Rant Warning: I need to vent

[GraysonK]

Yeah, I'm a lot p*ssed off this morning.  On Monday, I was asked by my supervisor to sign up extra to work because with one of our people is out with an injury, we were short staffed.  Well, liking the idea of the money, but more importantly feeling a sense of "well they'd do it if I had to work short staffed" I agreed.  Well, not only was it just me Tuesday night for 33 patients (that was my regularly scheduled shift and they didn't bother to call in any help) but last night they left my floor short anyway and pulled me to another freaking floor where they pulled one of their own freaking people off the floor to sit with a confused patient while they made me work an unfamiliar floor with unfamiliar people.  Now, while I do agree that patients are our #1 priority, I also believe that when you sign up extra to your "home" floor, that's where you should be.  As bad as it may sound, I am so frustrated with my work place right now and the fact that we are short staffed everywhere because the powers that be decided that it was "ok", that I don't give a rats a** about how short staffed other areas are...I care about my floor and my coworkers. We work on the busiest floor in the hospital.  High turnover rate with patients who are just one step from being in ICU or CCU...it's stressful and fast paced but for the most part we are a well oiled team.  Maybe I'm being irrational and maybe I'm just exhausted because signing up for that extra shift means that after tonight I'll have worked the last 6 out of 7 nights, 12 hours each.  But, sleep deprived or not, i just don't think it's right or fair.  What does my director say?  She just throws up her hands and says, "Get over it".  Literally, that's what she said when I asked her why she asked me to sign up extra to help our floor and then allowed me to be pulled.  Grrrrr...I know it's universal and I should just suck it up, but I hate their games and just had to vent. 
Sorry, I'm gonna drink some decaf tea, calm down, and go to bed. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

That sucks- I hate it when decisions are made by people with no understanding of the way things actually work!

Hang in there, and think of the paycheck!

Def

[Gareth]

That sucks Kelly.

[Zed]

this was the reason for 17 years i worked for myself, since being in normal employment all the jobs have sucked , the company that now owns the home i work for are just in it for the money, there is no passion , all they keep doing it penny pinching from the badly paid staff, its sad as i like working in care type jobs, but i can tell you once my girls are older im back to working for myself,    lol who ranting now  chin up kelly, as they say every dog has his day 

paul

[MultiMat]

Kel am I getting this right you are expected to look after 33 patients on a night duty by yourself 

Your hospital sounds like a tuff place to work  .
Just as well you are studying 

[Grant Lamontagne]

33 patients isn't a problem- just start randomly handing out sleeping pills and Smurfpills and they'll take care of themselves....

Def

[Zed]

33 patients isn't a problem- just start randomly handing out sleeping pills and Smurfpills and they'll take care of themselves....

Def

   i look after 23 -25 patience most with dementia , but there is 2 of us at all times, 33 by yourself is mental, and i bet illegal, 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Bloody hell that's what I call overworked

[ecfiffer]

so you work at the local VA hospital?   i know the feeling (well kinda) hope it gets better   just think 4th gen iphone

[GraysonK]

Kel am I getting this right you are expected to look after 33 patients on a night duty by yourself 

Your hospital sounds like a tuff place to work  .
Just as well you are studying 

Yeah...you got it right.  Thankfully it doesn't happen often, but it does happen.  I'm awake and feel a little better now.  Here's to hoping tonight is better. 

[ryan1835]

Kel am I getting this right you are expected to look after 33 patients on a night duty by yourself 

Your hospital sounds like a tuff place to work  .
Just as well you are studying 

Yeah...you got it right.  Thankfully it doesn't happen often, but it does happen.  I'm awake and feel a little better now.  Here's to hoping tonight is better. 

dont oyu have a union or anyone like that you can complain too? it dont sound very fair or legal from over here

[MultiMat]

Kel am I getting this right you are expected to look after 33 patients on a night duty by yourself 

Your hospital sounds like a tuff place to work  .
Just as well you are studying 

Yeah...you got it right.  Thankfully it doesn't happen often, but it does happen.  I'm awake and feel a little better now.  Here's to hoping tonight is better. 

Kel you deserve a  , that sounds quite dangerous what your hospital does  .

On my wife's ward , it is Oncology + surgical, they have 16 patients on night duty there is ALWAYS X2 RN's. Enrolled Nurses do not do night duty as Chemo need to be checked by X2 RN's before being administered too the patient.

Kel when you say you are a CNA do you mean you are a Certified Nursing Assistant or are you a Certified Nurse Administrator  . It is a title we do not have in OZ 

[BlueDot]

That sucks- I hate it when decisions are made by people with no understanding of the way things actually work!

Def

I see this a lot.  Sometimes I just stand back, shake my head, and mutter "And somehow, the company still makes money".  Usually it is in spite of the management, and because of the workforce trying to do what's right.

Keep your chin up, and don't let them get to you!

[Medic82]

Damned Kelly, at least they can’t accuse you of not pitching in when the brown stuff hit the fan. You don’t deserve to be treated like this.

[GraysonK]

Thanks everyone.  Sorry about the griping.  I'd just had enough.  Last night wasn't too bad.  Actually had a bit of fun.   It's a bitch sometimes I'll tell you that.  One of these days they'll wise up.  I hope.  There are several nurses I work with who say stuff like "If you'd stop being so efficient then they'd realize the problem and fix it.  But things won't change as long as you keep getting things done."  They are probably right, but I just cannot make myself do that.  I can't sit by while call lights go off, patients need bathed or cleaned up, or whatever.  I'm not tooting my own horn, just saying that I'm not wired that way.  So I guess I'll just keep having some good and some bad days.  Just hopefully not too many more weeks like this one. 

[Chako]

As someone who spent way too much time in the Hospital taking care and attending to his family...I thank you for your dedication and work ethics Kelly.  I only wished more health care professionals cared as much.

[Gareth]

Thanks everyone.  Sorry about the griping.  I'd just had enough.  Last night wasn't too bad.  Actually had a bit of fun.   It's a bitch sometimes I'll tell you that.  One of these days they'll wise up.  I hope.  There are several nurses I work with who say stuff like "If you'd stop being so efficient then they'd realize the problem and fix it.  But things won't change as long as you keep getting things done."  They are probably right, but I just cannot make myself do that.  I can't sit by while call lights go off, patients need bathed or cleaned up, or whatever.  I'm not tooting my own horn, just saying that I'm not wired that way.  So I guess I'll just keep having some good and some bad days.  Just hopefully not too many more weeks like this one. 

It's a fine line to tread that's for sure, and I agree that neither you nor your co-workers should ever let the care of the patients slip in any way.  In the past I've kept a work diary where I noted everything I have done for the day and how long it took so; 8:00-8:30 morning rounds, 8:30-9:30 paperwork, 9:30-9:45 something else etc etc.  Just jot things down every time you're back at your work station, you'll quickly have a good idea of how your day is filled and evidence to show the bosses that things aren't working.  Just a thought.

[Zed]

Thanks everyone.  Sorry about the griping.  I'd just had enough.  Last night wasn't too bad.  Actually had a bit of fun.   It's a bitch sometimes I'll tell you that.  One of these days they'll wise up.  I hope.  There are several nurses I work with who say stuff like "If you'd stop being so efficient then they'd realize the problem and fix it.  But things won't change as long as you keep getting things done."  They are probably right, but I just cannot make myself do that.  I can't sit by while call lights go off, patients need bathed or cleaned up, or whatever.  I'm not tooting my own horn, just saying that I'm not wired that way.  So I guess I'll just keep having some good and some bad days.  Just hopefully not too many more weeks like this one. 

It's a fine line to tread that's for sure, and I agree that neither you nor your co-workers should ever let the care of the patients slip in any way.  In the past I've kept a work diary where I noted everything I have done for the day and how long it took so; 8:00-8:30 morning rounds, 8:30-9:30 paperwork, 9:30-9:45 something else etc etc.  Just jot things down every time you're back at your work station, you'll quickly have a good idea of how your day is filled and evidence to show the bosses that things aren't working.  Just a thought.

this is a good idea gareth , sadly i spend as much time doing paper work some times than looking after folk, care jobs have gone over PC ,funny i remember saying to a really nice old lady once, please ring your bell for help as it takes seconds to get here to help you but all night to do a write up if you fall, she laughed    but true, i think care work of any kind is a dieing job as youngsters are going into different kind of work, my place had a excellent standard for a long time with some great carers, since our old boss sold to a private company its gone mental as all they think about is saving money so they can make more and penny pinch from us, knock on effect unhappy workers in a job where you have to smile all the time ,    sorry ranting again,   

[GraysonK]

Thanks everyone.  Sorry about the griping.  I'd just had enough.  Last night wasn't too bad.  Actually had a bit of fun.   It's a bitch sometimes I'll tell you that.  One of these days they'll wise up.  I hope.  There are several nurses I work with who say stuff like "If you'd stop being so efficient then they'd realize the problem and fix it.  But things won't change as long as you keep getting things done."  They are probably right, but I just cannot make myself do that.  I can't sit by while call lights go off, patients need bathed or cleaned up, or whatever.  I'm not tooting my own horn, just saying that I'm not wired that way.  So I guess I'll just keep having some good and some bad days.  Just hopefully not too many more weeks like this one. 

It's a fine line to tread that's for sure, and I agree that neither you nor your co-workers should ever let the care of the patients slip in any way.  In the past I've kept a work diary where I noted everything I have done for the day and how long it took so; 8:00-8:30 morning rounds, 8:30-9:30 paperwork, 9:30-9:45 something else etc etc.  Just jot things down every time you're back at your work station, you'll quickly have a good idea of how your day is filled and evidence to show the bosses that things aren't working.  Just a thought.

this is a good idea gareth , sadly i spend as much time doing paper work some times than looking after folk, care jobs have gone over PC ,funny i remember saying to a really nice old lady once, please ring your bell for help as it takes seconds to get here to help you but all night to do a write up if you fall, she laughed    but true, i think care work of any kind is a dieing job as youngsters are going into different kind of work, my place had a excellent standard for a long time with some great carers, since our old boss sold to a private company its gone mental as all they think about is saving money so they can make more and penny pinch from us, knock on effect unhappy workers in a job where you have to smile all the time ,    sorry ranting again,   

Rant away, brother!   

[Zed]

Thanks everyone.  Sorry about the griping.  I'd just had enough.  Last night wasn't too bad.  Actually had a bit of fun.   It's a bitch sometimes I'll tell you that.  One of these days they'll wise up.  I hope.  There are several nurses I work with who say stuff like "If you'd stop being so efficient then they'd realize the problem and fix it.  But things won't change as long as you keep getting things done."  They are probably right, but I just cannot make myself do that.  I can't sit by while call lights go off, patients need bathed or cleaned up, or whatever.  I'm not tooting my own horn, just saying that I'm not wired that way.  So I guess I'll just keep having some good and some bad days.  Just hopefully not too many more weeks like this one. 

It's a fine line to tread that's for sure, and I agree that neither you nor your co-workers should ever let the care of the patients slip in any way.  In the past I've kept a work diary where I noted everything I have done for the day and how long it took so; 8:00-8:30 morning rounds, 8:30-9:30 paperwork, 9:30-9:45 something else etc etc.  Just jot things down every time you're back at your work station, you'll quickly have a good idea of how your day is filled and evidence to show the bosses that things aren't working.  Just a thought.

this is a good idea gareth , sadly i spend as much time doing paper work some times than looking after folk, care jobs have gone over PC ,funny i remember saying to a really nice old lady once, please ring your bell for help as it takes seconds to get here to help you but all night to do a write up if you fall, she laughed    but true, i think care work of any kind is a dieing job as youngsters are going into different kind of work, my place had a excellent standard for a long time with some great carers, since our old boss sold to a private company its gone mental as all they think about is saving money so they can make more and penny pinch from us, knock on effect unhappy workers in a job where you have to smile all the time ,    sorry ranting again,   

Rant away, brother!   

   dont get me started   

[GraysonK]

Thanks everyone.  Sorry about the griping.  I'd just had enough.  Last night wasn't too bad.  Actually had a bit of fun.   It's a bitch sometimes I'll tell you that.  One of these days they'll wise up.  I hope.  There are several nurses I work with who say stuff like "If you'd stop being so efficient then they'd realize the problem and fix it.  But things won't change as long as you keep getting things done."  They are probably right, but I just cannot make myself do that.  I can't sit by while call lights go off, patients need bathed or cleaned up, or whatever.  I'm not tooting my own horn, just saying that I'm not wired that way.  So I guess I'll just keep having some good and some bad days.  Just hopefully not too many more weeks like this one. 

It's a fine line to tread that's for sure, and I agree that neither you nor your co-workers should ever let the care of the patients slip in any way.  In the past I've kept a work diary where I noted everything I have done for the day and how long it took so; 8:00-8:30 morning rounds, 8:30-9:30 paperwork, 9:30-9:45 something else etc etc.  Just jot things down every time you're back at your work station, you'll quickly have a good idea of how your day is filled and evidence to show the bosses that things aren't working.  Just a thought.

this is a good idea gareth , sadly i spend as much time doing paper work some times than looking after folk, care jobs have gone over PC ,funny i remember saying to a really nice old lady once, please ring your bell for help as it takes seconds to get here to help you but all night to do a write up if you fall, she laughed    but true, i think care work of any kind is a dieing job as youngsters are going into different kind of work, my place had a excellent standard for a long time with some great carers, since our old boss sold to a private company its gone mental as all they think about is saving money so they can make more and penny pinch from us, knock on effect unhappy workers in a job where you have to smile all the time ,    sorry ranting again,   

Rant away, brother!   

   dont get me started   

It looks like I already did. 

[Zed]

Thanks everyone.  Sorry about the griping.  I'd just had enough.  Last night wasn't too bad.  Actually had a bit of fun.   It's a bitch sometimes I'll tell you that.  One of these days they'll wise up.  I hope.  There are several nurses I work with who say stuff like "If you'd stop being so efficient then they'd realize the problem and fix it.  But things won't change as long as you keep getting things done."  They are probably right, but I just cannot make myself do that.  I can't sit by while call lights go off, patients need bathed or cleaned up, or whatever.  I'm not tooting my own horn, just saying that I'm not wired that way.  So I guess I'll just keep having some good and some bad days.  Just hopefully not too many more weeks like this one. 

It's a fine line to tread that's for sure, and I agree that neither you nor your co-workers should ever let the care of the patients slip in any way.  In the past I've kept a work diary where I noted everything I have done for the day and how long it took so; 8:00-8:30 morning rounds, 8:30-9:30 paperwork, 9:30-9:45 something else etc etc.  Just jot things down every time you're back at your work station, you'll quickly have a good idea of how your day is filled and evidence to show the bosses that things aren't working.  Just a thought.

this is a good idea gareth , sadly i spend as much time doing paper work some times than looking after folk, care jobs have gone over PC ,funny i remember saying to a really nice old lady once, please ring your bell for help as it takes seconds to get here to help you but all night to do a write up if you fall, she laughed    but true, i think care work of any kind is a dieing job as youngsters are going into different kind of work, my place had a excellent standard for a long time with some great carers, since our old boss sold to a private company its gone mental as all they think about is saving money so they can make more and penny pinch from us, knock on effect unhappy workers in a job where you have to smile all the time ,    sorry ranting again,   

Rant away, brother!   

   dont get me started   

It looks like I already did. 

not hard mate, its sad but im looking forward to my 2 youngest to get to school so i can move on, i stopped doing meds a while back as had to drop shifts due to looking after the girls more, they now have asked me if i can still do them now and then as short on seniors , im still thinking about it as they have never helped me out, ill probably say NO , and this is rare for me, but im fed up with it,