grooveyredhead

I am an RN; I employ 12 CNA's. One NA alledgedly asked another NA to get her methamphetamine and also alledgedly was verbally abusive to a geriatric resident. It was reported to me by the accuser. It spread like wildfire amongst the 12. I called the Hotline, as we are all mandatory reporters. I got a letter in the mail from the NCQAC alledging unprofessional conduct on my part. Their bases was that if I was overseeing the caregivers this would not have happened. This caregiver who alledgedly did these things worked for me for 2 and 1/2 years and I never suspected her of drug use or abuse of any resident. My investigation turned up nothing but the accusers statement. I am baffled by this turnaround. I cannot control what the caregivers say to each other and I cannot control allegations, true or false. I need help! What should my response be to the accusation against me? This is really going to make it tough for me to call the Hotline again.

No, you are not a terrible person. Not everyone is a nurse. I am one of those nurses you hate right now. I love being a nurse and I knew I was a nurse from the time I was small. I would not be anything else. However, I went to school with two women who sounded just like you. They completed the program due to pressure from loved ones. Neither of them has ever worked as a nurse. They are both RN's. The thing that stumped me was why anyone would finish nursing school hating it so much. They were both in the top of the class and could have succeeded at anything, so why do something you hate. I guess I just couldn't relate to the kind of pressure that would lock me into something I hated. You are not a nurse but that does not make you a bad person. Now go do something you love. It's YOUR life.

Re: My husband works for me. I am an RN who owns and operates an AFH (Adult Family Home). I am in the process of buying a second AFH. My partner (together 35 yrs.) and my daughter work for me. Its a family affair. We work very well together for the most part. I really could not do this without their help. However, sometimes I ask myself what the hell am I doing. When we are all under alot of stress at the same time it can be hell. Emotions run high, and everyone wants to unload. One thing I've learned is to just let everyone have his or her say even when I feel like I am right and don't really have time to listen. When I stay calm and listen it really helps to defuse the situation more quickly so that we can all get on with our very important work. Also, I just recently worked in a facility part time where there were at least 3 couples who all worked together. I don't recall there being a problem or anyone saying anything negative. As a matter of fact, because they were couples working together it appeared to me that they enjoyed their work more and conferred with each other (2 heads are better than 1) regarding their patients. I don't see the problem if you have no authority over him. Some people, unfortunately, try to find something to complain about. Ignore the gossip and the nay-sayers and enjoy your work. Peace, Granny

I went back to school at age 47 and graduated from RN school at age 50. I was basically homeless and was given a grant. Lived with my kids during part of my schooling. You can do it. Go to the mirror, look yourself square in the eyes and say -- I am a powerful and worthy woman and I am capable of achieving anything I want! Grannynursetoo

It took me a while after becoming an RN to feel comfortable in my role. I remember and thank the nurses who were patient with me and gave me good advice in a helpful and supportive way. I also remember the nurses who treated me like I was an incompetent idiot. I chose to listen to the former. It seems clear to a seasoned nurse what should be done and how to prioritize. A new nurse often feels overwhelmed and incompetent. I agree, 4 hours is way too long no matter who the pt. was, yet you can be a positive force in this case and help a struggling newby not to make this mistake again. She obviously needs some supportive guidance. Be the one!!!!

Your mom is a smart woman. You an obedient child:rolleyes: :balloons:

I was born a nurse. I knew it from the time I was a little kid. Grew up in a project. 11 Bros & sisters. They were my guinea pigs. I always patched them up. Once removed a bullet from my lil bros. leg. Didn't finish HS. Dove headfirst into the 60's and 70's. Married at 18. Two kids at 20. Low paying jobs. Poor & neurotic. At 43 went to live in Oregon forests for 3 yrs. in a 15' trailer. Returned, took care of dying mother with Hospice support. Mother died. I had an epiphany. Divorced. Went to school. RN grad at 50. Agency Nurse. Transitional Care Nurse. Currently own/operate AFH. There was a nurse living inside of me my whole life. Thank karma, I let her out. Oh, I am back with my X (childhood sweetheart). Still neurotic and a hippy at heart. Oh, and a nurse too. P.S. I want to get my BSN now. Please, let me hear from some BSN's out there. What is the best way to pursue this next goal of mine?

Hello fellow nurses, I have just registered here at allnurses. I do not belong to a nurses org., yet after reading the many e-mails I am definitely planning to research and join at least one or two to start. I have been searching for a nurses forum for some time. Peace, ttktqt