Have you noticed a cutback on Unit Aides, Secretaries and Techs?

[RN>20yr]

I posted this in the California section because in general we have more unionized hospitals so they try to cut corners in other ways.

I have noticed that the break and resource nurses are expected to "fill in" when we are "short" patient care techs and secretaries-which is ALL the time.

It used to be you would have a "charge" RN, a "admit" RN (had the lightest load), AND a PCT AND a Secretary (Unit Clerk).

PCT's and UC's are so valuable to making the unit run smoothly-and I think they really increase the satisfaction of patients and families.

The hospitals are doing a big FAIL by cutting back on these people.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I've seen it in some places but not all. I currently have a full time job and have done Per Diem work in other places. The bigger places seem to still have PCT and UC's and I found that the smaller hospitals I do Per Diem work at have eliminated PCT's and UC's. It makes it harder for nurses not having someone stocking the rooms with medical and nursing supplies. The nurses appear to be too busy to take care of it. Also, no one answers phonecalls and the phone rings forever sometimes.