Read this email my NM sent to all the nurses.

Published

"Nurses,

It has come to my attention that BREAKS are being taken at the BEGINNING of the shift DURING BUSY times on the unit. This is unacceptable and it is the responsibility of each staff member to come to work prepared to work and NOT shop online, take multiple breaks, and gossip. It is very unprofessional to be socializing LOUDLY at the nurse's station and I will not tolerate it. I need staff that are committed to making this the best unit and providing the BEST care. The charge nurse and myself do not have time to babysit and instruct you on how and when to do your job. The charge nurse is responsible for leading the team and if she feels at any time that a particular staff member is not performing standard care, she will not hesitate to take action and dismiss the staff member from work for the rest of shift without pay with instruction to follow up with me before returning. Please forgive me in advance to the staff dedicated and prepared to work full throttle each shift, this email is not directed to you."

...........

Really? This is the kind of work environment I have to deal with. Does this sound like something any manager should say? I had to laugh to myself reading this. Your thoughst?

Eh, I dunno about that. What's the difference in the charge nursing telling you to go home without pay because the census is low and someone has to leave....and her telling you to go home because you are acting like a 3rd grader?

Either way, the charge nurse feels your services aren't needed at that moment. The nurse manager has said they have the authority to make that decision. I guess the charge nurse could call the nurse manager, get her on the phone, and have the nurse manager tell the employee to go home. What's the difference? The charge nurse is still the one making the decision.

I don't see why anybody would be worried about this unless they are one of the ones who are surfing the internet or taking breaks when their patients haven't been cared for properly.

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This is not a "legal" issue, though. This is the workplace, if someone "in charge", or a designated supervisor, asks you to leave then you leave. This is how every job I have ever worked, Nursing included, dealt with these issues. I see no problem with it.

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I think everyone on this site just likes to play devil's advocate. Odd responses...

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I think everyone on this site just likes to play devil's advocate. Odd responses...
Really not so odd. Perhaps what you weren't expecting? You are in the thick of it. Maybe others' opinions will help put the issue into perspective.
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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.
I think everyone on this site just likes to play devil's advocate. Odd responses...

How are we doing that? The NM sees a problem and is doing something about it. Now I am not saying you are doing this but usually people don't get upset unless they are guilty. If you are not one of the people she is talking about, why get worked up over it?

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How are we doing that? The NM sees a problem and is doing something about it. Now I am not saying you are doing this but usually people don't get upset unless they are guilty. If you are not one of the people she is talking about, why get worked up over it?

I guess...I was just looking for some thoughts. I personally just do my job and leave. I need to find somewhere else to work. So many problems on that floor... so I guess I'm looking at this as one MORE problem on top of a lot of others.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.
I guess...I was just looking for some thoughts. I personally just do my job and leave. I need to find somewhere else to work. So many problems on that floor... so I guess I'm looking at this as one MORE problem on top of a lot of others.

I can see that, I stated in my original post there must be major issues.. Maybe the NM is now seeing the issues and working to fix them.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

I really do resent communications like this one. Deal with the people who are the problem, I don't want to hear it. Do your job as a manager and stop threatening the whole department when you really should be dealing with the work ethic problems of the individuals who prompted this e-mail! Sheeesh, it shouldn't be this hard.

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My current & soon to be former supervisor sends emails like this all the time. One person will do something wrong, and a mass email will go out reprimanding the whole department. This communication should be in-person, not a general email to all staff. She sure is brave hidden behind her keyboard! Fortunately, my last day of work at my current place of employment is tomorrow!

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I believe that is called the "Charge Nurse Manifesto".

If the charge nurses and the NM really mean it, then maybe things will change.

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I think everyone on this site just likes to play devil's advocate. Odd responses...

I look at it this way. If you aren't doing any of the things that she is emailing about and that can get you sent home without pay then the letter and what you boldly highlighted shouldn't bother you.

Most workplaces have rules. If you can't abide by them then you usually suffer the consequences. Why should nursing be any different.

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I commend the NM for sending out communication which states all the problems. She/he does need to follow up and show a strong presence on the floor and make good on her word to change things. I agree though that many times, the people who NEED to read the emails/signs, etc. don't, so a more direct approach is often the best method. There is nothing that kills morale quicker than working in a unit where slack behavior is allowed and nothing is ever said or done. The taking breaks in the morning, used to KILL me. 7-9 is hands down the worst time to take breaks and is just poor. Talking loudly around patient rooms is just rude. I understand its important to have fun at work, but there is nothing worse than being a patient and trying to sleep/stay calm and hear a bunch of that. JMHO

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