CBS News | Is There A Nurse In The House?
The CBS Evening News (Dec 28th) -
Eye on America
(http://cbsnews.com/now/story/0,1597,260229-412,00.shtml).
My pt called me into his room to watch a news report on the nation-wide nursing shortage. After it was over HE said to ME: "how come they didnt mention that you girls have to work like dogs, get no help, and dont get paid half of what you should??? Dont you think THAT has something to do with people not becoming nurses anymore?????"
The report discussed the nursing shortage for a whole 5 minutes! We made it to prime time! But it was a half-baked report - incomplete & lacking in that it made not one mention of workplace conditions being a factor in the reasons why people are not coming into nursing or why so many are leaving. Not a word about what RNs are fighting for all over the country. Not a hint of any national RN leaders or organizations/associations being interviewed for their point of view on the subject. But plenty of quotes from hospital executives! Not one mention made of or by any experienced RNs!! And it explained that some hospitals are "aggresively fixing the problem" by offering thousands of dollars in sign-on bonuses. (and we all know how well those work!) As far as speaking to RNs on camera, the reporter interviewed only a new grad who was lured to her job by the high sign-on bonus and all she talked about was that money. Arrrrggghhhh!!
I already wrote my letter to the station, the health editor, the ANA, and my state association. http://cbsnews.com/now/story/0,1597,260229-412,00.shtml
email: [email protected]
It will be forwarded to the appropriate persons.
Happy Holidays!