I work 2nd shift in a long term care facility as an aide, and have been there for almost 3 years. My co-workers and I get along fantastic, and work together as a team, as we should. The only problem is one of our nurses. The nurse (whom I will refer to as "Sally") started with us about a year or so ago, and we thought that she was absolutely fantastic. She was attentive to our residents needs, and was willing to assist us with answering call lights, which we didn't and still don't, see a lot of. A few months ago, Sally's attitude toward us changed. She would befriend us to our face, and come the next morning, she would be in our DON's office complaining about having to answer a call light because we couldn't make it to that room fast enough, stating that we "sit too much" and we are "unprofessional". Word quickly got around that during nurse meetings that occur about twice a month, Sally would tell our DON and other nursing staff that we "walk all over her". We are unsure of how to handle this situation due to the fact that we keep our communication with her at a minimum, and we aren't sure why she would be saying these things about us. Our census has recently dropped which has left us with 1 aide for 30 people between 2p and 3p, followed by 2 aides from 3p to 10p on each side of the building with a float for each side. It is unreasonable for one to think that 1 person would hold the ability to answer every call light on a very heavy call light wing by themselves, but Sally thinks that it is below her (actions speak) to answer a call light, assist to BR, provide a blanket, etc. This nurse also seems to have me on target, so to speak. My co-workers and I strive to do and be the very best we can for our residents. We love them. However, it is extremely difficult to keep a positive attitude when the one place that you used to love to be has turned into the 6th level of Hell. If anyone has any suggestions on how to "co-exist" with this nurse, please inform me. We are all at our wits end and have all been looking for new jobs. This facility is draining us both mentally and physically. Add also, are there any aide to res ratio regulations in the state of Indiana? Thanks in advance!!
We have tried to no avail to consult our DON regarding these allegations. We have tried consulting our DON about Sally's work in general. It just makes her retaliate against us more. We are afraid to speak with her directly regarding what she has said and her actions because she has told us that if we give her any attitude we will be clocked out and sent home, and to consider that her verbal warning. Other nurses have agreed with us about her attitude and feel that something has got to be done, but we have no idea as to where to start.
I go back to work today, so I am going to try to pull all of the aides from my side of the building together and see what we can accomplish. Thank you, everyone, for your help!!
bubbles1605
4 Posts
I go back to work today, so I am going to try to pull all of the aides from my side of the building together and see what we can accomplish. Thank you, everyone, for your help!!