I really, really, really, wish I could find another job. Unfortunately, we do not have a huge nursing shortage in this very rural area and the jobs are just not out there.
The LTC I work for somehow managed to contract for one more agency nurse than they really have a position for. Lucky for them, the night shift CNA quit without notice, so they have a CNA position open, which they are going to use me to fill. So...for they next five to 18 weeks, I am going to be utlilized as a CNA. I don't mind once in a while (it is a nice break now and then), but for five weeks? They want me to keep doing all of the "nurse" things like weekly skin assessments, monthly summaries, chart audits, and MAR reviews. I can guarantee you that the CNAs I work with don't have time for any of that...somehow they expect me to find the time though. When the agency nurse's contract is up in five weeks, they are going to re-eval and if they can get a CNA great, but if they can only get another LPN, I will remain on the floor.
If they are going to pull me off charge for 18 weeks, I think I want orientation when I come back.
Specializes in geriatric, ltc, telemetry, med-surg.
Hello,
I am sorry you are having such a bad time of it at your facility, but take it from me, I have been in LTC for 18 yrs. and if you get hurt you can bet your on your own.
Also I would like to say, you need to learn right now to speak up for yourself because I would be telling them to get an agency CNA if they need one but if all they can get is a nurse then they need to be the ones to break it to the agency that they are looking for a CNA or Nurse willing to work as one because you shouldn't have to. I am concerned as to why they are doing this to you, something is just not right. I would have to wander why they would pay around $40-45 hr. for a nurse when they already have you and a CNA would cost less than half that. You need to stick to your guns and show them you are capable of being in charge and are not going to do part nurse part CNA when an agency nurse sits there and acts like a know it all. Good Luck to You,
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
Every now and then we would have huge call outs of CNAs. One nurse had to be a CNA for the day. Agency or not, we put everyone's name into the hat and pulled out the name...no favorites, no excuses. It was tough,back breaking work, but it gave the licensed staff a new appreciation for what the CNAs did every day.
It bothers me to hear nurses talking about "CNA" duties. Everyone is responsible for the care of patients regardless of title, but the RN is held accountable. Nurses are nurses and the duties of a CNA are in the scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse as well as a registered nurse. If a nurse is unable to perform the functions of a CNA, the nurse is not able to function as a nurse. We have RN's doing primary care nursing on a medical unit and the RN's are responsible for all aspects of care. Basic care is not just a duty performed by the CNA.
Specializes in LTC,Med surg-Telemetry,alzheimers,home h.
They should have let the agency nurse work as CNA, or told the agency they didnt need a nurse. If it was for a few days i wouldn't mind doing it. But for that long no way.
Specializes in geriatric, ltc, telemetry, med-surg.
I have no problem helping out but, think about how far it sets you behind it your other nursing duties. This has nothing to do with what we have talked about so far but I can't tell you how many times I have heard a group of cna's say Oh, man Melissa is working, I know I'll have an easy night. See for years I did most of their job while trying to do mine at the same time and finally learned that while I'm sure they liked me the used the H-ll out of me too. I am 42 now and there have been so many times that I have lifted with someone who couldn't or wouldn't that I am broke down like a mule. I also have several medical problems but my eyes finally opened when I had 3 ruptured discs and the cna's completely aware not only asked but expected me to do their job right along with them.
Here is another thought, while their setting there talking about nurses sitting on their asses charting and not helping them. Think about this, while we can and most often do help or do their jobs and put ourselves behind in our job, what are they doing while we are doing ours because they sure can't do it for us!!! I mean think about it, how many times have you gone to do a dressing on someone who has just been changed (accorrding to the cna) and cleaned just to find the BM is so caked on you have to spend 15 minutes just to change them before starting your tx. while the cna is out somewhere on the phone or with a cig. outside. Just an example of some of the stuff I have seen and done. I once had a cna tell me that they tend not to respect someone who they know will do there job for them because when the time comes that they are to busy to help out, the cna's get mad at them. Sorry for the ranting.
travel soon
108 Posts
Hello,
I am sorry you are having such a bad time of it at your facility, but take it from me, I have been in LTC for 18 yrs. and if you get hurt you can bet your on your own.
Also I would like to say, you need to learn right now to speak up for yourself because I would be telling them to get an agency CNA if they need one but if all they can get is a nurse then they need to be the ones to break it to the agency that they are looking for a CNA or Nurse willing to work as one because you shouldn't have to. I am concerned as to why they are doing this to you, something is just not right. I would have to wander why they would pay around $40-45 hr. for a nurse when they already have you and a CNA would cost less than half that. You need to stick to your guns and show them you are capable of being in charge and are not going to do part nurse part CNA when an agency nurse sits there and acts like a know it all. Good Luck to You,
Melissa