Walkthrough before shift

As long as you are there when you are supposed to be and are offering to help, then there shouldn't be a problem. There IS a lot to do on day shift and sometimes it's impossible to get everything done. When it comes to quitting time, I know I am ready to get out of there. It's her responsibility to get as much done as possible, but at least try to look at it from her perspective. That's why the next shift comes in to finish up what the previous shift didn't get to.

On the other hand, if they have been having problems with her then it isn't your fault if she has to stay a little late to help finish up. If it's consistently the same things over & over, then stand your ground and let her know what you expect of her. She will either start getting it done before you get there or find another hall to work on with someone who doesn't care as much. That kind of behavior is uncalled for. We're all adults. Woman up and get the job done.

I've been on all sides of that issue before and it sucks no matter what. Yes, everyone should be accountable for their work, but there's no way of pushing for that accountability without offending people, especially since you don't know if the person was just being lazy, forgetful, or had an awful day. And chances are, given the nature of this job, they had an awful day.

I know how it is to have to tell the previous shift they need to do something before they leave. I'm pretty non-confrontational and would rather do it myself, but I don't enjoy getting picked on by the nurse or supervisor because of something that was not my responsibility because I "accepted the floor like that." I have also gotten really defensive when the next shift starts harping on something after I've spent a whole day working my tail off and picking up slack that OTHER PEOPLE, whether on my shift or not, have created. If something bothers you it's better to bring it up in a more relaxed way and say, "next time would you mind doing this or that because it's really hard on me when you don't." But when the nurses are bugging you about some issue and telling you that you have to make inspections and be the bad guy, just say, "I am asking you to do this before you leave or my nurse will be picking on me." Then it seems less like you're bossing them around and more like you're working as a team. If you think your approach is good but there's still a lot of drama at shift change and it's an ongoing thing, then the facility needs to make shift change more streamlined.

The aide who flipped out does have one good point, 2-10 shift IS a lot easier shift. I dont know if you have ever worked the day shift, but if you have youd probably understand how annoying it would be to have the following shift nitpicking. If you complained to the nursing staff about the way things are when you come on, its a pretty safe bet the day shift aide is well aware of that, and therefore isnt going to be particularly keen on your advice or help, just sayin.

You did your job, if you keep seeing things wrong then keep saying something about them, maybe she will eventually pick up that you are trying to help her and improve.

When it comes down to it, whatever shift you work, you are responsible for your residents being cared for. At my facility, 2nd shift is actually a lot harder than dayshift, as we have less staff, more showers, and limited time due to many of our residents being gone during the day.

I often come in at 2 p.m. to find the kids on my wing all soaked through, sitting in urine and bm. It is obvious that they have not been changed since they were gotten up that morning, usually between 5 and 7 a.m. This is completely unacceptable, and yes, I usually do say something to the charge nurse about it. I am not allowed to leave the floor at night unless my residents are in bed and changed. Similarly, the other shifts should have to follow the same rules, and if you don't do your job, you should be prepared to face the consequences.