What to do about how colleagues treat residents?

Davey Do · Jun 25, 2017

Please allow me to support you in your endeavor to provide quality care to those you serve and welcome you to AN.com, GrahamL.

The most we can ever be in this business is a strong link in a chain. We are merely a piece of the pie and not the whole enchilada. To believe otherwise is a misconception. When we are truly there for those we serve, that's about the best we can do.

Obviously, you provide quality care for those you serve, GrahamL and are a fine example. You have made those in charge aware of any problems. You have fulfilled your responsibilities.

It's now time to let go and let God.

allnurses Guide · Jun 28, 2017

Please allow me to support you in your endeavor to provide quality care to those you serve and welcome you to AN.com, GrahamL.
The most we can ever be in this business is a strong link in a chain. We are merely a piece of the pie and not the whole enchilada. To believe otherwise is a misconception. When we are truly there for those we serve, that's about the best we can do.
Obviously, you provide quality care for those you serve, GrahamL and are a fine example. You have made those in charge aware of any problems. You have fulfilled your responsibilities.
It's now time to let go and let God.

I agree with Davey on this to an extent. However if you truly believe that what you describe rises to the level or abuse or neglect you have a duty as a mandated reporter to make a complaint to the licensing agency for your facility. This is going over the head of your DON and administration. If you do this an investigation from adult protective services will ensue and the facility may receive a citation or even face closure and/or losing it's Medicare status. Be prepared to back up your complaint with facts, dates and times.

Hppy

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2017

As a new grad, I feel your pain. Please know that some states also have an Omsbudman program, and they typically move very fast on these kind of issues. But sadly- you ARE now required by law to report, document, document, document, and follow your state and facility chain of command. Your employer won't liver you, but you'll have done the right thing for your patients, which is what nursing is supposed to be all about.

pigginsrn · Jun 30, 2017

So many seem lack the quality of empathy. I see it all the time and even as a supervisor I am not backed up by the Administration when attempting to counsel and educate my staff or hold them accountable in a 5 star facility. They don't want to hear it as staffing is a problem and the biggest offenders fill the holes. It's heart breaking and it happens in all types of units. There seems to be a lack of concern for dignity in medicine. At least I now now I never want to be in the position of the patients and have completed advanced directives in the event that should occur and all the family is on the same page.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2017

Report it -- if you Google "ombudsman" or "vulnerable adult" or "adult protective services" for your state, you should be able to find who to call. As someone who started her healthcare career as an 18-yr-old CNA in LTC, and who has now had three beloved grandparents in LTC, this kind of treatment both breaks my heart and makes me irate. Thank God for people like you who treat our elders with the care and respect they deserve!

BUT, this is not a problem you can fix alone -- nor should you have to.