BreeLPN2RN

I've been in nursing almost 30 years mostly in LTC. I've worked six years where I'm at now 3-11 shift at a 100 bed SNF and ICF facility. It has steadily gotten harder and harder to finish on time. We now do our own admissions, sometimes new admits coming in after 8 p.m. on weekends, during out busiest med pass. A few weeks ago we got FOUR admissions on our shift and were at work until almost 3 a.m. trying to finish up. NO one from upper nursing management will come in to help or stay over to help. It has become a nightmare with not enough staff, not enough supplies, increased charting, etc....I'm working only 3 evenings a week now and almost always can't clock out until 1 a.m. or later, as does everyone else on our shift. I feel so bad for the residents. It's not fair to them that we don't have and can not keep enough help. We are a five star facility. I don't know how - except we can put on a good show when state is here!!! The place is beautiful and puts on a good front. All of our dept. heads, office staff, activities, etc. HAVE to become a CNA...why? They don't help pass trays, answer call lights or take anyone to the bathroom...BUT, it looks good on paper that we have so many CNA's! Thank God the nursing staff we do have get along great and help each other and no one leaves until we are all finished. I guess it's probably the same everywhere and I should be grateful I even have a job. If I had it to do over, I would NOT have went into nursing...no...no...no.

Never mind.... :)

It's amazing how one small kindness can uplift a persons morale or brighten their day. Even a smile can make a big difference to someone who's having a bad day. Thank you for the post....it brightened MY day.

Keep us posted on the outcome!

I think people try to analyze too much.

If it were me, it would be job A. But, you need to decide for yourself. Please let us know which one you choose!! Good luck to you.

I didn't work in nursing for 9 years. I called the TN BON and all I had to do was 45 hours CEU's. I did it all online and mailed copies to the BON. Got reinstated in one week. I guess different states may have different requirements.

You absolutely did the right thing! What is your DON's problem??? Did she say why you should not have given it?

2-3 weeks isn't enough orientation for a new grad who's not worked on the floor before. Our facility gives at least 4 weeks and more if needed.

You are a beautiful writer. I could actually visualize the scenario you were describing. Such a sweet posting, thank you.

I took 9 years off of nursing. I started my own online horse supply business, which I still run (almost 12 years). Last year I went back to LTC three days a week (3-11) & love it. I plan on continuing both jobs. I've been a nurse 24 years.

This is something I would be very interested in also. I'm self motivated & have had a non-nursing online business for 12 years.

If I didn't need the money, I probably wouldn't work. I do enjoy my job, my patients and my coworkers, though.

At our facility, if a skilled resident is gone longer than 24 hrs and come back, they are considered a new admit.

Wow!! You are awesome!!