[NRSKarenRN]

PCN to Hold Live Call-In on Nursing Shortage/Mandatory Overtime

The Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) will hold a live call in program dealing with issues surrounding the nursing shortage, including mandatory overtime, on Monday, October 29, 2001 at 7 PM ET. Rep. Pat Vance and Rep. Bob Belfanti will answer call in
questions and discuss the issue. PCN is carried by several state cable companies. For a listing of areas and channels log onto the PCN web site at: http://www.pcntv.com/affils.htm.

PSNA feels that it is important the association's message concerning mandatory overtime is heard. As you know PSNA was instrumental in the introduction of Senate Bill 989, which if in acted will prohibit the use of mandatory overtime as a means of nurse staffing in Pennsylvania Hospitals and healthcare facilities. PSNA's believes that the use of mandatory overtime is a healthcare issue and that the use of mandatory overtime contributes to the nursing shortage and affects the quality of patient care.

While Pennsylvania Nurses would never abandon patients as it is not within the realm of the profession to take such action, however, it is also not contingent to quality healthcare to mandate nurses to work excessive shifts without an adequate break. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state and across the country have enacted policies eliminating the use of mandatory overtime with much success. Creative staffing solutions and voluntary overtime are preferred.

Nurses are encouraged to call in and let their voice and the voice of PSNA be heard. If you call in and are a PSNA member, please mention your membership and feel free to forward this information to other nurses you know.

Info from PSNA list-serv alert. Contact PSNA @ www.psna.org. Karen

[oramar]

I am positive I would have missed this without your post.

[Zee_RN]

Thanks for the heads-up!

[Sundowner]

CRAP! I am a day late and a dollar short! I missed it!
You must tell me how it all went!

[oramar]

Will be repeated at 12:40am 10/30 which is in a few hours. I unexpectedly ended up in doctors office this evening and missed it also. Am waiting up to see it at 12:40. Of course it is recorded, no further call ins.

[Sundowner]

Thanks ORAMAR!