All LPNs laid off in a day

[RiverNurse]

Hi all,

I just wanted to post this as it has me a bit shaken. I went to work Monday and found that all of the LPNs and some of the ancillary staff in the hospital where I work were laid off. It came as a big surprise to the LPNs - and to all of us. No one knew it was coming.

The hospital census has been down over the past year. Our yearly raises have been "postponed" until Spring, 2011, there have been staff cuts in several departments, including phlebotomy (sometimes 1 for a 16 floor hospital), lab and transport. A year ago, the retirement program was stopped. In addition, there is a hiring freeze in place.

I do not think I am amiss in quoting Hamlet, in that "something is rotten in the state of Denmark" - ominous.

Any thoughts? I have three job offers on the table, but I've been at this current place for three years and do not want to make an impulsive move without analyzing this current situation - and that included input from seasoned nurses that have seen more than I have at this point.

Many thanks,

Rivernurse

[caliotter3]

The hints were there during the past year. Best to just move on. You are lucky to have three job offers. Try to figure out which employers are stable before you decide.

[dorisc1981]

Congratulations on your job offers. Do interview and make sure before you leap you make the right decision. I had been in a hospital where this same move was done to the nurses, they got a very late heads up and they were left on their own to scramble to see where they were going to be working and this force some into early retirement since their skills were going to be challenged else where. To be working and feelint that you are walking on eggshells is not a good feeling. They knew it was coming the laid off, it's just that they probably waited last minute to see if negotiations went through. In my opinion follow your gut. you never know if you will be next.

[Mulan]

What part of the country are you in?

[mentalhealthRN]

Just a thought--- in making your decision you might want to look to see which position would have the best education benefits. See who would pay for you to go back for your RN.....if you got your RN maybe you would be less likely to have to go through this again.....so sorry but hey 3 job offers--that is awesome! Sounds like the whole hospital is about to go down anyways! Good luck to you.

[ebear, BSN, RN]

I am an RN who was just laid off. This is a nationwide issue now, including for seasoned RNs. Be very happy that you have 3 offers. Choose one and get out now.... Good luck. :heartbeat

[StephRN08]

I am going through the exact same scenario. I work at a hospital in the Pittsburgh area that is part of a large health system. They did the same thing with pay, retirement, and hiring at one point or another. Back in July, they announced that there would be "integration" of services throughout the system. We all think the hospital is going to close and upper management doesn't want to directly state it. I will be starting a new position with the VA next month. Please take another position as it will mean some sort of securtiy!

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

As bad as it is for the LPNs who have been laid-off, their going may actually make your job more secure (I'm assuming your a RN). With so many of the ancillary and LPN staff gone they will need good, experienced nurses to cover the duties normally assigned to the laid-off staff members. You have been there a while, you know the ropes. Your value to them may have just gone up. Unless the facility actually closes (unlikely, realistically) then you may be safer where you are than as the "last man in" at another facility (where you can't be certain they won't have similar problems).

Just another perspective!

[MattiesMama]

This same scenario just played out at a facility where my friend works as an RN. What ended up happening is they increased the responsibilities of the CNA's to include nursing tasks like g-tube feeds, trach care, and the like. A very unsafe situation for patients and a slap in the face to all the LPN's, many of whom spent an entire career working for this facility. Even though she doesn't feel her job is at risk, my friend is considering leaving-because it speaks to how the company views it's nurses as basically disposable. I would definately take one of those job offers. Good luck!

[MassED, BSN, RN]

sometimes you have to know when to leap from that sinking ship.....

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Just a thought--- in making your decision you might want to look to see which position would have the best education benefits. See who would pay for you to go back for your RN.....if you got your RN maybe you would be less likely to have to go through this again.....so sorry but hey 3 job offers--that is awesome! Sounds like the whole hospital is about to go down anyways! Good luck to you.

The original poster is already an RN.

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

Ominous is right -RUN!!!!!