Another reason unions suck!

[Ruger8mm]

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.

[heron, ASN, RN]

No - I didn't miss anything, including the sense of superiority.

The presumed ignorance of non-professionals and the attitudes of crusty old bats are excuses for being unwilling to take any responsibility for your own union, while whining about what a lousy job " those people" are doing.

[twozer0, NP]

its okay, i deal with nurses who are past there prime on the daily.

[Decade1]

Quite frankly, inflammatory language, like "wipe the union filth" off is totally nonproductive. I WISH we had a union. Trust me, we get trampled on without it. Welcome to healthcare. If you think having/not having a union has much of a basis in you getting what you want it merely demonstrates your lack of experience, ignorance of history, and sense of entitlement. Good luck with that. I'm sure you enjoy working less than 40 hours a week and not being mandated to stay. Here's a phrase you might take heed of "Thank you, unions", because without them you'd have neither of those rights. And remember this:

"Virtually ALL the benefits you have at work, whether you work in the public or private sector, all of the benefits and rights you enjoy everyday are there because unions fought hard and long for them against big business who did everything they could to prevent giving you your rights. Many union leaders and members even lost their lives for things we take for granted today. The right-wing attack on unions is nothing more than ignorance, lack of education, and propaganda."

[Emergent, RN]

its okay, i deal with nurses who are past there prime on the daily.

Corrections: It's okay, I deal with nurses who have passed their prime on a daily (basis).

[Decade1]

Also, it's pretty lame to take a union job if you're so anti-union. Move. Find another job. Isn't that what personal responsibility is about? Quit whining and change your own situation. You get zero sympathy on this one newbie. Gotta pay your dues. You don't seem to care about anyones else's situation, or how many years they've given to have that seniority. Why would you then ask for people's sympathy about you situation? You get none.

[twozer0, NP]

Corrections: It's okay, I deal with nurses who have passed their prime on a daily (basis).

I stand corrected. There is one in every crowd.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Corrections: It's okay, I deal with nurses who have passed their prime on a daily (basis).

And what the heck is that about anyway? Everyone ages. Everyone passes their prime sooner or later. Ageism is ugly.

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

Not meaning this as an anti-union statement, but just relaying a personal experience...the union facility I worked in had a few people at the top that were there approx. 10+ or more years. Those people had the best assignments...sometimes not even working...just BSing (literally) all day (on a "project" or "helping" the Admin/DON).

[RHope]

True. Nice pic by the way.

[oldandintheway]

I get amused by a lot of the anti-Union rants I hear. In a previous career one of the essential functions of a union I belonged to was maintaining an extremely high level of professional competence. If a member was unable to perform at a high level the rank and file would no longer support them and they were denied continued membership. Competency was quantifiable and members took responsibility for each other.

I live and practice in California, it seems to me a little hypocritical for some to embrace ratios and relatively high pay yet bash unions. Ratios, working conditions, and comfortable pay scales are a direct result of union advocacy. It doesn't matter if your facility is unionized or not, the union shops, (including public sector jobs, yeah the prisons) are the sole reason benefits are so good. A high tide floats all boats, the competitive nature of skilled labor forces nonunion facilities to offer similar inducements as union shops to recruit and retain staff.

[Ruger8mm]

I don't agree with seniority (in regards to perks like picking any and all vacation days). Just because they are old they deserve perks more? And it's not just because they are a loyal employee and deserve perks. I know many who aren't good enough to work elsewhere and should be greatful they even have a job. So they get to chose the best vacation days just because they have been there forever? Eh, I don't buy into it.

[Ruger8mm]

Whoever said I need time off. You are right. I really need to go fishing somewhere warm.