answer to question or opinion

[Hollyrobyn]

Hi everyone,

I have a question for any one that wants to answer or give an opinion. I work at a state mental hospital and I love the job but hate what is going on there. 1. Forced mandatory overtime, related to nurse shortage staying at least two shifts over a week ( 16hrs shift expected to be back next day with out 8hrs off.)2. Being told by DON that supervisors can't grant any vacation time because of shortage. (PS DON and ADON have taken a vacation in the last 2wks). 3. At least four nurses were laid off related to state budget and all of them are allowed to collect retirement because they have thirty years in. 4. Last, but not least I know one nurse who just did a 24hr shift because of no coverage. What would you do? Leave report it (but I not sure who to report it to ) By the way, have spoken with Nursing union but unless I am a member (which I am not) that can't help and I work in a right to work state. What would you do ?

[GM2RN]

I would like to say I'd walk away without even giving notice, but I know that's easier said than done. At the very least, I'd be documenting my butt off, filing protests of assignment, and looking for another job at the same time. Good luck!

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

There is no nursing shortage; it's their budget. Call the newspaper, write your congressmen, anything. Is your facillity union and you decided not to join? It's a state hospital and all state hospitals have unions don't they? I'm confused ...

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

How can anyone work for 24 hrs straight? By the end of the shift, I would be as nutty as the clients.

Call your BON.

[merlee]

Both the BON and your state labor board need to be notified, and maybe even OSHA!!

Aside from disasters and emergencies, I have never heard of anyone working 24 hrs.

Contact the newspapers and TV stations.

Something is't right here.

[steelydanfan]

Well, don't join a union, see what happens.......

Sorry it is so bad for you.

[mazy]

Isn't it illegal to have an employee work more than 16 hours? How did the facility finesse the payroll paperwork on that?

Thankfully at least they are letting those laid off nurses collect on their pensions. Thirty years on the job and no pension, that would have been a real tragedy. I know that in my state, public employees do not pay into social security and so are not eligible for social security retirement so to lose their pensions would have been terrible.

My suggestion is to join the union. These are the kind of issues they are supposed to be dealing with. I think the place to start with this is to follow up with the State ombudsman and the BON.

[msbfree]

I too work for a state facility, the best way is to find other employees that you can voice concerns with to either find ways to work with the system or change it. The union is an organized effort, but you and your cohorts can be as effective if you work together. In most cases the Adminsitration is aware of the hardship and can give you some dates and times when the overtime may end. It is usually when they can hire, train, and put new staff into population.