Staffing concerns - short vent

[OklaLPN]

I don't know what eveyone else's working conditions are...just my latest experience. It seems lately, that the CNA's are not calling in when going to be late, ill, ill child, etc. They just don't show up or call!!! I do know that management treats the CNA's horribly and it just burns me up. The nurses have met as a group effort to talk with management regarding our concerns, but, as usual, get the regular reply, "They just don't want to work". These CNA's work their rears off and with no overtime allowed. I am so thankful that the CNA's who do come to work really put their hearts into their work. Please know that you are sooooo appreciated and I tell you that every day that we work together..

But, it is getting to the point where we are having to work so short each shift, that my med pass, treatments, orders and other paperwork, get way behind. I end up with overtime and then I am chewed out. I'm so ready to write my letter of resignation, as I feel my license is on the line, everytime I clock in. It's getting to the point where I check before clocking in, to see if I am going to have staff for my shift.

If I decide to look for another job and resign from this position, is there a tactful way, to let management know that I am leaving, due to the CNA shortage and treatment? I know what I would really like to say...LOL!!!

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

Dear (insert supervior),

I am tendering my 2 week notice. My last day will be (2 weeks from date). I feel that the way the nursing staff, CNA's most notably, are treated is so disrespectful that I can no longer provide you my services with a clear conscience.

Respectfully,

Ima Nurse, LPN

Or, something along those lines. I fought long and hard to get more staffing on my shift, (nocs), but was always met with the line "It's not in the budget". This, coming from the place famous for waaaaaay too many Chiefs and precious few Indians. I had 7 (that's s-e-v-e-n) people over me on a 60 bed unit. (Including the DON and ADON) ????? Anyway, I feel ya, and don't blame you for wanting out. It's hard to see good people treated like crap all of the time. Good luck to you.

[sasha2lady]

I know this feeling all too well also. I am charge nurse on my shift 3-11 and frequently what happens is that we have call ins w/ cna's..and our policy which was formed by the don is never ever followed. the most call ins are for 3rd cnas and more times than not they are ncns and nothing is ever done until the other cnas or myself push for something to be done.....which as necessary as it is i hate to be involved in all that drama b/c i come out as the bad guy alot of times. I had a cna who tried to call in when she was supposed to have already been at work and she said she didnt have a babysitter...i told her i wasnt accepting her call in and gave her the don's number and told her she'd have to call the boss b/c no sitter wasnt acceptable since she knew weeks, days and hours in advance that she would have to be at work that night. eventually the boss gets tired of phone calls from ppl wanting to call in and does something.

[systoly]

Why do you want to tell management why you're leaving - you already know they're not listening. Telling them the real reason for your rsignation will not change a thing on the floor, they won't cry over you, but rather label you a complainer. In the end, this can only have negative effects on you. And while you're probably not at all planning on ever working there again, you never know, so why close a door that can be left open, no matter how unlikely it may seem right now. I'm all for fighting for a better work environment, but there's no charge of the light brigade in my battle plan.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Why do you want to tell management why you're leaving - you already know they're not listening. Telling them the real reason for your rsignation will not change a thing on the floor, they won't cry over you, but rather label you a complainer. In the end, this can only have negative effects on you. And while you're probably not at all planning on ever working there again, you never know, so why close a door that can be left open, no matter how unlikely it may seem right now. I'm all for fighting for a better work environment, but there's no charge of the light brigade in my battle plan.

While I certainly understand why you would wish to inform them of why you're REALLY leaving, I have to agree more with systoly, that this may have more of a negative impact on you than expected. What if you have to use this place as a reference? Usually, if you have been at one job for some time, you want to show that you've been working instead of gaps between. Also, administration is just as mobile...you may run into one of them in the new place you work and word of mouth will precede you.