You are the RPN working in a long term care facility. You have been working there for three years. You work evenings every day and have a good relationship with your colleagues. In fact you have become friends with a lot of the staff that you work with. You are working one evening and the RN approaches you and asks you to stay after your shift to do overtime. You have plans for after work with your partner and you really do not want to stay. The RN begs you to stay and says that she has tried everyone in the facility and that since you are the least senior it is you who must stay.

This happens regularly at your nursing home and you are really frustrated. You say yes a lot and feel that you are being taken advantage of in this situation. You snap at the RN after she keeps pressuring you. Then she tells you that you are being "insubordinate".

Dissect this problem and think about it from a broad perspective.

1. Does the RN have the right to ask the RPN to stay?
2. Does the RPN have the right to refuse?
3. What can be done in the organization to manage the issue related to staffing?
4. Is there any connection to this and professional misconduct?