Norco250

Hi, I am working at an undisclosed location as a psychiatric UNE here in Alberta. While my experience has been less then stellar and the period is winding down at the end of next week, I have a few questions that I have accumulated over the summer. Now I have read both the ahs and covenent job descriptions, but they are very vague in some places. 1. Supervision. According to the documents for both agencies, there is a designated supervisor each shift for a UNE. I've worked two different units, with a total of 3 buddy shifts between the two. Every other shift (full time) - I have had no one specific designated to report to. This means if I have a question or need a Narc signed I grab a random nurse and hope they are nice enough to help me. From what I've seen on paperwork there is actually supposed to be a dedicated supervisor for each shift.. right? Furthermore I saw something saying that all UNEs are supposed to be directly supervised until determined that their skills are up to snuff. The only thing of mine that has been supervised was someone reading my charting once on a buddy shift. That was it. 2. Am I supposed to be an extra staff or am I replaced an RN/RPN. I have a set schedule and am technically extra most days, but when staff call in sick I am expected to be the replacement RN/RPN for them - which is quite often. The problem is on psych, there is a lot of aggressive patients, and we (UNE's) are not really supposed to be hands on in take downs despite taking the defense training. This has led to staff not wanting the UNE to be a replacement staff as it is not safe for staff or patients. Which I would agree, though I would step in if needed of course. However, staff telling management that they don't think a UNE should be replacing an RN has led to management thinking I must not be good enough or something. Are UNE's actually supposed to replace an RN/RPN? 3. Patient numbers: I've seen on the forums a 4 patient max rule. I haven't found that in any documentation. I've been having 5 patients and am expected to take 7 like the rest of the staff should the situation arise that there is that many patients available for me. Not that I am complaining.. I was just wondering if there is actually a max. Anyone who can find me some actual documentation for these questions would be superstars. Just so I can make some informed comments on whatever review I have to fill out when I'm done.