Obamacare and Nursing.. what do you think?

Nurses Activism

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I know that I am possibly opening up a can of ugly worms. I hope that in spite of differing opinions, that this thread can remain friendly and a simple exchange of ideas and opinions.

As a beginning nursing student, I am being told that there is this looming nursing shortage and that there is great job security. A little research on my own shows me that in my particular state, there definitely is a decent population of still practicing nurses who are 60 years and older who will be retiring soon, which would open up the way for us who are just getting started. More and more emphasis is also being put on the new healthcare law and how it will open the doors for more people to access medical care which again will increase the need for staffing.

I grew up in a country with a socialistic government, which also includes healthcare for everyone. I have seen how the hospitals are understaffed, and you are lucky if you get to spend 5 minutes with your physician, and you are not in control over which healthcare facility you can go to. I know that the new bill isn't necessarily socialistic, but there are socialistic principles in it.

As a nursing student, I can't help but wonder how this is going to affect my future as a nurse. I know that nurses talk among themselves and things trickle down from above onto the floors. Nothing is going to keep me from becoming a nurse. I am not in it for the money, but rather I feel somehow "called." However, I believe that it's good to be prepared for times ahead so that I can adjust accordingly.

How do you think that Obamacare is going to affect how care is delivered?

By the way, this is NOT a homework assignment of any kind. I am merely looking for for a friendly exchange of ideas and opinions.

I don't blame Obamacare. I'm just wondering why premiums haven't decreased like he promised, and why people keep believing in his promises.

Please provide a 'single' quote from Obama, in which he said anything about decreased premiums. Premiums are going to skyrocket. This is fact.

Specializes in Critical-care RN.

Blame the insurance lobby first...

According to an AARP article last year and a AAACN article this week, there will be "state insurance exchanges" for the unisured. Starting in 2014 insurance companies will not be allowed to deny individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Please provide a 'single' quote from Obama, in which he said anything about decreased premiums. Premiums are going to skyrocket. This is fact.

"I will sign a universal health care bill into law by the end of my first term as president that will cover every American and cut the cost of a typical family's premium by up to $2,500 a year."

Thanks for that, I never heard that before. Makes no sense, since there's no cost restraint mechanisms in Obamacare, so premiums are going to skyrocket.

Specializes in Critical-care RN.

... verified source please...

Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
“I will sign a universal health care bill into law by the end of my first term as president that will cover every American and cut the cost of a typical family’s premium by up to $2,500 a year.”

That quote, of course, preceeded the reality that a public option wouldn't be included in the bill.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Blame the insurance lobby first...

^IF people feel the need to blame anyone...this would be appropriate...

Tax Credits in 2014 | HealthCare.gov

Obamacare defined in simple language.

Specializes in ER, ICU, Administration (briefly).

You know, there is a bigger issue which no one seems to be willing to talk about, and that is WHY healthcare costs so much. The political power of the AHA has kept this issue off the table.

We are essentially given 2 options:

1) Socialized healthcare

2) Free market healthcare

What has not been discussed is how we can restructure the system to drastically reduce cost.

There are other options!

Specializes in ER, ICU, Administration (briefly).

“I will sign a universal health care bill into law by the end of my first term as president that will cover every American and cut the cost of a typical family’s premium by up to $2,500 a year.”

That quote, of course, preceeded the reality that a public option wouldn't be included in the bill.

and that the republicans would block EVERY effort by this President

Specializes in Critical-care RN.

... Medicare For All, and the cost per yr will be cheaper !!!:yes:

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