19 Patients, 4 PEG, 2 Trach, 3 Major Fall Risks, 1 Wanderer, Seriously Want to Quit

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Ug, I've really painted myself in a corner accepting this job. I am a new grad and I accepted this job at a post-acute/rehab nursing home for the convenience (close to home, good pay). I just had my first assignment off of orientation and it was on the 'heavy' hall. My patients (19 of them) included 2 trachs needing total trach care and multiple suctioning each, 4 tube feeders needing their meds crushed and put through the tubes (plus bolus feedings and pumps). I have several dementia patients who are huge fall risks and are in need of constant supervision because they want to get up and walk when they are supposed to be in their chair or in bed sleeping. One really needs 1:1 but management have done absolutely nothing to address the situation with him. Last night the HS med pass went until midnight as they are all one about a dozen meds each at bedtime, about half need to be crushed or fed to them one by one. I was running all 12 hours, and then the morning nurse comes in and educates me on all her expectations coming in the door, including making sure I suction my trachs as I'm walking out the door, for good measure (and so she doesn't have to worry about it for a few hours). She also let me know her expectation that bottles of formula and supplies be left in the rooms before she gets on shift so she's not running around looking for the stuff she needs.

I'm actually in favor of this practice. I sure wish the nurse when I went on my shift followed these 'rules' because I had to restock most of the supplies for myself during my shift (and as such, the morning nurse had almost all the stuff already in the rooms).

I enjoy the people I work with and patients, but there is no way I can continue in this facility. As it is, they put ALL trachs on this hall, so while there are 4 nurses in the building (1 on each hall) and 2 of the halls are LTC and the other is sub-acute but less acute. I don't understand the division of labor, stacking one hall with the heaviest patients and do absolutely nothing to increase staffing in that hall makes no sense.

There are other things I don't like (like the roaches) that make me secure in my decision to leave (I already have another job lined up). I'm wondering the best way to go about telling them I'm not going to stay past my 30 days probation. Any ideas?

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"I regret to inform you that I have been offered an opportunity that I cannot pass up and I must resign from my position on (date). I appreciate the experience I had at this facility and I am sure you will find a qualified nurse to replace me. Sincerely, Overjoyed.

Or, "There's something about this job that bugs me. I must crawl away."

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Thank them for the experience, give a two week's notice, and start your new job.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Thank them for the experience, give a two week's notice, and start your new job.

^This would be the best way to tell them. :yes:

Sending positive vibes to your new position.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
I was running all 12 hours, and then the morning nurse comes in and educates me on all her expectations coming in the door, including making sure I suction my trachs as I'm walking out the door, for good measure (and so she doesn't have to worry about it for a few hours). She also let me know her expectation that bottles of formula and supplies be left in the rooms before she gets on shift so she's not running around looking for the stuff she needs.

It is common courtesy to straighten up and restock as you go but who the heck does she thing she is? Suction the trachs just prior to shift change for HER convenience.Bwahahaha.I have worked with plenty of primadonnas like that. My work area is clean and neat,usually restocked (if possible" but if you are a leftie don't expect me to shift all the crap from the top of the cart to the other side for YOUR med pass.

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Specializes in School Nursing.
It is common courtesy to straighten up and restock as you go but who the heck does she thing she is? Suction the trachs just prior to shift change for HER convenience.Bwahahaha.I have worked with plenty of primadonnas like that. My work area is clean and neat,usually restocked (if possible" but if you are a leftie don't expect me to shift all the crap from the top of the cart to the other side for YOUR med pass.

Haha- I am a leftie, it never occurred to me to change the sides of the cart to accommodate me! lol I had actually restocked the rooms with trach care kits and formula before she got there, because there was none when I got on my shift! I was so annoyed by the suctioning comment too, because I had performed complete trach care (including changing out inner cannulas) less than 1.5 hours before she got there and began taking report.. In her defense, she says she does the same for the oncoming shift. I haven't relieved her since, so that remains to be seen. ;) I put in my two week notice thanking them for giving me the opportunity to work with such great people. I hope there are no hard feelings with management.

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