How Supportive is your Hospital?

[nlhnurse1982]

I am thinking about changing hospitals because I feel stagnant in the place I am now. I was curious to see how other people feel their hospitals treat them and how much support and education the nurses are given. I do not want to make the mistake of going to another facility to work in the same environment. I currently work in a small hospital that is very low on moral at this point (they fired all the LPN's on the spot last week). They try and find ways to short cut staffing. I work on a floor that has tele so I think it would be good if the nurses were ACLS certified however if we decide to do this we must use our vacation time, There have been other classes I have asked to take and have been told not at this time due to staffing. Some of us are used as charge nurse from time to time but never have been given at the minimum an overview of what is expected in the role and how to create assignments, check the crash cart etc.. We are now going to be getting all of the fresh traches which used to go to another floor and when I asked for education on that because none of us are comfortable with them ( I have never touched one before) I was given the response that they are something you are never comfortable with but my manager would see what she could do. Is this a typical attitude of most places? I love to learn and would think that most places would try to facilitate learning as much as possible. I am looking forward to hearing all of your opinions on this.

[Jules A, MSN]

Personally I like the bigger hospitals and my experience at a large teaching hospital is that they are decent about providing us with educational opportunities however that doesn't mean we aren't short staffed, overworked and looked at like aliens if we request additional training like you are seeking. Sadly there are pros and cons everywhere and with the perceived state of the economy now many places are using that as an excuse to act badly, imo. I'm not sure if I'd be willing to be new man hired in a time when layoffs are more common. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

My hospital is non teaching, mid sized suburban hospital. I enjoy it. The atmosphere is unique, not as cut throat. Its more personable than other places I've been. Some of the administration leaves a lot to be desired........educators and such. The support staff is stretched a bit thin. Room for growth though, and I do believe the hospital has managed to remain pt. focused.

[JamRN29]

It sounds like your working in a terrible environment. The hospital I work at encourages everyone who works on a tele floor to get ACLS certified and they pay your hourly wage while your learning. They work around your schedule to make sure you get the education you need. If you don't get the education you need to take care of trach patients, who knows what could happen.

If you have appealed all the way up your nursing chain of command with no results, I would start looking for a new job.

The way you are being treated isn't fair you worked hard for your license. You deserve to work at a place where you can be Happy. Our job is a Huge part of our lives. If your not happy at work it's hard to be happy anywhere.

[meadow85]

Sounds like a terrible place to work. I have worked in a teaching hospital in the city and noticed a big difference once I moved to a community hospital. It was a big change and I found it hard to adjust at first. They both have there good and bad points like someone already mentions but I definitely prefer teaching hospitals. They have more funding and are willing to spend the time to train you properly and encourage continuing education.