RNBell

I fully agree that there is a disconnect between management and floor nurses. I think if the staff nurses had more of a voice there would be much greater job satisfaction, while it's getting better in some places, we still have a long way to go. And you have management who have zero hands on experience in healthcare IN CHARGE of the nurses - there is something the matter with that picture!

I work at an agency where we have all RN case managers and no staff RNs otherwise. So whoever we are assigned for clients, we see them on a regular basis. The best thing about home health is the goal of it all - to keep seniors and persons with medical needs in their homes, out of skilled nursing facilities. For myself, otherwise, I like the day shift, the freedom to make my own schedule, usually just seeing my patients and minding my own business. I like the flexibility - at our agency, if we are having a slow day, it's OK to take off early. We are paid on an hourly basis but typically work a set amount of hours per week (typically 32). The most difficult part of the job is the especially busy times - such as having numerous Oasis due, admissions, plus your usual visits - it can get to be a lot at times. The oasis and admits are more time-consuming. I don't mind the charting, but I like it better when I don't feel overwhelmed with a heavy caseload and charting that needs to be done yet. When starting out, It's important to know when to ask questions. I've been doing HH for ten years, and it's rewarding - but it can burn you out too. I do remind myself of the purpose often, and I feel better - it's such a great service to have available for people in need. It's nice to have knowledgeable co-workers --esp ones with hospital nursing experience. It takes a while to find a routine that works well for you and to understand all of the aspects of charting requirements - but all and all, it's a good gig.

I faced a similar situation when I first started my job. However, the attitude that I took was I'm here for my patients and if this person doesn't want to have a good coworker relationship then too bad. I decided to just do my best and try to let unpleasant comments roll off. If a comment or behavior became too bothersome I did make a note of it in a journal explaining the situation, in case the matter became too out of hand. Fortunately, I did not have to use the info because the situation eventually became better. However, had it not, and if the situation became unbearable or disrupted my ability to provide good patient care, I would have asked to sit with the nurse manager and the fellow nurse to discuss the problem.(using my written log of events to show the pattern of behavior and requesting it be to be stopped.)

Does anyone out there face the irritation of nurse manager's playing favorites??? Please share. I face this in my job, and this was apparent from day one. I've been at my current position for a couple of years and I feel I have a fairly good relationship with my nurse manager, but I can't help but notice the "buddy-buddy" favorotism that goes on. It's pretty bothersome sometimes.