Sleeping on night shift in LTC

[Blackcat99]

Should I complain? The person will probably say things like " I worked a double shift and I just laid my head down on the table for a minute. Or "I wasn't feeling good so I thought it would be best if I just laid my head down for a minute". Or "I was on my break when I laid my head down on the table" All I know is that I have seen this person with her head down on the table several times and she is fast asleep. She doesn't work on my station. Should I just "mind my own business"?

[txnurse01]

I do. I believe in CYA but also if its not affecting me then why bother. As long as pt care is done. I just learned that the hard way

[Mn nurse 22]

We are mandated reporters and this is a vulnerable adult issue. If you don't report it you can get in trouble too, though you should start by gently waking up the nurse and ask if she wants a cup of coffee or to go for a quick walk, out for some fresh air etc. after you have confronted her nicely, then of course speak to management.

[caliotter3]

Our house supervisor would look right at the sleeping nurse when other nurses and CNAs would talk about her. The supervisor never said why she would do nothing about it.

[bethann2727]

Sometimes it's because the person has to work two jobs (day & night shift) to make ends meet. Some house supervisors will overlook the "naps" if pts are clean, dry and sleeping & someone is catching the call lights. Right or wrong that's just how it goes.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

I have worked two different places that had no UNpaid break, specifically so they could control your behavior, requiring no napping, no leaving etc.

If she is on her lunch break and her residents are covered, she should be able to nap. She is NOT being paid for that half-hour, so she should be able to do whatever she wants (within legal limits and facility policy, of course).

Check your facility's P & P manual if you're curious as to whether it's OK to nap on breaks. Obviously, if she's neglecting her residents or sleeping past the end of her breaks/lunch, she needs to be brought to the attention of her supervisor, who can help her sort out what's wrong and what can be done to keep her awake at night. There could be any one or a combination of things going on that's making her sleep-deprived; that's why it's so important to turf this issue to someone up the line and not contribute to gossip. After all, no one really knows why this employee is having trouble staying awake, and it's not really anyone's business. JMHO.