patient assingments

[lmark@una.ca]

Hello,

Prior to strike with 24 patients two RN and two LPNs would split these patients by needs and have 6 each for a full 7-7 shift day shift. with an additional RN and LPN for our ER on days and an RN on the desk for charge. Nights are different there is only 2 RNs and 2 LPNs for the entire hospital. one RN remains on the floor with the LPNs and one covers ER

I need clarify on what to expect for the RNs on Saturday Morning. For patient assignments it is typically separated by staff on nights for days. Are the two RNs coming to shift expected to be responsible for 12 patients not for the duration of the shift and the NUEE will only there for emergencies? Or will they have a typical assignment? is it then split 6/6/12 or 8/8/8?

I have been notified from our AUPE ANC strike captains that the ESA staff are 0600-1200 and 1800-2359. i understand it will be the responsibility of the NUEE with the appropriate skill set to fill these shifts first and then the determined ESA staff.

For staffing on unit, does this mean there will be zero management or lpn staff on unit what so ever in the off time of 1201-1759 and 0000-0559. What will be done with the responsibility of care for those patients during the median time. If there is no other staff will that mean care 0001-0559 will be assigned to the only 2 RN staff that makes one responsible for 24 acute patients and one responsible for the er.

Will RN staff be expected to "catch up" on the care tasks not performed during the ESA time? will there be risk of abandonment of care if the remaining 2 staff are unable to catch up for the patients assigned to the NUEE/ESA? Who will be responsible to assist the 2 lone staff in the event of a code? how will someone remain on the floor for the patients if both staff are in the ER during a code or deteriorating patient. Will this be considered abandoment of care of the acute care patients if the acute RN leaves the floor to go to the ER?

[jarbour@una.ca]

Hello,

All of these are excellent questions and need to be answered by the manager. The RN's workload or patient assignment should not increase. If there is extra work to be done please get direction from management on who will be doing it. If the work left to be done is urgent, managers are not responding or doing it, and not doing it will result in patient harm you should do what needs doing and report it immediately to your Local/LRO/this forum.

Jeannine Arbour - Labour Relations Manager (Specialties)