Needing to vent (long)

[LatinaRN1971]

I work at a Pediatric Psych Residential Treatment Facility. The majority of the clients there have behavioral issues, but we do have some with mental health issues as well. I really love working with the kids, but lately I have been feeling like I am one of few who actually is there for the right reasons...not just there for a paycheck. One of the problems I see is staff not treating the clients the way they are supposed to. I have personally seen staff instigate situations with the clients that ultimately result in the client being physically restrained. I have overheard staff members...including other nurses...saying inappropriate things about the clients. When I say inappropriate I mean I can't even say them on here because that is how bad they are. I have complained to the DON as well as the staff supervisor on numerous occasions without any response. I have witnessed nurses covering up med errors...signing off on meds they never gave...giving wrong doses, but since they cover their butts I can never prove it. I am starting to feel like the DON just sees me as someone who just likes to complain just for the sake of complaining. I truly am not that kind of nurse, but I do feel like my complaints go unheard. I hate to say it, but I need to find somewhere else to work. I only have stayed as long as I have because I really do like working with the kids. I don't know what else to do. Sorry it was so long...I really did need to vent...thanks for reading.

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

No problem. Venting is good. Yes, time to look elsewhere for your own mental health. Before you leave, document all that you have witnessed. After you leave, blow the whistle by contacting your appropriate state agencies. This place may need investigated and cleaned up...via an outside party. Even after you are gone, you can still have a positive impact for these patients...by being their advocate.

My best to you.

[LatinaRN1971]

Thanks Thunderwolf...I am already ahead of you. I have been keeping notes since day one and plan on contacting the state with the information I have. I hoped that things would get better for the sake of the kids, but since I am thinking of them I need to report what I've seen. Thanks again!!

[Jules A, MSN]

You have gotten great advice. I'd just add that there are times when we are venting in the nurses station about the kids in a manner that isn't the most professional but we do not take it out on the floor. It is more of a way to let off steam and be ready to go back out there with a smile. Uunfortunately there are some staff that are not the most theraputic at my facility either but for the most part my co-workers are fantastic so I try to work around the ones that need improvement. I wish you all the best, your new job will be lucky to get you.