In your Opinion...

SnarfGirl · Mar 14, 2009

I personally would not pick up and move unless you are really unhappy where you are. Are you able to contact the people in Flagstaff and tell them your concerns and see if they have any insight? Afterall, you would be picking up and relocating...they should be honest with you.... I would hope anyway. Good luck!

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2009

This is a tough one. You can't gain anything if you don't take a risk, and ICU is an excellent opportunity. That said, I would not want to be low on seniority in this economy.

I think this is what would decide it for me: are you willing to relocate to another state for a job if you get laid off or otherwise lose the ICU job? Because with our current economy this could be the consequence if you were laid off or if the job didn't work out.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Mar 14, 2009

Yes, as the newbie you'd be first to be considered when lay off's occur. However, the ICU requires lots of orientation time, and instead of cutting newbies who just ate up all of our orientation pay, we'd rather cut dead weight.

I know you've been thinking about Flag for a while, and I say go for it.

MsBruiser · Mar 16, 2009

I've been lucky to work at UMC in Tucson because they haven't reached the point to lay any nurses off yet, even though our ratios have moved to 5:1 instead of 4:1 at night. Here is the question I have that I seek your opinion. I have an opportunity to work at a ICU in Flagstaff where I've always wanted to live, but because of the economy, do I really want to pick up and move and start all over and be at the bottom of the totem poll again? Be kind of afraid if FMC starts to lay off nurses because I would be first to go. Problem is if I stay at UMC there is a hiring freeze and not to many openings to transfer to. I guess I should just stay put. What's your opinion?

Why would you be the first to go? Is the hospital a union shop? Only a union place would consider seniority. A job with a 5:1 ration is insane. Go to the ICU - mandated 2:1. Don't sweat the layoffs. Bedside nurses are likely to be the last to go - think of all the administrators who never care for patients. Also - don't assume first hired first fired. Many companies use recessions/layoffs as an excuse to get rid of the "troublemakers." They are under no obligation to let go of the newbies. In fact, being a newbie is probably an advantage in that regard.

Go for it...

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

Why would you be the first to go? Is the hospital a union shop? Only a union place would consider seniority. A job with a 5:1 ration is insane. Go to the ICU - mandated 2:1. Don't sweat the layoffs. Bedside nurses are likely to be the last to go - think of all the administrators who never care for patients. Also - don't assume first hired first fired. Many companies use recessions/layoffs as an excuse to get rid of the "troublemakers." They are under no obligation to let go of the newbies. In fact, being a newbie is probably an advantage in that regard.
Go for it...

A 5 : 1 ratio is not insane- it's fantastic! Most med surg nurses get 7-8-9 plus pts each. And ICUs are not mandated to have one nurse for two pts- this is often the case, but some have up to 3-4.

I don't think that there are any union hospitals in the southwest or the south.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

A 5 : 1 ratio is not insane- it's fantastic! Most med surg nurses get 7-8-9 plus pts each. And ICUs are not mandated to have one nurse for two pts- this is often the case, but some have up to 3-4.
I don't think that there are any union hospitals in the southwest or the south.

I think (not positive) AZ law mandates ICU ratios of two patients per nurse. No other ratios are mandated in AZ, though.

Am I correct about the ICU ratio requirement?

SnarfGirl · Mar 16, 2009

I'm pretty sure there are no unions in Az. . .

MsBruiser · Mar 16, 2009

A 5 : 1 ratio is not insane- it's fantastic! Most med surg nurses get 7-8-9 plus pts each. And ICUs are not mandated to have one nurse for two pts- this is often the case, but some have up to 3-4.
I don't think that there are any union hospitals in the southwest or the south.

Arizona law mandates 1:2 in an ICU. It's on the state board website.

I was trying to be polite writing 5:1 is insane. I was actually thinking anyone who willingly works a 5:1 ratio is insane. What a great way to run yourself absolutely ragged...

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

What law mandates ratios? I'd love to see it, because last time I pulled the, "State law mandates 2:1 ratios" line I got my bell rung by TPTB and I couldn't find a 'law' anywhere.

All I could find were 'recommendations'...

inthesky · Mar 17, 2009

This bad economy could last years. If you really want to live in Flagstaff, if not now, then when? In my opinion, it is rare that life shines magical rays of certainty upon any major life decision. and the fiery summer approacheth :flmngmd: