Should I tell my DON staff is unhappy?

[newrnltc]

hello all nurses!

I am still fairly new to my facility. 2 months in. I've gotten to know alot of the nurses there and think many are great. The sad thing is many of the best ones have told me things like "once I get my RN license I'm out of here".. or "I'm looking for a new job..they put so much work on us".."it's a thankless job the only time management calls you is if theres a problem"..

Actually when I first started they asked me why am I there.. One even said "get out while you can!" I stuck it out so far and try my best. But my question is should I mention this to the DON and see if something can be done for staff morale? Maybe see if there are ways work can be distributed more fairly? Many times we are understaffed and on top of our usual work there are always MDS and careplans waiting to be done. Some people (higher ups than floor nurses) do not offer much support or pull their weight. I was even warned and have seen, certain ones will hang you out to dry if things go wrong..Alot of nurses stay hours unpaid overtime just to finish..so much unhappiness...

In my previous facility an MDS nurse took care of MDS and careplan responsibilities. Honestly its very hard to pass meds, do tx, charge, chart and do MDS books. I asked them why don't they talk to the DON but they say that nothing ever changes...I am wondering if I should speak up but don't want to cause any trouble. What is the best way to get this issue across? I shudder at the thought that how once these nurses leave, the work day will be even worst for those that remain..Should I say something? I am kind of afraid to stick out in this way being that I am still fairly new but also want to be an advocate for my fellow coworkers and myself.

Thank you for your advice!

[caliotter3]

Unless there is something you want to say on your own, do not speak to the DON on the behalf of others. She is most likely very aware and all that would do would show her that you are the person with concerns. The others can speak for themselves. I learned that lesson the hard way. All of a sudden the complainer becomes Little Miss I'm Content Here when confronted with their own complaints. Just stay out of it.

[newrnltc]

Thanks caliotter3 for your quick response! After listening to yet another coworker complain today I was feeling all up in arms ready to ADVOCATE! but you verbalized my internal fears. I guess when employment is so hard to find noone wants to admit that they have trouble handling the assignments they are given..outrageous as they may be. As my supervisor says.. there are tons of nurses out there eager to take our place so we should be grateful! lol

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

I'm "just" a staff nurse now, but have seen it in both sides of the fence. If you are going to the DON, don't speak for the others because things can come back and bite you.

When I would have someone approach me with a problem or issue or complain, I used to ask them what their take was on the matter. Come with a potential solution. Sometimes when we are frustrated with the job, just venting to each other helps. Maybe this is what the others were doing? If they really want things to change..get together as a group and discuss how things can work better.

[newrnltc]

Thanks Michelle126. I will try to find out more from them. After a hellish day everyone is rushing to get out so I think it will be hard to have a sit down. I did joke that if they start a petition I will be glad to sign it. Perhaps they are just venting as you say. Its very hard to be the charge and see your staff disgruntled and complaining about their assignments but I left 3 hours late today due to admissions last hour of my shift while the rest of the day shift was long gone. Even though its a "24 hour facility" it still feels like your work never ends. Lord knows it will come back to bite you if you leave something out and you were in charge that day. I guess we all have our problems. Good luck to us all :/