Would you feel safe being a patient at your hospital or medical facility?

Anonymous Registered Nurs · Apr 12, 2000

Absolutely NOT. Even though I know just about everyone there. I say this because they (management) are really, understaffing. If I was on Med-Surg, my RN would have 12 patients plus she would be responsible for all the IV meds of a LPN who has another 12 patients of her own, and they would only have 2 "techs" to assist them. Yes, thats right, 24 patients for 4 staff (1 RN, 1 LPN, 2 unlicensed techs). In CCU/ICU the RN would have 3-4 patients with 1 tech (who is also responsible for up to 14 patients, unit clerking, lab draws, blood sugars, stocking, and all the baths). EVEN THE BEST NURSE IN THE WORLD COULD NOT PROVIDE QUALITY CARE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. I just don't get how the administators can get away with this, SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE TO STOP THIS!! So I started an internet petition, but nobody is signing it. I'm very heart sick about the situation but don't know else to do.

JodieRN · Apr 15, 2000

I had a Lap Chole at the hospital where I work two years ago. At the time I had only been working there about 6 months. I was given a private room at no extra charge..one of the few staff perks My nurses were great, so I know if they were that good to me, they are taking good care of the rest of the patients! They give the job their all, despite the poor staffing ratios. I guess it helped that I already knew everyone because I was pt on my own floor!! I do have to say there was only one person that I did not want taking care of me, because we have conflicting ideas about pain management, so the secretary made sure she placed me in a room at the end opposite of where this nurse was working (another perk with regard to knowing the staff). I am having shoulder surgery later next month in a hospital 90 miles from home. Not because I don't have confidence in the staff at my hospital, but because the Orthopod here treated me like garbage. I don't know if he thought I "knew it all" and he didn't need to explain just because I'm a nurse or what. But I knew I could not let him manage my care when I read the consultation he dictated...he stated he discussed certain topics with me that I have no recollection of him discussing with me...hmmmm?? What do you think of that?? Did he have me confused with someone else or????Besides the fact that the man wrote two pages about a woman who he spent all of five minutes with!!! I'd like to know where he got his info, because none of that was in my medical records. And he is supposed tobe the "best" Orthopod left in this town. : Anyway, I went out of town for a second opinion, and I am very satisifed with the care I am currently recieving. I am a little nervous about having surgery out of town though, because I do trust the people I work with, and do not know anyone at the other hospital. I have heard many good comments about this other hospital, but I guess I'll just have to find out for myself.

Suzanne · Apr 17, 2000

Yes I would be happy to have my relatives in my place of work.

I have worked in most areas and am happy with what I know of staff and care.

Our situation re staff is not good but crikey its a lot better than most of yours in US so far.

I guess it comes down to perception, ideals and facts.

As a patient we percieve things and have ideals that as a staff member we could realise are sometimes unrealistic.

I don't know the answer but perhaps the way we are going here is the solution. Home centred with only acute, acute in facilities.

We'll suspend judgement on that one for another few years.

Smile and keep up the good work all of you.

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