amt838

As an RN BSN CEN for over 40 years I have seen the decline in respect in nursing over the years.There was a short period in the late nineties that nursing had a surge in pay and respect,But since we are almost back where we started.The only things that are missing are giving my chair up for a Physician and smoking on the units. Nursing has come back to being able to cover medication,unit clerk activities,unsafe staffing all in a days work.I work for the Commonwealth which makes things even worse.They still do mandatory OT despite it being against the law.They cut our staffing,The emptied out the local state prison hospital,murders many anti-socials,sexual offenders.No extra staff or correction officers were provided. To shorten this hundreds , yes hundreds of staff were injured within the first two years of this facility opening. Staff was choked,3 patients committed suicide.Staff had limbs broken.Sometimes patients saved staff. Now in its fourth years,despite union ,elected official,staff,state police complaints the hospital continues status quo.Now those experienced nurses in my age group are the ones out on workmen's Comp.No new staff will stay with the conditions.Do you agree they don't care about us? I was assaulted with LOC on Aug 3 2015 determined by the court to be disabled (40% work man's comp and 60% violence ) I still have not seen it yet.They immediately filed an appeal.Meanwhile I have severe PTSD and am paying out of pocket using savings,cashing in what I can.They care about us?

I work for the state and you can can use your personal time by calling in up until 2 hours before the start of the shift.The thing that concerns me about working until 11 and coming back in at 5am is there is not 8 hours between shifts.This may not be legal.Check with you states labor board.

The only time we use artane is more with clients with Parkinson or Parkinson like syndromes.It has more of the muscle relaxation and for akathesia. Cogentin doesn't do well with these people.Sometimes they will use it in people with like CP or MS any of the muscle disorders.

I have worked For DMH for the past 14 years.I came to work after 28 years in the ER where I was burnt out and figured I would have a State pension with insurance when I retired.I would never work for the state again.Yes it is very very toxic.If I had it to do over I would have stayed in the ER or go to the VA.The state does care about your safety.The union can help some if your union is active.I was assaulted Aug 3 2015 went out on w/c but went back to work that month.We now have patients from the state prison because they are to hard for them to manage.Did we not get COs or extra staff?No we got picked off like flies.I was assaulted again in Feb 2016 by being threatened to be killed and by every which way he could it.I again went out on W/C but after 3days they denied the claim because I was not physically assaulted.Last I knew the law is that is assault. I am waiting for a court day.During this time they have tried to cut off my counseling,called to to ask about patient belongings from Apr.(I've been out since Mar)called me to come to work tried to cancel my health insurance.I had to see their Doctors.Any way they can be nasty.Intercepted my mail from staff sending my belongings home.It is not going to get any better working for the state.Get out of there while you are not vested.!!

I graduated from nursing school in 1977 and I can still remember my first code.He was a gentleman who had a total knee who shot a PE when we were returning him to bed.I still feel the same anxiety when I think of him.Since then I spent 28 years in the ER and 14 years in psych.I can't remember all the codes I've participated in while in the ER,But I remember the room,his face removing his dentures and who was with me when he coded.There are some things that are always with you.

Worcester Recover Center and Hospital used to be Worcester State Hospital

I don't know if you are still following your comments at this time or not but group on Providence has a special this week on all things Psych online.Also WRCH has ongoing classes for providers in the state.

When you find out what the plan is please share.I am so tired of being abused by the administration,patients,coworkers.March was my final straw.I have had a wonderful career since 1977 and did not want it to end this way.Many years in the ED,as a consultant for DMR and finally working for DMH for the state.I didn't know the facility I was working at was suddenly going to be changed to accommodate prisoners from a state prison facility.We would not have COs or extra staff.I was assaulted twice since August along with many of my peer RNs. At 60 years of age PTSD is real along with the physical effects.The state has been horrible trying to discredit myself and other nurse's as "Psych issues are to hard to prove".Our jobs have been threatened.We have had to see state MDs. Our benefits have been cut off as our issues are not related to our assaults.Our union has filed grievances.Our lawyers are active.I am too afraid to go back even if I was mental able at this time.