Am I to blame?

Question

So i got a promotion in Oct. I am a LVN working in a Skilled nursing facility in san diego. My boss asked me to be their new Director of Staff Development. They didn't have a nurses to take my place so I never got to get oriented to my soon to be new postion. finally at the begining of dec, my replacement came. I went to a 3 day certification class for my new job. But my boss didn't ever have me oriented to my new job in the building. I walked into blindly 2 weeks ago. The nursing assistants havent been supervised for a while now and arent responding to dicipline very well. They all went to the administrator, my boss and complained saying they are going to quit. My question is am I to blame. I am trying my best without and orientation or help from anybody. My boss told me he thinks i am not stepping up to the plate and taking over, doing my job. Told me i could easily be put back on the floor as a regular nurse. I feel very hurt and betrayed. I am trying my best and need help.

Answer 1

I have to question why the Director of Staff Development would be responsible for the supervision of the nursing assistants.

The job of supervision is that of the Director of Nursing, and the nurses in charge of each shift. In most cases the Director of Staff Development is responsible for providing educational opportunities for the facility, and making sure that the facility stays in compliance with all JACHO and OSHA rules on orientation, staff education, and staff safety training. It would seem the Director of Nursing is placing their failures on your shoulders.

One concept that should be considered, however, is that adults are generally not disciplined (except in the military). They are supervised. The supervisory chain needs to provide the requirements of the position to each person. If they do not meet their obligations they are counseled (again, not disciplined) if they do not follow the requirements after counseling, the employess should be fired. These are adults, they need to be treated as adults, and fired for not doing their jobs as adults. If they are unemployed and have trouble finding employment because they have bad references they will be better adults in the future, or they shouldn't be in the health care setting in the first place.

Answer 2

See your boss and ask him specifically what he wants you to do and what he will do for you to help you take control of the situation. His response will let you know what you need to do. Could be time to switch facilities as this is a right mess. IF he's willing to do his job and work on making you a success with some concrete help, give it a go. If not, start job shopping ASAP.

Sounds like you got taken advantage of but feeling hurt is not going to get you anywhere. A fresh start may be your best bet. Don't make any ultimatums--just see what he wants to do. If he blows you off when you ask for specific help, then give your notice and move on. You can work with a temp agency and get a job that way if you must.

Answer 3

No. You are not to blame.
You may consider that you are not suited for that work...not everyone is. Being a nurse is hard work, but it is noble and spiritual.
You might also consider asking your boss for a little more time for what is effectively a career change...then document your CNA's behavior and disrespect...and get rid of one. IF that isn't enough...get rid of another.
You might read Niccolo Machiavelli's book, "The Prince", and apply it.

Answer 4

if i didnt know better i'd say you were set up to fail, you can get another job somewhere else you do not need to take that abuse. you might even report them to the board.