dlxrn

Of course the dad will be angrier. But does that mean that we ignore the situation because we worry he will be angry? No...that family needs alot of intervention and the first step is to get the Social Services Dept in there. YOu are not advocating for the child if you do not intercede on his/her part. Deep down...I think you know that. I really do not mean to be harsh....but just want to let you know...that the fact you recognize this child is not in the best of situations is commendable. The fact you reported the situation is also commendable....but you have to trudge on ...and do the right thing.

All I would say is "don't sell yourself short"..If the CNA will put money in your pocket..great! There are still many jobs out there for LPN's as well. You need to do some research to figure out the demand for LPNs in your area. Figure out the cost of CNA vs LPN in the long run. ANother thing to consider...and I know what you said about only "a year". BUt you could get a two year RN degree. AND...in our program...you could get certified as a CNA 1/2 way through..so you could work and continue your RN schooling. I know that it seems like quite a task..but I worked full time..went to school full time and was a single mom. PLease keep up the faith..work your butt off...and then sit back...and reap the rewards with your children. You will never regret it.

SO right! ANd if we knowingly allow the child to remain in these circumstances...we are just as guilty and liable. Look at the whole meltdown of the social services sector in Dc..and the deaths of those children left in the care of the mother...and these professionals KNEW!. Bottom line. you supervisor had no business having an interaction with the father. That is out of her realm. There has to be alot of documentation...of the care you provided for the child and the environment you observed the child to be in. I just wonder about leaving the pt that night when you perceived him to be uncomfortable. Maybe because I am a Hospice nurse and comfort is our number 1 priority. Perhaps you could have phoned the MD to discuss the pt with him/her because obviously the family is not advocating for the pt.

wow! What a sticky situation to be in. I agree with the others that management is in the "customer is always right" business. But...what about support for nursing...advocacy..to be more precise. DO you belong to a union? The bottom line is that despite how this turns out..and if you choose to continue employment at this facility...you have already been branded. Management will continue to look at you very closely...and who likes to work under that pressure? I know that leaving this current job might seem like an expression of guilt...but despite your careful (and legal) documentation, good nursing skills, and the fact you realized you misspoke when you "cussed" and immediately apologized....you have done everything right. Next question....is this worth it? Do you have alot vested in this company? Realize that you can sit and wait this out and continue to be the good nurse you know you are....or you can choose to eliminate this stress from your life...and move on..and learn from it. Nurses are in high demand. I really feel for you and your situation...and it is SOOO TOUGH to be on the side of the stick you are on. Please keep us updated and let us kow how this turns out. Best wishes!

I have the same question...no death visits? What about Hospice presence at time of death to provide SUPPORT? And who confirms the death..if the nurse is not present? I cannot imagine even half of our families not having us there..we are such a vital part of the death process.

And coming from a night shift Hospice triage/visit nurse with a night consisting of 3-5/deaths (on a busy night)...trying to do post-mortem care on each pt, answer the pager, and worrying about the fact that there are several others pts that had just died...unless the family asks about washing the pt..it is just not happening.

same..never had a prob with time on IV protonix!

I always consult with the family as this is their grieving period. Some families do not want the body touched or moved and other families want that favorie shirt or outfit on the patient. It is important to obtain consent to do so. Some cultures forbid the body for being touch for 6-8hrs....

I get paid a hourly rate ($30/hr) to do 30hrs triage/night visits on the weekends. Flat rate of $200 during week for evening of oncall-whether you have a visit or not. If one has more than 3 visits during shift, each additional visit is compensated at $75/hr. After hours admissions are compensated at $150/visit...but there is an admissions team already in place.

I have been where u are. I was a single mom, held two jobs (as an LPN)...and went to school...it was HELL!. I can say as the time went on, school got easier. It just depends on what type of LPN experiences you had that you can apply to school. But just know, there is a HUGE light at the end of the tunnel. I had realized that where I worked the RN's were making more money than me and doing the same job-minus the IVP's....anyway-you can get thru this and realize one day...you will have RN behind you name.