Unsafe work environment

[SweettartRN]

How would you handle being in a dangerous or unsafe work environment?

The facility that I work at was set up to be a rehab facility and has since been transitioning to a halfway house for parolees.

The place is swarming with bed bugs, I am the only nurse for 150 patients (what was originally 45) and yesterday I was nearly attacked by one of the residents.

Is there a place that I could call to report unsafe staffing levels, health concerns, etc?

I really enjoy my job, but yesterday frightened me pretty badly.

[lkwashington]

You can call your state board of nursing and/or Joint Commission. Have you spoke with your manager or supervisor about the conditions? Im sorry you had to go through this. I hope you feel better.

[SweettartRN]

Oh yeah- we've been begging the facility for security and a panic button for months now. My supervisor was the one who called 911 yesterday for me.

Just a waiting game now. I don't want to leave, but my safety is important. It seems as if it's all about money and the not wanting to spend it that's the problem.

I actually work for the doctor who runs the medical department, not the facility so my hands are quite tied.

[fungez]

Holy moly. Bedbugs and violent patients.

Get out of there. Some administrator is doing something illegal and when they go down, so will you.

Or, you can wait until you get raped or stabbed by a mentally ill or violent parolee.

[SweettartRN]

Holy moly. Bedbugs and violent patients.

Get out of there. Some administrator is doing something illegal and when they go down, so will you.

Or, you can wait until you get raped or stabbed by a mentally ill or violent parolee.

These thoughts crossed my mind yesterday......

[rosey2007]

That place sounds like a good place to lose your license at. Run away from there as fast as you can.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Your safety is the number one concern. Bed bugs? Aside from the gross factor those things can follow you on your belongings, clothes, etc. Don't they have the potential to carry disease? It does not sound too sterile to me..

I really think you should report the center as well as resign. This is not a good place to be.

[SweettartRN]

I really do love what I do though.

Is there any place that I could report these issues? Health department or something?

[fungez]

I've called state board on two different legal issues and both called me back quickly with good advice. I'd also call the health department. Aside from your safety, the health and safety of your residents is at risk.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

I was punched in the side of the head by a patient who was not considered violent, & nearly knocked out. I was not allowed to go home early & the patient was still not considered violent nor restrained. This was a government hospital, run by the same old-fashioned people with the same outdated ideas. I don't know how these places get away with it.

I left later after that - my safety is more important than their staffing.

Can you ring an occupational safety & health body plus your BON? Something has to be done & I admire you for being so concerned.

You are one of the fighters of this world.

[mamamerlee, LPN]

Call the BON, State BOH, and any certifying body for the facility, and have your doc come take a good look at the situation - he may want to take his business elsewhere. Then GET OUT.

[68wildcat]

OMG! Get out of there as quick as you can...before something really bad happens to you! And I thought I had it bad! We have a night supervisor that sleeps 3 out of 8 hrs. she is there. I work in a long term care home- 60 people.

She will not assist in any way with us two staff, refuses to answer bells, posey alarms, or give meds until she is ready. If someone wakes up in pain and asks for pain relief, she makes them wait until her nap is over. Sometimes it's hours before she goes to them. She refuses to have anything to do with palliative care. It's sad..I feel unsafe too. Reporting won't matter, they are desparate to keep nurses-so that's just the way it is.