What are my options

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Specializes in icu,ccu, er, corrections.

This is a vent and a call for advice.

The hospital I am currently at just hired an RN that has been away from the bedside for some time. She was given four days orientation. She and I worked together two nights last week, after the weekend I spoke with the NM and explained that I didn't feel safe working with her and requested that she not schedule us together anymore.......the reasons for this request: she sat and watched her pt's sats drop to the 80's and didn't do anything about it....she visibly got her back up when I tried to explain some things to her that she wasn't understanding....she doesn't understand very basic nursing concepts or have very basic nursing skills......all neatly written up and verified by a third nurse. Well, I come back after my days off and she and I are working together again. This time she reports to the oncoming shift that she had been giving medications through an IV that she is sure is not good any longer (?) and then I later find out that her pt was experience CP, was diaphoretic and pale and she did nothing about it, when days came on they checked a troponin and it was .54, and of course he was admitted. Once again, I spoke to the NM, I truly believe this person is dangerous and I do not want to be working with her.....now the new schedule is out and I am working with her every weekend. I will be calling my agency in the morning and getting them involved.......my ? ....can I get out of this contract? I am not at all comfortable working with someone that I feel is dangerous, and I don't want to work at a facility that doesn't seem to care enough to get this nurse proper training or supervision.

Am I being too hard and can I get out of here?

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You're not being "too hard". You're reporting incompetent nursing- as you should. Do you have written documentation of each time you spoke to the supervisor, what you said to her and what her replies were?

Definitely get your agency involved. I've broken more than one contract due to very unsafe and toxic working environments. You can always get out, but it will probably co$t you.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in icu,ccu, er, corrections.

I called my agency yesterday and am now waiting to see what happens. From what I understood, the agency will contact the hospital and try to resolve the issue.

I have never encountered this before, and I absolutely hate it. I am making myself sick over it. This nurse scares me and I don't want to work with her because she won't listen to me and I have no idea what is happening with her patients, nor do I have time to follow up on her at work. It is the welfare of the patients that has me so upset. I can't stand the idea that something bad is happening to a patient while I am at work even if it is not my patient.

What kind of costs are involved in canceling a contract?

ty

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I'm not sure why it's your problem, once you have reported it to the supervisor, physician(s), head nurse/nurse manager, charge nurse, and your agency. I guess you could get the state Board of Nursing involved.

Ethically, yes, I see.

Legally, I'm not sure you need do any more.

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