FLUMMOXEX

I have been rather flummoxed about my job lately. Toni the head honcho nurse (the one with the most seniority) quit about two weeks ago. She finally won her state industrial claim and settled for about $1,500 a month I think she will get this amount of money for the rest of her life. She became disabled from lifting a non-weight bearing patient. This injury happened at another assisted living facility about 5 years ago. She had to have numerous back surgeries.

Now, I’m in the process of training a new nurse. Her name is Candy. I like her right from the gecko. She is in her mid forties and very down to earth like me. She even likes to talk about Indian stuff. I just hope she can stick it out and hang on. It seems nurses come and go so quickly at my job. I really don’t blame them for quitting. The swing shift nurse (I will call her Stella) was on the verge of quitting too because of all the bull crap that has been going on. I have talked her out of it for the time being. I can’t believe that I have the most seniority now–I’m holding the reins and trying to steer everyone on the right course.

As of lately, entering Mystic Bay Alzheimers Residence, is like setting sail on the Titanic. The Outer appearance is stunning, beautiful patchwork quilts, country cozy furnishings, beautiful china dishes, but alas appearances can be misleading. The voyage is doomed.

Census is low

employee hiring freeze

The nursing assistants have to work short.

less assistants means more patient injuries

More patient injuries means angry family members

Health Serivce Director admits patients whom don’t qualify for assisted living.

Employee injuries d/t lifting non-weight bearing patients.

Patient care is poor almost to neglect

scabies outbreak

Lice out break

today, there was a very nice couple that stopped by the facility and inquired some information about having their mother and father move in. I was pleasant and did my best marketing knowing that each parent would be $4,000 each. Deep down inside, my belly was doing flip flops –if only they knew, if only the knew. It feels like I’m on the Titanic and watching the iceberg knowing that we are going to hit any minute. It is just a matter of time. God I pray that you give me the strength to stay strong and give me the ability to be the best nurse I can be to my hurting patients. I feel so powerless.

~justjudy~

July 19, 2003

I’ll keep you in my prayers. *hug*

A nurse named Candy, huh? Sounds like the perfect fodder for a fantasy or two. When I close my eyes, though, she’s nineteen instead of in her forties, and very closely resembles Britney Spears.

Pilgrim

July 23, 2003

Why can’t companies learn that in order to make money (In this case having a good reputation and lots of happy residents) you have to spend money (i.e. proper staff, good food, extremely good health services.) The more you spend to improve yourself, the more people will want to work with you.

twisted whiskers

July 24, 2003

Sounds like you have a lot of challenges at work. Sending you strength~

Where are all the nurse’s? Our brand new hospital is set to open Sept. 3rd. C never asked why I didn’t put in an application? LOL I know several RN’s who have injured their backs on the job. Every year we have to sit through a day of CE, everytime they remind us about our backs yet there always seems to be a new accident?

socialdemolitionsexpert

August 1, 2003

I know what it is like to work in a nursing home, especially one where things aren’t going so well. It’s tougher than any other job I can think of. For what you have to do, even as an RN, the pay just isn’t enough. Mindy

likeness

September 11, 2003

now who’s lurking who? i work in public health policy–specifically with health care workforce supply, tough stuff, this new bush policy re: overtime cuts won’t help either…