Does California really need RN's

[serinamour]

From looking into the hosp. web sights, it appears that most dont have full time positions, and what they do have is very limited. I was looking in the San Fransico area, at the Sutter Hospitals. I have filled out the online application and applied for two part time positions because that is all that is listed. So can anyone help me to figure this out? Is the shortage not happening in San Fransico? Also did they do away with 12 hour shifts, with the new staffing ratios? I see alot of 8 hour shifts , and that is all. so can some one help me? Im confused.... also I am moving to the San Fransico area, but all the different areas are confusing to me also, its hard to know where to go, when you have never been there. Is there a better place to live, for instance the north bay vs the south bay etc. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, Im just waiting for a phone call from a nurse recruiter, I called Sutters hot line, but it does not give a phone number to the recruiter. Thanks to anyone who takes pity on me!!

[pickledpepperRN]

This time of year is especially hard to be a nurse, which is why I chose registry. Overall, my experience with the California so called "nursing shortage" is more like a shortage of desirable jobs. We have seen many hospital groups merge, shut down and been turned inside out by JHACO, DHS and CHA investigations and the headlines all scream that "NURSES ARE AT FAULT!!!". I would say that every State needs RN's, but California seems to be under the spotlight, since we are the only State that has mandated ratio's in effect.

They are not always enforced, in fact the hospital needs to simply notify the governing agency that they were unable to fulfill staffing needs, which in my opinion should be based on ACUITY rather than just counting noses! My other gripe about these ratios is that many hospitals incorporate LVN's into the 5:1 module, meaning that the RN is now responsible for 10 as far as assessment, IVP and piggies, not to mention that a lot of hospitals I travel to require an RN to take MD orders.

I am very specific in my job requirements, I prefer 8 or 10 hour shifts and there are a few hospitals I would NEVER go to at this time, so I get cancelled a lot. I would say we are pretty full up with RN's and lacking desperately in good working environments. Anyone have an opinion about all of this?

The ratio is the floor. Hospitals must staff up by acuity.

Here's a quote, "In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), the hospital shall implement a patient classification system as defined in Section 70053.2 above for determining nursing care needs of individual patients that reflects the assessment, made by a registered nurse as specified at subsection 70215(a)(1), of patient requirements and provides for shift-by-shift staffing based on those requirements. The ratios specified in subsection (a) shall constitute the minimum number of registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and in the case of psychiatric units, licensed psychiatric technicians, who shall be assigned to direct patient care. Additional staff in excess of these prescribed ratios, including non-licensed staff, shall be assigned in accordance with the hospital's documented patient classification system for determining nursing care requirements, considering factors that include the severity of the illness, the need for specialized equipment and technology, the complexity of clinical judgment needed to design, implement, and evaluate the patient care plan, the ability for self-care, and the licensure of the personnel required for care. The system developed by the hospital shall include, but not be limited to, the following elements:...

,,,(q) The hospital shall plan for routine fluctuations in patient census. If a healthcare emergency causes a change in the number of patients on a unit, the hospital must demonstrate that prompt efforts were made to maintain required staffing levels. A healthcare emergency is defined for this purpose as an unpredictable or unavoidable occurrence at unscheduled or unpredictable intervals relating to healthcare delivery requiring immediate medical interventions and care."

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/lnc/pubnotice/NTPR/R-37-01_Regulation_Text.pdf

I think working registry is a great way to find out the true conditions. Some hospitals have great units as well as poor ones.

Some units have friendly, helpful nurses who insist on high standards and safe staffing.

Another unit in the same facility may have grouchy staff, low standards, and wimpy nurses who accept minimum ratios without meal break coverage. The best nurses usually transfer to the better unit so registry gets sent to the latter.

[Haunted]

Thanks Haunted for your info....can you tell me in your opinion what hospitals that are good and bad....and why? This is info I need to have....and thanks again for all info.:)

That is a GREAT question and I would be very happy to provide you with facilities I have worked at through my agency, the good, the bad and the extremely ugly. Unfortunately, when my personal experiences and opinions are posted, they are removed by the moderators so perhaps you can PM me sometime and I can tell you from my experience. I work primarily in Orange County but have also worked at some LA hospitals so that may narrow it down.

[santefe]

Haunted....I too am in need of your wisdom...which hospitals and floors. I had

been working in southern cal for 8 years before coming back to illinois and am

desperately trying to get back to ca. from l.a. to san diego. My experience is in cardiac, telemetry and nicu. Would you share your wisdom with me? I am

a listed member under santefe.......WISHING TO BE HOME SOMEDAY!

[SFCardiacRN]

There are lots of hospitals in the bay area and they are all good...and bad. Travel nursing is a good way to check out a few and find an area you want to live in.

[Gumshooz]

In California Bay Area they have Kaiser, St. Rose, Alta Bates, Washington Hospital, Childrens Hospital, Eden Hospital, etc. I know for sure Kaiser and Washington Have a website that you can apply for a position. You Probably already know that kaiser is the biggest with several different locations. Washington Hospital is starting to expand and build more clinics in the area.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I'm in CA and we need nurses! And we will hire tomorrow if possible. I've never heard of not hiring over a couple of holidays coming up - it is 2 lousy days - Christmas and New Years.

steph

[SFCardiacRN]

I just did a yahoo search of California Bay area hospitals and found 30 listed! Nursing jobs in CA...you betcha! Good pay too.

[nursefrancois]

Stevielyn, I am in great need of employment here in California. My dilemma is that I have a Louisiana License. Plus, I am a new grad, that was displaced by Hurricane Katrina. And I need cash quick. Fema isn't much of a help!