grammieRN

Overtime is paid after 40hrs/wk. Bonuses are also routinely offered and recently they've given $50-$100 gift cards. The usual pizza for staff occasionally and I will often pay out of pocket for my overnight crew for pizza. My administration has been actively recruiting RN, LPN, and CNA's. Many of the new staff we hire seem to just want a paycheck and don't necessarily want to work for it. When they realize the job isn't too glamorous, they inevitably leave.

Of course this is an unsafe situation. I currently Supervise overnights in a LTC and unfortunately, being short staffed is the norm these days. Our scheduler is awesome and she makes sure we are fully staffed but inevitably, someone always calls out, or there is a NCNS. Sometimes, like the last two nights, multiple CNA's called out or didn't show up. You're then caught between a rock and a hard place because, although consequences should occur, you don't want to run the risk of losing more staff. Ideally, we have 1 LPN and 2 CNA's on each of 3 units. Last night and tonight, I covered one unit with 1 CNA, and the other 2 units had 1 LPN and 1 CNA each. This is not acceptable coverage for optimum care of our residents, but we have no choice. We do the best we can and remember...our residents need us and we'll do what it takes to the best of our ability.

No words...?‍♀️

I received my ADN in 2009. I did not have any vaccines during the time I was in school. Prior to being accepted into the program I had to show proof of MMR and Tdap. I also needed to have a PPD done. I never said I was "anti-vax", I was speaking strictly about the mandate.

Seriously? Where'd you get this information?? SMDH. ?‍♀️

Most mandated vaccines have had YEARS of research to the efficacy, the side/adverse effects, contraindications and such. The flu vaccine may be required, but you won't lose your career if you choose not to receive it. We are able to use masks during our flu season. So the "crux" of the question is ????? The need for proof of certain vaccines prior to entering the nursing field? Knowing that certain vaccines were required on order to pursue a nursing career?? Yes...I'm well aware of those requirements. I, too, had to show proof. If I remember correctly, it was only MMR and maybe Tdap that were required. Other vaccines were optional. Look...I'm not saying don't vaccinate, or make it a requirement for healthcare workers, I'm asking the questions we all should be asking about long term EFFICACY and possible serious long term negative health effects from the vaccine. I've had 2 employees test positive in the last week. Both vaccinated. One with symptoms and one without. Are the tests we continue to use the correct test for the new "variants"? If needing a booster every 90 days is required, how effective are the current vaccines? Still too much grey area to make mandations.

I'm not in favor of mandates of any kind. I do what I have to do to protect myself and others but I also allow others to make their own choices. I have family members and friends who are anti-vax all the way and I have others in my life who happily vaccinate.

The Influenza vaccine is not mandated, the Shingles vaccine is not mandated, the varicella is not mandated. Of course we can choose not to get a vaccine...but accommodations can be made as they have been. Masks, testing, titers. Our jobs are not threatened if we choose not to get certain vaccines. Some vaccines or proof of vaccine (titers) are required to be hired into a facility, some are not required. I have had my jabs....I know what's at stake and I "chose" to vaccinate. Again.....we should all have that right without fear of repercussions. Our colleagues will be losing their careers, their livelihood.

Yes...we are "mandated" to show proof of certain vaccines. There are many vaccines that are not mandatory. We have a right to choose. I've been an AN member since 2009. I'm not a frequent contributor.

I remember being taught in nursing school the rights of medication administration - Right patient Right medication Right dose Right route Right time Right documentation Right situation Right place RIGHT TO REFUSE. I also remember my nursing instructor stressing how important number 9 is and that we as nurses have a duty to ensure that the right to refuse any medical care or medication is honored and upheld. To advocate for our patients and protect them. Protect them from what you may ask? To protect them from other medical professionals and “people” who think they can bully, manipulate, control and dominate any patient to force a medication, procedure or any type of medical care. And wouldn’t you know that this RIGHT to refuse has been what I have had to defend more than anything? As an RN of more than a decade, I will forever support the right to choose and also the right to REFUSE any form of medical care. I can’t believe anyone feels that mandates of any form of medicine or medical practice or procedure is acceptable. Even more shocked that some nurses and NURSE LEADERS feel this is acceptable after a career of fighting for, defending and advocating for our patients rights. Forced healthcare is NOT healthcare and I stand for the freedom this country was founded on. I have stood for my patients right to choose. And now that nurses and other healthcare workers rights are being threatened, I stand for their right to choose as well. COERCION is not CONSENT.

Crazy but true....received an offer w/ more money, sign on bonus, COBRA paid. My employer asked what they could offer for my consideration of staying. MORE MONEY and a 4 day work week. They accommodated me. Stayed where I was. A year later, was recruited by the company I took back my acceptance from and now making more money w/ better hours and even a sign on bonus. Sometimes it pays to be sure of what you want and what you're willing to do to achieve it.