The reason I want to leave PDN (vent)

Published

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

I'm already working with a broken bone and plantar fasciitis with a list of other related problems. So I go to work and catch a cold. I called in to say I feel ok today, but I'm contagious and will probably be feeling worse by the end of the day. I told them to call the family to inform them and that I would wear a mask if the family is ok with it so both parents don't have to miss work. I really like the family and patient, so I don't mind pushing hard to help them out. The agency called back and told me the parent said I could stay home.

A few hours later I get a call asking me to work Wed while I'll still be sick. I told them no because I had already let them know I'm not available for the day because of a Dr appt. So they come back and tell me oh, well we will schedule you for 1.5 hrs and then you can leave and go to your appt. They told me they have a nurse relieving me...but seconds before that they needed me for those hours. The case is a parent that isn't reliable about showing up on time. I told them the appt is stressful for me and that I'll still be sick and will still have a broken bone. So I don't think this is a good idea. So they tell me ok, we will put you on the schedule anyway. But don't tell the parent you're sick. Ok, I'm in a cast. I'm coughing, sneezing, and talking like I'm congested. And I'm supposed to hide that?

I'm not ok lying to a parent. I'm not ok with spreading an illness. I'm not ok with them "forcing"me to work the way they did. I emailed my director, but she hadn't replied back. She normally replies immediately.

But I'm sick of being treated like this. I love PDN. I hate these greedy companies and lying office staff. And I take it as an insult when they think I'm dumb enough to believe their lies. I'm looking for alternatives already. I want out and I hope the grass is greener on the other side!

Its almost time for employee surveys and I'm not going to hold back! The office has been through 2 sets of office staff in a year. And we are starting our third group of staff.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Maybe you just need a different agency. I dealt with a horrible one before I found my current gig. They're not perfect, but they ARE in a whole different league than the first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

Its not the agency, but the office itself. There are more organized offices, but they are too far away. I've worked for multiple agencies and they all suck. This agency is the best out of the others. I don't blame the company. I blame the people that want to lie and create a bad work environment.

One of the staff in the office that is no longer there was actually telling nurses families didn't want them back when that wasn't the case. She was telling the families that the nurse didn't want to go back. There is no reason for that kind of behavior. I'm just tired of silly, immature games that affect my income and life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lying to a family of a medically fragile kid about a nurse's illness? Nope. I would have fired you had you tried that. We had a NO SICK NURSES policy that was very clear. Our policy was that we would not hold a grudge if you were sick and called out because that was in the best interest of my child.

Your office sucks and you need to tell them that your cold can KILL a child.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.
Lying to a family of a medically fragile kid about a nurse's illness? Nope. I would have fired you had you tried that. We had a NO SICK NURSES policy that was very clear. Our policy was that we would not hold a grudge if you were sick and called out because that was in the best interest of my child.

Your office sucks and you need to tell them that your cold can KILL a child.

I agree 100%!

I had a kid code on me because a nurse came in sick with a "cold". I told the office (different agency) that I was concerned about the nurse getting the patient sick. The pt had mitochondrial disease. Well the next time I worked, the kid was not responsive when I got to work. And he coded on me. Rode with him to ER. Arrived and pt had a pulse and was taking really shallow breaths. He was put on a ventilator immediately. Found out he had RSV. Apparently so did that nurse. A few days later I was sick with the same thing. So I'm extra sensitive to making sure I don't share my germs!

My boss emailed me back and told me I didn't have to work that day. But the person trying to get me to work is a nursing supervisor. Scary stuff!

These agencies don't get that its better to lose a few days income than to lose more because the kid dies or is in the hospital for a long time.

I'll never forget going back to work with that kid and rocking him to sleep that night. Unfortunately the child passed a few years ago due to the parent failing to feed him :-(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

Last year my college ct w SMA was in the ICU for 10 days while she struggled to breathe w a simple URI. She was unable to simply cough up secretions, and was cougholated around the clock. For a while they thought she was a goner. "Little" colds can be life or death to a medically fragile person.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

SMA is bad that way because they don't have the strength in their muscles to clear their airways, for anyone who hasn't seen SMA. Thank God for the cough machine!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion