Something to think about

[crs1965]

I work 12 hrs in a LTC. Due to low census and lack of staff, the 2-10 nurse has to relieve me at the end of my shift, at 6p, leaving her with 2 halls. The other day when she came in, she found out this would be happenong again. No it's nothing new. She had taken over my hall the night before, and we have been dong this for months. However, she refused to clock in until either another nurse would come in or someone stayed over. Either way, I had no relief. Administration was called and all they said was to call someone in. Several were called and all said no. Finally, a few minutes after 2p, I said I would stay. She clocked in. I worked 14 1/2 hrs that day because of a tantrum! I'm sure this will happen again. I was wondering if this is even legal on her part? I wouldn't have left at the end of my shift because it's abandonment. But when she refuses to clock in should be considered the same? What's your thoughts?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I was wondering if this is even legal on her part?

As long as your coworker has not received report and assumed care for any of the residents, she is not legally obligated to stick around.

[systoly]

in my state, leaving at the end of the shift is not abandonment

the BON specifically states it's a staffing issue

many a manager or scheduler would like to have staff believe

it's abandonment, but at least in my state that's just not true

[crs1965]

Thanks guys for the comments. It's frustrating because I never know for sure when I'm going home. And to think that all you have to do is have a tantrum and 'poof' you get your way. It's not fair to the residents or the staff that this kind of behavior goes unnoticed!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It's not fair to the residents or the staff that this kind of behavior goes unnoticed!

This is true, but we will always have coworkers who are so self-absorbed to the point that they only care about themselves, even at the expense of everyone else.

[systoly]

maybe i'm missing something, but i don't see

were the problem is

the other nurse is on site

admin is aware of the situation

you call admin again and tell them

"I called everyone on the list, but so far no one has comitted,

I'm leaving a written report at the station" and you leave