Does anyone else have a problem with new staff getting preferential treatment? I have worked at the same hospital for eighteen years, and it seems new hires are getting better treatment from administration than older staff. They get sign on bonuses, better schedules, and seem to have lower standards of behavior. I was actually asked to work overtime last weekend because a guy who has worked here only three months wanted the weekend off. The supervisor even said that she wanted to keep him happy because he was new. It wouldn't have made me angry if I hadn't been told just last month I could not cover for another RN who wanted the day off for her sister's surgery because it would mean overtime. People are coming into the hospital and paid the same wage as those of us who have been here for years. A friend of mine was moved to night shift recently because there was a new girl coming who could only work days. There was an incident recently where one of our staff who has been here for fifteen years was suspended because he said something inappropriate to a physician. I witnessed the incident, and he was way out of line, and did deserve suspension. Shortly after that , another girl,who has been in our unit less than a year, called a doctor a name in front of a patient and his family. When the doc complained, he was told that she would apologize to him. She refused to apologize, and nothing further was done. This girl is often inappropriate to patients, families, and physicians, but it is just overlooked. There are incidents similar to this on a weekly basis, some just as outrageuos, some more subtle, but all very demoralizing. I know that recruitment of new staff is important, but keeping experienced staff happy should be too. Loyalty should be rewarded. I have never thought that there was a place for unions in health care, but I am beginning to think that maybe organizing would stop this kind of treatment? Anyone have any thoughts?
