spitfire99

OK, so some of this is a vent but I just have to ask how your PACU is handling low census days. We are a staff of 5, covering the PACU, 24/7/365. Most of us work 12 hr shifts with a couple working 8 hr shifts or a combination there of. All of us are half time with the exception of 1 who is FT in PACU, another nurse has a half time job in our outpt surgery center (making her FT overall). Our current staff configuation is 2-12 shifts (8a-830p) and one 8 hr (930-6). So...here's the rub. To date, we have maintaind an LCD log, you put in your hours lost and then keep a running total. The charge RN then reviews the schedule, looks at who has lost the most hours and decides on who gets an LCD day (the one with the fewest hours lost). Problem is...we have 2 RN's who "can't work" additional hours; ex. it is the 12 hr RN's turn to be LCD, but then the 8 hr nurse says..I can't work late or I can't come in early...blah, blah, blah. And then b/c she can't work, is LCD as the 12 hr RN is willing to work! Then the 8 hr shift RN (who took the LCD b/c she couldn't adjust her schedule) complains about losing work. The same 2 RN's won't sign up for 12 hr shifts as it's "too hard" or it interferes with their personal life i.e. the beach, etc. Another RN, when in charge, allows favorites to work and LCD others, whom "she" perceives doesn't need to work (me!). UGH!!! Our manager has come up with an elaborate system based on percentage of hours worked vs. percentage of hours scheduled. Makes a ton of sense if you have nothing to do but review payroll!!! I/we have tried splitting shifts but then we get the I can't come in early or I don't want to work late...UGH!!! Pulllease!! And of course the full time person believe she is entitled to ALL of her hours b/c those that are part time "don't need the work!" Oh, and the FT gal who splits her time between the PACU and the otpt surgery center believe her hours lost at the outpt center should count in our LCD log???? Can you see the mess?? So...I'm looking for your rules/formula, etc to determine LCD days & how you handle RN's who do not want to work different hours than scheduled? Thank you in advance...

Thank you for your insights!

I have the following books: 1. Perianesthesia Nursing by Drain (purple, 4th ed) 2. Review book by Puctrycus (purple one) and 3. Post Anesthesia Nursing by Litwack (older book, great on blocks, etc). I have worked in PACU x 8-10 years, been an RN for > 20 yrs and just completed my BSN. I'm hearing horror stories about nurses failing the cert. exam. Did you take any of the practice exams by ASPAN? I have looked over their recommended study guide/schedule but am wondering how long you studied, how you focused your studies, etc. I'm considering taking the exam this Spring but wanted to get some feedback before I register. I've heard of nurses studying for more than 6 months & failing, thus I'm concerned about my window of time prior to the Spring exam period. Any counsel you can provide will be greatly appreciated.