It is getting to the point where I love my job but I am scared something will happen to a mom or baby before someone listens.
Today we had 5 nurses, 6 if you count the charge nurse, 4 in active labour and 12 postpartum moms and babies. We all missed breaks, which has become a regular occurence as of late. Assessments were not done on people more then 24 hours postpartum and patients had to be more or less ignored in favor of the labouring patients. It was crazy and we didn't have enough equippment to go around.
I am getting frustrated with management because anytime we request a workload or fill out a heavy workload form it seems to be ignored. A letter was drafted to our manager and has yet to have a response. Does a mother or baby have to die for them to believe us.
Is there any suggestions anyone has to improve safety when chronically understaffed? We have tried closing but there are only 2 hospitals that deliver in my city and we are averaging 5000-6000 births a year.
Eden, I am sorry you are dealing with this. I don't know what people are thinking now a days. It's like really a major thing has to happen to get some input.
We don't have an LDRP but we have l and d and then post partum, we are often finding ourselves with 5-6 couplets and no ancillary staff. It is ridiculous and while we complain and make suggestions they fall on deaf ears.
Just have to say OMG. You all are scaring me. Awhonn has standards, and I am thankful that where I work, we try to maintain that standard. Yes, we are private hospital.
cherokeesummer
739 Posts
Eden, I am sorry you are dealing with this. I don't know what people are thinking now a days. It's like really a major thing has to happen to get some input.
We don't have an LDRP but we have l and d and then post partum, we are often finding ourselves with 5-6 couplets and no ancillary staff. It is ridiculous and while we complain and make suggestions they fall on deaf ears.
I hope that your facility finds relief soon.