Another reason unions suck!

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Trying to get a vacation as a new RN under a union regime is challenging at best. It's all seniority based. So the senior RNs can basically come and go as they choose. But that means the rest of us cannot be off (even though we don't cover each other or know each other's job). Also the silly union made a rule that managers cannot approve vacations to far out. So if someone knows they want a certain week 2 years from now, they cannot secure it and start booking flights or whatever. It's irritating at best.

Specializes in PCCN.
Not sure how you guys can say there isn't a shortage when data indicates there will be an excessive shortage in a number of years. Not to mention major facilities out there have hundreds of open positions.

Yeah , there will be a shortage because no one will want to work in the conditions we have now. Especially non union shops.

Plenty of RNs . are out there.

I know a lot of our techs who came in wanting to go into nursing are changing their mind and going to school for something else- non medical!

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Unions suck huh? Wasn't for unions you wouldn't be having the discussion about vacations because you wouldn't have any. You think that corporations just gave use vacations and PTO? That was fought for and is something that is continually being fought for. Without unions the nurse would not have a voice. I was a delegate for my department and I have negotiated along management, and yes we had to fight for our vacations and PTO. Hospitals answer to corporate shareholders just like any other corporation. You may forget that you are a worker and sometimes you are told how great you are but don't fall in to believing it. Try telling your supervisor that you were understaffed on a shift. Try telling them you did not have the proper supplies and equipment. Threaten to inform CMS and you can kiss your job goodbye. Unions provide protections to healthcare workers to report neglect, harassment, favoritism, short staffing etc… No contract, no voice. You can take it to the board but you will have a fight and likely no job. Unions are just as important now then they have been in the past. Funny how people diss them when waiting for a vacation, but they love their overtime and double time when they stay after their shift or are called in to work extra.

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Letter to Ruger 8mm about having to work in a union hospital…

You need to move. You do not have to work up there. Move to the south, they hate unions there. You will make less money and have less benefits but you will not have to put up with all those nasty unions. I think you will be doing us all a favor. I think you will fit in much better in a non progressive community that hates labor rights and love their yachts and guns (assuming you love guns from your name).

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"The union" is not an entity, nor does the union dictate vacation practices, or anything else in the contract. The contract is an agreement reached by members of the union and management. Sometimes one side doesn't like what the other side insists on having there, but both sides have their rights. And you're lucky to have union protection if you ever have any disciplinary actions.

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Maybe if you were to participate in the union you could help change it more to your liking.

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Specializes in geriatrics.
Not sure how you guys can say there isn't a shortage when data indicates there will be an excessive shortage in a number of years. Not to mention major facilities out there have hundreds of open positions.

Where are the hundreds of open positions?

Quite often, positions are posted and re-posted with no intention of ever filling them. Also, in certain areas there is a nursing shortage (often small towns, rural areas, or facilities that have a poor reputation).

There is also a nursing shortage for experienced nurses in specialty areas.

However, the reality is a nursing job shortage. Yes, nurses are retiring, but often those positions are not filled. They disappear.

The headlines indicate mixed messages and half-truths on purpose.

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the nursing shortage is a myth....and I can prove it...I have a 30 bed unit that is full and only have 5 nurses to staff it...we have a max 4:1 PT to RN ratio policy....so I am currently short 3 nurses. As a supervisor, I should be able to easily solve this shortage by changing policy and increase my max ratio from 4:1 to 6:1...now I have enough RNs to cover my unit and the "shortage problem" is solved!!! Unfortunately, as a Supervisor, I cant do this because the union would pitch a fit. Moreover, I can reduce my labor costs by replacing the more expensive/experienced nurses with newer RNs (

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Not sure how you guys can say there isn't a shortage when data indicates there will be an excessive shortage in a number of years. Not to mention major facilities out there have hundreds of open positions.

i just solved the nursing shortage you speak of

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
Not sure how you guys can say there isn't a shortage when data indicates there will be an excessive shortage in a number of years. Not to mention major facilities out there have hundreds of open positions.

Is this another of those questions like; what the definition of is is?

is vs. will be

perhaps you didn't mean to say what you actually said.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I work in a nonunion hospital. Many wish we could get a union. Our patient ratio is 6:1 and most of our patients are totals. The company decided we don't need 1:1 sitters unless it is a suicide patient. Patient falls have increased exponentially and they try to blame you. I refuse to put a patient in a posey vest to save the company money. I work in a stroke unit, but MRI is not available on weekends unless it is STAT. I have to ask the physicians to make sure that the order be made STAT in order to get my patients to MRI within 24 hours.

Be be grateful that you can be a " true" patient advocate without the threat of management hanging over your head.

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If that was a reply to me.......I can tell you we have a vast sum of money in multiple 401k's, stocks, money market accounts and IRA's. Unlike many saps out there, we don't believe SS or pensions will be there when we are ready to reitre.

If you have "vast sums of money" as you report...why don't you simply give your 2 week notice before your planned vacation in 2017...if you are that valuable of an employee/RN by 2017; I am sure your facility will gladly hire you back upon reapplying for your position...if not, then live off your "vast sums of wealth".... problem solved!

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I can reduce my labor costs by replacing the more expensive/experienced nurses with newer RNs (

Spoken like a true Supervisor ufaalu… Are you out on the floor getting patients out of bed, feeding them, cleaning them, passing out beds and helping out with admissions and discharges? If so, then maybe you can make an informed decision about upping your ratios by 50%. If not, then you are being another bean counter. The union is making your job harder by having working standards. I am sure that your staff would consider upping their ratios if they are guaranteed ancillary assistance and improved workflow. The only way to guarantee this is by contract, hence the union… Oh yeah, your unit is not a Farm! Your unit consist of human beings with emotions and limits, you treat them with respect you may be able to pursue your agenda.

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