Hospitals cutting back??

[Abbi4155]

Our unit manager called a mandatory staff meeting today to basically tell us we should all be grateful we have jobs. She cited the rationale that the hospital is loosing money as our patients are not paying their bills due to job loss, insurance loss and the economy. She stated that we will be asked to do more and carry a heavier workload and they will note who does and does not complain.

I felt traumatized by the end of the meeting. Has anyone else been told such as this??

[dirtbarbie]

I work in Denver and we had our 'meeting' last night. We were told that our hospital has taken huge losses recently and subsequently: management will take a salary freeze, we are asked to try to reduce overtime, try not to waste supplies (or energy), our probonus pay for working an extra shift will go away (not overtime), they are only hiring clinical positions if needed (and likely only PRN, not full time), and external paid education opportunities are on hold. Oh, and we will still have our annual review for our departmental pay raise in April, but they are not promising that we'll get the raise - at least not now. One of our transporters told me that their department has asked them to scout individuals wanting to volunteer (or student interns).

Much of the staff is on board if it keeps anyone from losing a job. Rumor has it that other hospitals have cut back on clinical staff.

Same reasons as you listed... more uninsured patients. Not a 'you're lucky to have your job' talk, though. That doesn't sound like the right way for management to approach the recession.

And many thought healthcare wouldn't be affected...

It certainly seems like the time to reign in the expenses, though. We've done it at home, for sure. Best of luck.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Every type of health care facility is giving employees "the talk" about being grateful for the job, doing more with less staff/supplies, reducing overtime, and no raises. It is true, we should be happy to have a job but ...... even horses get a extra hand of oates and a pat on the head for a good job every once in awhile. I have been through this situation twice before, not as bad as now, but still bad. In the end, we will do our jobs, be there as scheduled, and hope for the best for the facility, the patients and ourselves. What else can we do?

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

Wow. I hate to hear this stuff in everyone's replies, let alone the original post. How sad that they treat you that way. I'm on the MS Gulf Coast working at a county-run not-for-profit hospital, and business is booming here. Our administration has really invested well in our facility, so we still have the "Horn of Plenty." New equipment, new staff, pay raises, etc. So it's not affecting everyone I guess. At least not yet... I'm not saying we don't have problems, but they're not of the kind you're speaking of. We did have a blip about the crappy economy at one of monthly unit meetings. It did more like point out why our organization is doing so well while others around us are sinking. More like they were giving themselves a pat on the back. However, they did actually mention that it's only been possible with "world class employees" like us. Tee hee.

Anyway, sorry it's not so great for you right now. Come on down here and work with me!

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Actually I once worked with a male RN who was doing a travel position from that area, he made it clear, once the assignment was over he was headed back and was going to stay put there. He told us all he did not know how good he had it until he traveled for a year. So, I am certainly glad your nursing career is so good. Blessings.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Medicare has cut funding, who knows what the "economic spending bill " will have but for now it is tough. The endowments are doing lousy to the stock market.

I don't know about MS but many states have their medicaid funding cut. Glad to hear MS is doing great, do you know where the funding is coming from ? Could it be from some Katrina rebuilding?

[suni, BSN, RN]

we also have been told that we will not be hiring, to try to be more aware of the budget and edcuational expenses are on a long hold. I would hate to be graduating this year and trying to find a job.

I think some positions will be eliminated due to attrition but like everyone else I am glad I have a job.

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

Medicare has cut funding, who knows what the "economic spending bill " will have but for now it is tough. The endowments are doing lousy to the stock market.

I don't know about MS but many states have their medicaid funding cut. Glad to hear MS is doing great, do you know where the funding is coming from ? Could it be from some Katrina rebuilding?

We've gotten the Medicaid cuts as well, but thankfully, Medicaid only makes up a small percentage of our hospital's income. Hard to believe from a county hospital isn't it? I had no idea either until administration sent out bulletins to show us on a pie chart where our income comes from. Of course, they could have made those up... We're still implementing new fall prevention programs and pressure ulcer prevention and junk to help with the cuts that Medicaid is making, but at least it's not as frantic a thing as it is for other hospitals.

[Nurseismade RN]

We've gotten the Medicaid cuts as well, but thankfully, Medicaid only makes up a small percentage of our hospital's income. Hard to believe from a county hospital isn't it? I had no idea either until administration sent out bulletins to show us on a pie chart where our income comes from. Of course, they could have made those up... We're still implementing new fall prevention programs and pressure ulcer prevention and junk to help with the cuts that Medicaid is making, but at least it's not as frantic a thing as it is for other hospitals.

where are you...what state..sounds ideal!!!

[phd1972]

I must say I am lucky to have landed my 1st RN job. Well i still have to go through the physical but i don't see that being an issue. I was working as a tech and passed the nclex in November but i was told that my hospital was in a hiring freeze. Although I was already working there and started there as a GN (but failed my 1st time) and was told my position was being saved, when the time came to place me as a RN i was told there are no open positions. I learned from clinical educators that I knew, that there is a freeze. While looking for a job elsewhere, I came across that alot. I just thank God for this offer I have. Yes it's in a different hospital. Med-surg floor

[mdjacobsen]

Where do you work? I am looking for a job as a new grad. do you guys hire?

[Renald]

I've read articles that when some nurses cashes in their pay checks, it bounces. Supposedly, hospital administrators are avoiding the subject.