Should I speak up, or keep my mouth shut??

[CareBayer]

I am a new nurse....I will be done with precepting (out on my own) starting Monday. Already I am our unit's representative on the hospital's quality and research committee. Because of this position, I will also be attending our unit's shared decision-making meetings. One of the big concerns on our floor (and on EVERY hospital floor) is staffing. Our patient load is way too high. From what I have been hearing, our unit director is all about keeping our budget nice and small....essentially, she does not care about our patient load.

So far, I have kept my mouth shut....BUT I am not one to complain without taking action. Should I address this issue (as a brand-new nurse) at our next shared-decision making meeting, which our unit director will be attending? OR should I keep my mouth shut and go with the flow for awhile until I get more experience? I don't want my outspokenness to work against me so early in my career.

Thanks for your advice!!

[medsurgrnco, BSN, RN]

I suggest keeping a low profile for the time being, watching closely the office politics on the floor, and not joining in with the complaining. I've found hospitals don't like new staff to immediately try to make improvements. They are probably well aware of the staffing issue and are choosing not to address it.

[ebear, BSN, RN]

For now, keep your mouth shut. You don't want to run the risk of getting on somebody's doo-doo list right off the bat. Get a lot more experience and learn the politics first. If you're not careful, politics can be deadly...

[leslie :-D]

i definitely agree w/others.

lay low.

get to know your environment and the players.

too darned soon to be making enemies.

leslie

[VegRN]

Agree with the others, lay low for now.

[SaderNurse05, BSN, RN]

I would be especially wary since they put you, as a new person, on this committee. I 'm all for new ideas but I would be suspicious... watch your back.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

You HAVE to know the lay of the land before you start staking claims because these sacred cow situations usually remain. When you see who comes in, look at who sits with whom, if the chairperson is really the chairperson, or are they being influenced or henpecked by another committee member? Some people just like to go to these meetings to get away from their place of work, others have serious intentions. Sometimes, they are forced to be there, and they are only being bothered not to be harassed. You are too new of a nurse to possibly need people to start making early waves. Self preservation IS the law of the land.

[Iconoclast]

I agree with all the others. I would also add to keep documentation. You can't go in there 6 months from now and say "We always have too many patients, once I even had 13...." Dates, times, acuity levels. Document all of it.

Good luck.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Opening your mouth at this point in your new job would equate to career suicide.

Don't do it. Don't shed unnecessary attention in your direction. This hospital will likely have staffing issues whether you are employed with them or not.

Due to workplace politics, management has a cunning way of portraying vocal newbies as "troublemakers." They can (and will) conjure up anything possible to see you gone.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Keep a low profile. Keep your records as suggested by other posters. Be aware, you were thrown to the wolves. This has to be an ongoing issue, one that long time staff is tired of fighting and are allowing you to take the heat for awhile. I would be a mouse for awhile.

[Jeffthenurse]

Why would they have put you on that committee if they didn't want your opinion? Perhaps they feel you have leadership potential, may want you to learn something by being on that committee, and feel that you may have something worthwhile to contribute. I would suggest you listen during the first few meetings but after that, you should contribute and try to help your colleagues who are counting on you. It's a good leadership role for you.