Told that over time "I would lessen my concern for change"

[kstec, LPN]

I work in a LTC facility and am a fairly new LPN. I'm very much a type A personality who strongly believes in being a patient advocate. I believe that residents deserve water, food, cleanliness, oral care, clean rooms, time, touch, and most of all compassion. I thoroughly enjoy my job, but I hate the fact that my unit only works with 2 cna's. We have 10 hoyer residents, atleast 20 totals, 3 tubefeeders, 8 diabetices, 2 foleys, 1 suprapubic, 1 resident who gets dialysis 3 times a week, etc. There is a total of 28 residents, but what I consider to have somewhat high acuity. I talked to the ADON and the clinical coordinator and told them that my unit needs atleast 3 CNA's and they told me that the overall census wasn't high enough, we need 150 residents and we have 147. The care is less than adequate due to not enough CNA's. I spoke with the Administrator and she told me that I enable my CNA's by helping with care, doing my own vitals, and passing water to the residents. No I really don't have time, but neither do the CNA's. The med pass is very large and the morning one takes atleast 3 hours to do. Like I said I'm a fairly new grad and hope that me attempting to be a patient advocate is something that will last and not something that will go to the wayside as time goes on and I keep running into walls. But back to title, I was told you eventually get a little numb and quit fighting city hall for better care, because it gets you nowhere, but the unemployment line. What are we as Americans doing to our LTC people? We treat people in jail better than some of our geriatric population. Like I've said before, "God bless the LTC population", because somehow we as a nation have neglected to take care of our parents, grandparents, etc. I know not all places are bad and not all nurses get numb, but time does take a toll of some of these nurses who started out just as fiesty as me. Sorry so long.

[maryloufu]

That sounds just crazy. The 20 totals should count for 2 each. Keep making noise! The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

[RN1982]

Enable the CNAs by helping with care? It's your license if they aren't properly cared for. I'm sorry your DON feels that way.

[bigreddog1934]

unfortunately there will be many calls for you to change jobs. i think that this will largely be like changing seats on the titanic, however, because hospitals communicate about what they are able to get away with. unless we all start putting up a fight it will be a gradual retreat while playing musical hospitals.

[noc4senuf]

OMG... I would never consider staffing at that low of a rate. The acquity level alone would account for more staff. Is there somewhere else you can work that is near, apparently the facility you work for is looking at the almighty dollar and not the individual resident.

[RN1982]

I would consider looking for another job. It's your license that's at risk if something bad should happen.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Too many patients for to few caregivers.

Get gone.

[Blackcat99]

When I use to work at the LTC's they would indeed get rid of the do-gooders. The LTC's know very well that there is never enough staff and they don't care period. :madface:They want to make money. It's all about the money. So yes, you can make a big fuss but no, nothing ever changes.

[proud2b1]

Kstec, I agree with your concern 100% I think numbness does set in,as I have been in 15 years now.I have never understood the way that our society cuddles prisoners,and then we staff our nh the way we do.It is mostly about the money,in my opinion,just ask any admission coordinator!!!!Something has to change.The sorry thing is,we see neglect,in little ways each day,as someone has to wait.....There wait becomes,how long?It is not a cruel and intentional act,but a real factual one,that sometimes can not be avoided,because of the staffing ratio.I dont know,and have never met a fellow worker that doesnt think more staff is needed to give the complete and adequat care needed for these people. Thanks for your post!

I cant say that I am completly numb.I want to stay,to help and try to make a difference!I get fedup at times,but cant see myself leaving.I dont want to give up on these people!It is because of us that stay and push on that they get the half way decent care that they deserve!! I wish I had the answers.I love taking care of the elderly!!

[sharlynn]

When I use to work at the LTC's they would indeed get rid of the do-gooders. The LTC's know very well that there is never enough staff and they don't care period. :madface:They want to make money. It's all about the money. So yes, you can make a big fuss but no, nothing ever changes.

I agree that some LTC's are like this, but there are some good ones, too. Sometimes you have to shop around!

[RN1982]

If I had to deal with that, my two weeks notice would be submitted in no time.

[nightmare, RN]

I can't believe your ratios. We have one RN and two carers on nights for 32(at the moment)During the day we have one or twoRN's and four carers per morning and evening shift and we don't consider that enough.Our acuity rate ,while high on total patient care ,does not include IV's PEG's (at the moment)etc.I don't think I could work under those conditions!