tangerine

Your instinct is correct. Most LTC facilities have a high nurse/patient ratio, so your feelings are right on target. I am an LPN at one of these LTC facilities, and I am running out of fingers and toes, as to how many "supervisors" have come and gone in approximately a period of 5 years. With job A, you will be pulled here there and everywhere. You may even (are you ready?) have to take a med cart, if any LPN calls in sick, and they cannot find a replacement. I have literally seen and heard a grown adult RN supervisor, go into the bathroom and YES, cry, because she had to take a cart. No amount of sick days, or pay will compensate you for stepping into a roll that many seasoned RN's don't know how to manage. Very sorry for any RN reading this, for this is often the case. So, long story short, take Job B, count your blessings, and welcome to nursing.

Thank you Prickly Pear and Bob for your replies. I did speak to my RN charge nurse today, she asked Where this was said, and it was next to the patient, in his room, and she said, that was ok, because, the patient was present, and did not object to his Grandaughter's questions, and my reply. So, I feel better about the situation, and I have also learned from this. What is surprising, is how quickly, something can go from being professional to questionable. Very thin line sometimes, especially where HIPPA is concerned. Thank you again, I appreciate your responses to my concern. )

You are not alone in this topic! I have worked LTC for 5 years now, and in MANY of these facilities the CNA'S DO think they run the floor. I, personally, do not like to write anyone up, however, since, they do not run the floor, and they do not always do as they are suppose to do, the need to write them up, is necessary. Many CNA's will walk all over you, if they perceive your kindness as weakness. It is a very thin line nurses walk with them. Some CNA's are worth their weight in gold, and some are not. One thing is clear, or should be, and that is the Patient. The PATIENT is the top priority, and some employees have a hard time remembering why they are in the building. It is NOT about them, though, some seem to think the entire floor revolves around them. It does not. If this sounds stern, it is, to those employees, who like to sit at the desk and do crossword puzzles, and eat, and talk and talk. Does this happen? Of course, it does. Do we, as nurses have a responsibility to not let it get out of hand? Yes, we do. As, I mentioned, earlier, this is a very thin line, and if weakness on your part is shown or perceived, some employees, will take it to the max. Do not allow some employees to change your goals or your ambitions. If you treat your co-workers in a respectful manner, you should receive no less in return. Will there be those who challenge you? Yes, without a doubt. How you choose to deal with this situation, time and again (it WILL happen more than once in your career), will ultimately, show your character. Good luck, with your career and your choices.

Hello to Allnurses.com I have been searching for a site, such as this, and am in need of advice. So, if you can, please help, and thank you in advance. I am an LPN almost 30 years now. Here is my question, of which I am very concerned. I recently had a grandaughter of a patient of mine. Here is the scenario: She wanted to know why her Grandfather seemed "out of it". She had also, asked, if I could give her a list of the meds he was on, and a few other questions. I asked her if she had a privacy code, she did not. My mistake, came out when she said to me, "Why does my Grandfather seem so out of it"? Is it the medications? I said, it may have to do with the CVA. The minute I said that I knew I should not have. It just came out, I have NO excuse for saying that. He HAD a HISTORY of a CVA, I did not mean it was a new CVA. I then, said, she would need a privacy code, I could not discuss more with her. I KNOW, I slipped. Now, to all the nurses reading this, what do you think? Have I violated the patient's rights in any way? Please think this over, and let me know, from a professional level, and without emotion (I already have that with this issue). Thank you for any advice or comments.