The nation's most dangerous job

oramar · May 19, 2001

I just finished watching it to but I only caught the last 45 minutes. I hope they repeated later today, they usually do. I heard them laying out the problems really well, with such a good understanding of the issues there has to be help coming. However, it seemed as if the proposed solutions were kinda fuzzy. They were using words like redesigning and computerazation. I have been present when the work place was redesigned in the past and the end result was decreased number of RNs, increased number of techs and heavier work loads for everyone. Also, I have spent many hours nursing crashed computers and jammed printers and I know computers can be a hinderance as well as a asset. So excuse me if I remain a little skeptical. Did they every speak of programs to get retired nurses like me back to the bedside? Like I said I missed a part of the program.

jamistlc · May 20, 2001

Originally posted by Mijourney:
Hi. I just finished watching the Senate hearing on the nursing shortage. I was inspired by some of the comments from the presenters in the hearing, but I was particularly inspired by Senator Mikulski of Maryland. She "kicked it up a notch." I was shocked to hear that the jobs performed by paid direct caregivers is more dangerous than in other industries. I like to read other comments from those of you who saw the hearing.

Greetings All Nurses,

I saw on TV this week a news broadcast about the most stressful jobs in the top 5 :confused: NURSING :rolleyes: :eek:

Like we could not have told them that!

Peace,

Have a Blessed Day,

Jami :)

hoolahan, ASN, RN · May 20, 2001

I took your post title literally, but I did not see the hearings at all. But, since we are on this subject of nurses in danger, I just found out my manager of the staffing agency I work for was assaulted. She and another nurse were attacked outside the ER doors while smoking (see how bad smoking is for you?) All kidding aside, he held a gun on them and asked them to give up all their jewlery, which they did, then he used a bandana to choke the other nurse and she passed out, then he used the bandana to choke my manager after he body slammed her into the glass doors, and whacked her head against the glass several times. She then said she felt him press his body up against her, and she decided to fight. She bit him as hard as she could, then he hit her in her mouth and knocked most of her teeth out, but she was able to get away, probably distracted by the pain, she really bit him HARD, she said she thinks she loosened her caps by biting him so hard before he hit her in the mouth, probably why he was able to knock out her teeth so easily, who knows.

This occurred at 3am, while my manager was working in the ER. My question is, Where the he!! was security??!! Of course there are only 2 guards for this hospital, in a very dangerous area of the city. Of course they didn't get the perp, so my manager has to go on AZT prohylaxis.

Not only is short staffing dangerous, we are in danger from assault, not enough protection, can't restrain or "oversedate" or God forbid we impinge on someone's rights, What about our rights?! And, we are exposed to every known disease under the sun. To name a few I have been exposed to this month alone... HIV, Hepatitis A, B, and C, cryptococcal meningitis, TB and MDR TB, and a pt who had malaria (in very critical condition), which granted is not communicable, but if I had stuck myself, or had a blood splash, who knows?? At least I was getting $35 to $38 from the agency!! But, I realized I don't want to do critical care anymore (that's another whole story.) I'm ready for the rehab hospital now. It's just not as dangerous. I just applied for a PT job as a library clerk, no lie, $6/hr. Why? I can't afford to go back for my MLS, and the exposure and library experience counts towards some state librarian jobs. I am out of nursing as soon as I can afford it altogether.

Thanks for listening, it's been a he!! of a week!

PeggyOhio · May 20, 2001

Jami,

What were the other four? most stressful jobs and where did you hear it.

We may need some of this kind of material when we go ask for a raise.

Does anyone know if there is an audio transcript of the Senate hearings available somewhere on the net?

[ May 20, 2001: Message edited by: PeggyOhio ]

Mijourney · May 20, 2001

Hi. I'm not very good with links, but see if

http://www.senate.gov/~labor/webcasts/webcasts.htm

is helpful.

Mijourney · May 20, 2001

I tried my link, and could not get access so what I did was

1. Clicked on the www.senate.gov link on that page I tried to get access.

2. Clicked on "Committees" at the top of the senate main page.

3. Clicked on "Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee" under the heading of "Standing" committees and it takes you to the page where you can click on the webcast of your choice. I think real player is needed for this.

Hope this helps.