[Haunted]

WOW! I became in house registry with a Medical Center in Orange County California over a year ago after working 5 years outside registry. I enjoyed the staff at this facility and had begun to feel "at home". However, since the staffing ratios went into effect, this facility decided that the nursing staff should absorb the increased cost by eliminating our CNA's. In fact, forcing them to sign letters of resignation. That makes us primary care for 6 patients from a demographic profile that includes homeless frequent flier med seekers, non compliant chronics, SNF patients with aspiration pneumonia on NGT who must be restrained, patients with stage 4 on clinitron beds who require frequent cleaning, turning, not to mention feeders. Enough of the "cue the violins" and on to the reality....We are non union, non contract staffers who, upon voicing our concerns were told by Administration "you voted for the ratios, what are you *****ing about?" and the ever famous "If you don't like it, there is the door." Many of my commrades have been with this facility for 20 plus years and risk losing pensions, benefits and are ill equipped to place themselves back in the market.

I have been vocal regarding the potential impact on patient safety, work place injury and the unscupulous practice of Human Resources in "coercing" our dedicated CNA's to sign letters of resignation. Well, my big mouth paid off.

I was told by HR that I was being terminated for inciting "insubordination". I am back in the trenches as a Registry Nurse and am hoping that those who are left behind at this facility will take a stand . What a mind blower huh?

[Sheri257]

Originally Posted by Haunted

I have been vocal regarding the potential impact on patient safety, work place injury and the unscupulous practice of Human Resources in "coercing" our dedicated CNA's to sign letters of resignation. Well, my big mouth paid off.

I'm just a student, but have heard many reports of CNA's being laid off to save money because of the new ratios. However, I'm curious as to exactly how management is "coercing" people into signing letters of resignation?

[Nurse4years]

Originally Posted by Haunted

WOW! I became in house registry with a Medical Center in Orange County California over a year ago after working 5 years outside registry. I enjoyed the staff at this facility and had begun to feel "at home". However, since the staffing ratios went into effect, this facility decided that the nursing staff should absorb the increased cost by eliminating our CNA's. In fact, forcing them to sign letters of resignation. That makes us primary care for 6 patients from a demographic profile that includes homeless frequent flier med seekers, non compliant chronics, SNF patients with aspiration pneumonia on NGT who must be restrained, patients with stage 4 on clinitron beds who require frequent cleaning, turning, not to mention feeders. Enough of the "cue the violins" and on to the reality....We are non union, non contract staffers who, upon voicing our concerns were told by Administration "you voted for the ratios, what are you *****ing about?" and the ever famous "If you don't like it, there is the door." Many of my commrades have been with this facility for 20 plus years and risk losing pensions, benefits and are ill equipped to place themselves back in the market.

Originally Posted by Haunted

I have been vocal regarding the potential impact on patient safety, work place injury and the unscupulous practice of Human Resources in "coercing" our dedicated CNA's to sign letters of resignation. Well, my big mouth paid off.

I was told by HR that I was being terminated for inciting "insubordination". I am back in the trenches as a Registry Nurse and am hoping that those who are left behind at this facility will take a stand . What a mind blower huh?

"inciting insubordination"???
You go!!!
Sorry about your job, though.
but, on the other hand...Yeah you!!!!!
Be proud.
You didn't take it, you weren't one of the victims.

[CHATSDALE]

you got dealt a rough hand but you did the right thing....you are out but your are out with a license in hand and maybe iif you had stayed you would have been just out....if something bad had happen to a pt d/t the fact you were overwhelmed those fine managers would have said...'IF WE HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE SITUATION WE WOULD HAVE CORRECTED IT" and you are the ulimate scrapegoat....just remember that blessings sometimes come in strange looking packaging...yo will look back on this and say it was the luckiest thing that ever happen to you

[rncat94]

Numerous San Diego hospitals have done pretty much the same thing, although I don't know if they had the CNAs sign letters of resignation. That is criminal. Shouldn't someone have counselled the CNAs to refuse. Then they might have been fired, but could have applied for unemployment. Once EDD heard the reason they were fired they could have collected. How unfair as well for the nurses to have to take the brunt of that legislation. Work loads were supposed to be improved!!

[border rn]

You did the right thing! I am sure they are going to be sorry to have lost a dedicated and knowledgeable RN who knew the ropes in their facility. I just do not understand the concept of bottom line as compared to pt safety, it blows my mind. Good luck with the new registry work -- I know of an awesome registry to work for in California, great pay, great support, I work for them when I am in California. Good luck

[jemb]

Sorry about your situation. Good for you, though, for sticking up for what you knew was right.

Have to ask--was this a Tenet facility? Maybe one that begins with a 'W'?

[GoLytely]

What are these new ratios about?

[Tweety]

Good luck. That's what worries me about the ratio laws if it's every passed here. Hospitals will take away your ancillary help to save many, and we're still in the same situation....unsafe staffing.

Good luck.

[Sheri257]

Originally Posted by 3rdShiftGuy

Good luck. That's what worries me about the ratio laws if it's every passed here. Hospitals will take away your ancillary help to save many, and we're still in the same situation....unsafe staffing.

Interesting that you mention this. Some of the RN's I know would actually prefer to have less patients and less ancillary help, since they think it's better to have less patients and more control. They feel there's nothing worse than getting stuck with a bad CNA or LVN who puts their license at risk and only adds to their responsibility and stress, since they essentially end up having to do their job anyway.

Since I'm a student, I don't know if this is true or not and, of course, I'm not suggesting that all CNAs and LVNs are problem employees but, I thought it was an interesting counter perspective on the ratio/ancillary staff question.