Thinking of changing departments (sort of long and venty)

[TriageQueen]

We've had a lot of really busy months lately, and more days than not we're seeing more than 50 patients/day over our average. We're super short staffed, and management decided to cut all pre-scheduled agency shifts, which has caused many of them to promptly say "the heck with us" and pick up shifts at other area hospitals. The patients are getting sicker and sicker, and I have had days where I have had to care for 4-5 ESI level 2's at once without a tech or a float RN. Not to mention being the only one to take all of my patients to all of their tests, or upstairs when they have been admitted, starting IV's/drawing blood, meds, breathing treatments, d/c's, cleaning rooms, etc.... It makes me scared for my patients safety and scared for my license.

Maybe I just need a vacation, but I was speaking with DH, and he brought up a good question. I'd like to see thoughts from other people on this.

What is the average length of employment for ED RN's?

I am coming up on two years in my ED, and I am in the top 40% according to seniority (at our ED... not in total experience though). Most of those that have been at our hospital longer are prn or part time. Is it simply my hospital, or am I getting worn out?

(Counting down the days to vacation.... 9 left)

Thanks in advance

[northshore08]

Sounds like you need help. What do your ED docs say? Sometimes they can go to bat for you to administration and help get more staff if they see the flow is not going well. Until then.....

Evidently your nurse manager doesn't get out onto the floor much. Maybe ask him/her to help out with transferring pts or desk duty when the load is heavy. That helped us point out some problems when our manager was personally involved. If your manager can't seem to get there, call the house supervisor to help out. Multiple calls to managers and supervisors can sometimes magically make new positions open up.

Most EDs I have worked it is only 2-3 years before you are in that top section of the schedule.

If you are doing any overtime, stop. You need the rest, and they need to see the holes in personnel coverage.:redpinkhe

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

You guys need to make a paper trail that admin has to respond to. If you are 2-3 nurses short, or if level 2's are waiting more than an hour make an incident report. Bet you can find 5 in one shift alone. Subpar care because of staff cuts needs to be placed on the shoulders of those that do the budgeting.