Refused my first assignment today.

33 I never thought this day would come so soon with me only having 2 years of experience as a nurse but it came and happened today.

I refused my first assignment. I felt I would not of been able to give safe patient care with the load I was expected to have and with limited resources. I stood flat footed in front of the DON and administer of the facility and said "No" I have to admit I was shaking in my boots a bit however, I was prepared to be fired on the spot or quit right then in there. Neither happened as we were able to work something out.

The day shift nurse also refused the same assignment in the AM, so that should give management clue that what they are asking is unsafe.

I'm currently sending my resume out as I type. I got to get away from this facility.
Good for you! It's a real concern that this is so prevalent. Why do administrators, ect EVERYWHERE think this shrt staffing is the way to go?It boggles my mind.

Good for you and thank you for putting patient safety first. We need more nurses like you!

:yeah::bowingpur

Yes I agree Good for you and thank you for putting patient safety first. We need more nurses like you!

Quote from beebleGood for you! It's a real concern that this is so prevalent. Why do administrators, ect EVERYWHERE think this shrt staffing is the way to go?It boggles my mind.

Thanks for being brave! We DO need more nurses like you!

Your decision is very comendable. You did the right thing. Be proud of yourself for standing up for what you believe in. I know you will find a better place to work. Its good you are getting out before you turn bitter due to poor working conditions. Too many people end up hating their job because of circumstances like this but yet they do nothing about it but walk around with a nasty attitude and a dirty look on their face for years. Good luck with the job search and I thank you as well for putting patients first! We do need more nurses like yourself!

I am proud of you and thank you for your bravery. It is a mess out there on the front lines. We need more nurses like you.

Well, the tide has turned, indeed!2 years ago this board would have been alive with the sound of nurses chastising you for "failing to put the pt. first".Bless you, sister, and let this be a lesson: Stand up to what you KNOW is right. They will ALWAYS back down in the face of right and might.Maybe drillers and welders CAN be replaced in a strike. But great nurses, NOT SO MUCH."Fight for your right to care".(This is the beginning to a great slogan, anybody want to think of ends to "fight for your right to..."

I'm honestly sick and tired of under staffing ! When I get my RN I'm joining the ANA and will also participate in writing our local legislators. It may not change anything but for now I won't accept an assignment I can't handle. They are so busy looking at the numbers rather than acuity ! Really ? I'm sure I now have a target on my back but I don't care....

One good lawsuit from a mistake from short-staffing will nix any petty salary savings they claim to receive.

Welcome to the Club, Im now a out of work lvn for refusing my assignment, but even so, you cant tell me I did the wrong thing...The way I look at it is, if they want to place me in an unsafe environment then that is a place I don't want to work at.