UNE in Alberta, Covenent Health questions

[Norco250]

Hi, I am working at an undisclosed location as a psychiatric UNE here in Alberta. While my experience has been less then stellar and the period is winding down at the end of next week, I have a few questions that I have accumulated over the summer. Now I have read both the ahs and covenent job descriptions, but they are very vague in some places.

1. Supervision. According to the documents for both agencies, there is a designated supervisor each shift for a UNE. I've worked two different units, with a total of 3 buddy shifts between the two. Every other shift (full time) - I have had no one specific designated to report to. This means if I have a question or need a Narc signed I grab a random nurse and hope they are nice enough to help me. From what I've seen on paperwork there is actually supposed to be a dedicated supervisor for each shift.. right? Furthermore I saw something saying that all UNEs are supposed to be directly supervised until determined that their skills are up to snuff. The only thing of mine that has been supervised was someone reading my charting once on a buddy shift. That was it.

2. Am I supposed to be an extra staff or am I replaced an RN/RPN. I have a set schedule and am technically extra most days, but when staff call in sick I am expected to be the replacement RN/RPN for them - which is quite often. The problem is on psych, there is a lot of aggressive patients, and we (UNE's) are not really supposed to be hands on in take downs despite taking the defense training. This has led to staff not wanting the UNE to be a replacement staff as it is not safe for staff or patients. Which I would agree, though I would step in if needed of course. However, staff telling management that they don't think a UNE should be replacing an RN has led to management thinking I must not be good enough or something. Are UNE's actually supposed to replace an RN/RPN?

3. Patient numbers: I've seen on the forums a 4 patient max rule. I haven't found that in any documentation. I've been having 5 patients and am expected to take 7 like the rest of the staff should the situation arise that there is that many patients available for me. Not that I am complaining.. I was just wondering if there is actually a max.

Anyone who can find me some actual documentation for these questions would be superstars. Just so I can make some informed comments on whatever review I have to fill out when I'm done.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Hi, I am working at an undisclosed location as a psychiatric UNE here in Alberta.

Welcome! Your thread has been moved to our Canadian Nursing forum to elicit a more targeted response. Good luck to you.

[Fiona59]

Ah, the yearly UNE issues.

I've worked for AHS for many years. UNE's are a huge issue to regular staff. In theory the Charge Nurse or Shift Supervisor is your supervisor. You are NOT going to be buddied with one nurse for the entire shift. Your orientation could be considered average on many units.

We actually thought that UNE's had been eliminated this year as my unit hasn't had one.

On units I've worked in the past the UNE was almost more work than they were worth. One and two patient assignments with the easiest patients possible. Wanting to pick and choose the shifts they wanted because "I'm a student and it's summer" (I witnessed that conversation)

In theory, you are extra staff but the reality is you are not. In previous years, grievances have been filed over the use of UNE's to replace RNs and LPNs from the hospital float pools (by saying RPNs, you've pretty much narrowed your location down to several distinct sites). You've also got to factor in that summer is prime vacation time and every unit is short on staff.

Many, many nurses in all the unions have felt that UNE's should be eliminated. Some nursing students I know work as NA's or Unit Clerks over the summers because of the issues I've outlined.

[Novo]

I work as a UNE currently, it's a very independent gig. The first few weeks were very rough as many staff don't know or understand the role of a UNE. Most think you've actually graduated. Once they understood my role it was alot easier to ask for help or get some direction/advice. I'm going onto casual at the end of this summer.

Technically, you're also not suppose to be considered as staff but I've been called in to replace sick calls.

The best advice I can give you is to be firm with everyone on the unit as to what you can or cannot do. I put a giant poster outlining what needs supervision and what doesn't on the back of the break room. I think it's helped.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

UNE's are not extra staff, nor are you independent (although I'm sure this varies) simply because you are not licensed. The RN/RPN/LPN depending where you work is accountable.

UNE's should not be replacing sick calls either, although I'm sure this happens as well. Ultimately until you are licensed, someone else will be held accountable for your practice.

[Fiona59]

That's was what the issue has been over the years. They don't have a practice permit of any description. Who provides their insurance coverage? Are they covered by their school? So they buy a policy from UNA?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I'm not sure. Maybe UNA has them covered? I would be concerned that they are replacing sick calls.

We hire many new grad nurses and it scares me how unprepared some of them are, even with the license. Some are very good and progress quickly, but that is definitely the minority these days.