan, initial assessments, med adjustments, unit issues, staffing I am the charge on the floor 3-4 days aweek. I have one per-diem nurse who sets her own days 1-2 aweek and her last day is this week. We have ran add after add and unable to find an experienced RN to help out. Paperwork and everything else in this unit was months behind when I got drafted so to speak and I finally have most things caught up and on track. Problem I have is I cant get through to the administrator (located at another clinic as her home office) that it's too much for 1 person to do!! In order for me to have a medical procedure done they have to send the DON from another clinic to work for me who is 1 1/2hrs drive so she doesnt exactly volunteer. Shes either not hearing me or doenst want to. I need to determine best way to get it across or I need to head out for other endeavors. They have been cutting my staff to the bone where I also have to take a patient load of 3 when on the floor besides being the only RN and still expect me to do the monthly reports, network issues, orders, fistula first, etc while I take that load. Usually it's me and 2-pcts with 11pts. Oh we arent computerized either and have to hand chart everything. I cant work any harder. Forgot to mention they just made me go salary also so no ot for all the extra bs or hours :angryfire Get comp time sometimes but heck I cant take my pto much less comp time LOL. Am I nuts or is this too too much?
