This and That

I haven't felt like I have had anything to say lately.
Life has been in a tail spin or rather work has been in
a tail spin.
I am in the same place doing the same thing, nursing. The reward
has not been the same lately. I've been pushed and pulled in
many directions....None of which I am happy about. It began
quiet some time ago. First many things that I have been able to do
as an LPN was taken away. Many IV medications I can no longer give.
Not just me but, every LPN in that hospital. It sucks. I have been
giving those medications for years and suddenly its taken from me
by hospital administration. Not some JACHO rule but the hospitals
rule.
I was the only LPN allowed to start External Jugular IV's ( it an IV
that goes in a persons neck). This was allowed because I am also
a paramedic. This was also taken away. Very ironic that only RN's can
start EJ's....The ironic part is that only a very few RN's were trained
in how to start them. So, then what happened.....RN's were coming to me
for me to teach them how to stick a person's neck. They also came to me
to ask how to give one of those meds that I could not longer give.
For some time I answered them and helped for the better of the patient,
my patients. That grew old....Take the time and initiative to read and learn
about those medications as I did so many years ago....And continue to learn
each and every new medication as it comes out. We deal with peoples lives
each and every day. It really pisses me off that a lot of people don't
care enough to do the job right, to take the time to learn, to give
the best care available. Learn how to do your damn job people!!!
Please, don't get me wrong I do not hate RN's....I love them and all
they stand for, for all I stand for.
It's just that LPN's have been treated like skum of the earth and I for one am
sick of it.
Next thing take away was the days I work. I had been working Thursday
through Sunday for over 2 years. 12 hours four days a week.
Suddenly that was taken. I was given no options....You will begin working
Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I was asked what I thought after
I was told my new days. I raised hell, cursed, pitched a fit....All
to no avail. The problem with working Monday and Tuesdays is that I take
coroners call on Monday and Tuesday.
I was told that secondary jobs take a back seat to other employees
education. First comes staff, them family and education and second
jobs takes a back seat to it all. Never mind that I had a signed
contract to work every Friday, Saturday and Sunday(work on weekend).
I had multiple conversations with the BOSS.....Cried, yelled, screamed
and cursed him to his face. Nothing changed. He did not care that he
just took money from my pocket. I was the one that had to change my damn
schedule.....Others soon followed.
Next change.....All LPN's would be stopped from working 12 hour shifts.
You will now work 4 ten hour days. This was explained to make it sound better.
Instead of working 3 twelve hour shifts a week for 36 hours, now you get
40 hours a week. 40 hours.....Shit I have been working 48 hours a week
for more than 2 years. How is this better I asked? Because you get 4o hours
instead of 36. But, stupid I have been working 48.....That just does not
add up....Maybe my math is wrong.
Jan, you can work more days if you want more hours. What choice do I have.
You are making me work Monday and Tuesdays which stops me from taking call
during those days. So, I take call at night on Monday and Tuesday
and take the chance of being up all night. Which has happened.
OK, now Jan that you decided you wanted to work 5 days a week. Here are
your days off.....Every Wednesday and Friday. You can't have 2 days off
in a row. Work 4 days take one off then work one and take one off. Repeat
cycle over and over.
I have stewed over this now for a couple of months and almost ruined
myself with anger and depression.
Hell all I want is to work Thursday through Sunday 12 hours, take great care
of my patients, and provide for my family. Now I feel as if I have no family time.

There are choices, either I deal with it and wait out the boss or leave.
I have decided to wait out the boss. He is boss #8 in the 7 years
I have been there.....Time is drawing nigh.

On a much brighter note. I am very well loved and that feels good.