nativenurse

Half and Half (Mom white) (Dad full-blood) Potawatomi. Adopted sister of the Southern Cheyenne (Fanman/Allrunners/Tall Bull) Strong sense of affiliation with Lakota due to childhood experiences. What more can one say; We are all related within the circle.

I guess this is all that is needed to join the circle? I'm Prairie Band Potawatomie (still maintain family and tribal relations) but call my childhood home town Rosebud - lived in Pine Ridge, White Shield, Fort Thompson - Now in Phoenix working with and for Natives - Have been a nurse for over 20 years.

I empathize totally. However, what I don't hear (or see) being offered are solutions. The patients that are hopitalized are not there by choice, but because they are sick. I applaud your desire to stay within a system that is abusing you - I am sure it is not only the hours. So, Here's some advice. WRITE!! I realize that time is an issue, but this is critical for your self, your coworkers and your patients. Each time you get an assignment that is not "safe", contact the house supervisor and/or the administrator. If there is a chain of command, give the letter detailing why the patient load is unsafe, the violations of JCAHO standards and other National Standards. (National Patient Safety Goals) Contact your State Board of Nursing for clarification of high acuity patients and only 1 R.N. State your concerns, be logical and write without emotion. State the facts. Write on behalf of the patient. It is the R.N. who is ultimately responsible for the NA's, LPNs and ancillary personnel. As an LPN, there are limits to your practice. Are you exceeding them? It is not the patient's fault the floor is understaffed, but it is their problem. When patients complain, advise them to call Administration (provide phone number) and the patient advocate. This is a risk, but there is an even larger risk if Administration is A) unaware because information is not given, and the "numbers" look good or B) they are able to turn a "Blind Eye" since there is little documentation to prove staff complaints. I sincerely hope and pray that a sentinel event does not occur. Unfortunately, severe events shine the light on negatives.

?So, does a Magnet attract? The P.R. is that having "Magnet Status" means a lower turnover, higher retention of nurses and staff, and improved patient care and satisfaction. Does this happen?