What to do about unfair assignments?

[amzyRN]

I've now worked in 2 EDs and have found that both had unfair ways of assigning nurses to different pods or tasks in the ED. I'll give an example at my current place. New nurses that are in with the clique will get more interesting assignments even if they are unprepared, like working in the trauma/resus bays or being able to do triage with less than 1-year experience.

There is a new grad nurse with 3 or 4 months experience who they put in the trauma room assignment over other more experienced nurses. Maybe they were really well staffed that day and felt they could jump in if she got overwhelmed, but the ER is unpredictable and you might get 3 codes at once. Very irresponsible in my opinion. Another nurse with less than 1-year experience always get's to do triage or got to the trauma bay or break relief. Granted, she is a good nurse, but not better than other nurses in our department.

Why do I think this is based on favoritism? Because the nurses who go into these assignments are chatting up a storm with the charge nurse during the shift, laughing on their phone, meanwhile there are people who are drowning in workload who need help. I think this is wrong, but I really don't think there's anything I can do to change it.

I think it is logical to base assignments on skill set and experience. I don't think anyone would be angry about that, but to base assignment on being in with the department clique is wrong. I really hope I can find an ED that isn't like this because I do like the specialty. No wonder my department has a high rate of turnover.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I have worked in 5 ED's and have seen similar things, I think you're always going to have your cliques. Doesn't make it right or fair but it's the way it can be. Speak up if you feel you're not getting moved in the Trauma bays enough, tell your manager you've feel like you're not getting enough experience in there and you would like to go there more. Do not approach them with the mindset of Suzie is always in there and she doesn't have much experience. Or in a way like that.

But focus on you and your learning and what you are hoping to achieve and learn. It might not fix the unit wide problem, but it might at least get you rotated more. As far as Triage, you can always have it if we work together. I LOATHE triage or "pivot" (this can be called many things depending on ER but the front desk person that basically says "Welcome to Wal-Mart ED, are you needing to check in)

[JKL33]

Agree ^ and if possible get to know your charges a little better and mention it to them too, being careful not to give even a hint of an impression of whining. "I'd really like to continue to hone my trauma skills...any chance you can put me in the trauma bay today?"

Good luck!