Posted by Mary (156.63.13.130) on November 03, 2000 at 08:14:02:
In Reply to: The story just keeps getting better posted by Helen on September 10, 2000 at 23:12:51:
Helen,
I'm sorry to hear that this happened - I wish I could say that this is the first time I've heard of such an occurrence. Thank you for your commitment to staying on the unit through your shift, and to your own professionalism.
As an Ombudsman in Ohio, I would certainly investigate this complaint. I would also encourage the person (you) who experienced this, to try to bring it to the attention of the decision-makers in the facility - e.g. the people controlling the budget for staffing (administrator, in most cases). It is difficult to approach someone in a diplomatic way when you have just had this experience, but it is also valuable to do so, so that you can really be heard. When I have a approached an administrator with, "I know that you are commited to the residents of this facility, so I want you to know about an experience I had this week and how it impacted the care I could provide for our residents..." I have never had anyone respond with, "No, I don't care and I am not interested." When this approach is unsuccessful, your ombudsman may also explain other options that exist for you, including contacting the regulatory agency in your area to report the impact of such actions on the residents in your care -e.g. were care plans followed on this shift, were any resident rights violated, etc.
Every day we have an impact on every person with whom we come into contact - every day, we decide whether this will be a positive or a negative impact.
Thank you for your commitment and for caring.
[email protected]
www.proseniors.org