should i stay, go or ride it out?

[DSaid]

I've been working at a very small hospital where the average RN has worked the floor for 20+ years. I've personally been there for 10. I've worked hard, made myself a clinical expert, and 5 years ago was promoted to an alternating charge position that I share with one other nurse. I dealt with quite a bit of resentment at first but things have improved with staff in the last 2 years. The benefits at the hospital are quite good and the pay is average to slightly above average for the location.

the only problems with the job is that the director seems delegate the work that others don't find time for and every crappy task that comes down the pike to me. i.e. last month when the director's office was moved off the floor i was assigned to be doing all the moving and the task needed to be completed by the end of my shift on top of my normal work. I've been doing three quarters of the paperwork that one of my coworkers normally does for three weeks now because, "she is having a hard time at home." and i am the only one who knows how to correctly fill out the forms. yesterday, i called in because 3 hours before my shift started i had to take my kid to the ER. i returned home to a message on the voice mail that the director wanted me back at work as soon as i returned from the ER. when i got to work half way into my shift i found the reason they wanted me there was that they needed someone to defrost and clean the staff refrigerator. looking at staffing i found that the director was looking to cancel an RN on the shift (the calls placed after i called in) as we were overstaffed but she was unable to reach anyone. This type of behavior only seems to be getting worse over the last couple of months. I've talked to the director about these issues and her response is, "your lucky to have a job at all in this economy. I don't want to hear about it, shut up and just do what i ask of you. i may need to lay someone off soon."

What do you think? should i stay and continue to confront the boss on her behavior at the risk of being laid off, jump ship to another department or hospital as soon as a job opens up, or should i ride this out and hope we get a new director in the next couple of years?

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

What do you think? should i stay and continue to confront the boss on her behavior at the risk of being laid off, jump ship to another department or hospital as soon as a job opens up, or should i ride this out and hope we get a new director in the next couple of years?

Wait it out for years?

While it fair to point out how the economy affects staffing, raises, etc it is completely inappropriate to make the "you're just lucky to have a job" statement. It's a slap in the face & makes the statement that I am totally unconcerned with your needs or issues.

If you've already "confronted" her, which apparentlly doesn't work, who can you go up to in the chain of command? HR, Employee relations, next level management etc.

I haven't a clue what your local job market is, but you do have solid experience and that makes you desirable to employers.

[Genista, BSN, RN]

I would start looking elsewhere. I am guessing you have no union protection (your stated that your job is in jeopardy for expressing concerns). I would start looking at other depts, but also other jobs outside, too if there is a better fit. Personally, I prefer to stay at the same job...and if the staff there are great, I know it's hard to change jobs. But the way your are being treated is inexcusable. I couldn't ride it out. But it's your decision! Good luck!!! Hope it works out in your favor.