Locals of North San Diego County

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Hi ya all.

Well...I remembered...hope to see you all soon.

And, for those of you who have not been at the thread "Oceanside", this is a thread as an off shoot from that one, as I have met (over the web) a lot of nurses who live by me.

I will be back with more info, but gotta go right now.

Harry

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Hi.

Hum....replying to myself.

Taking a much needed day off today so thought I would continue.

Here are some questions & concerns from me...maybe we can focus on some of them and make a difference.

1. As San Diego North County nurses, what do you think we can do about the nursing shortage, about being valued and respected as nurses by patients, the community and our employeers.

2. Is it all about the money??? Or are there other ways of valueing us as nurses?

3. How do we stop nurse mobbing and bullying?

4. How do you see the future of nurses re the shortage, low salaries, being a door-mat, etc. Do you think they will be replacing us with robotics?

5. What do you see happening now and in the future in regards to quality patient care.

What can we do about all of the above?

Thanks.

Harry

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Although I've lived in Oregon for almost 20 years, I'm originally from Ramona, and I've lived in Escondido and Vista as well. I'm curious about where you work and what problems you've encountered in nursing, and if you feel they are unique to North County or southern California as opposed to other parts of the country.

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I don't know about North San Diego County specifically but ...

I am incredibly frustrated with Southern California hospitals that are phasing out pension plans. I mean ... how do you expect to retain RN's if you're not going to give them decent retirement benefits? No wonder they leave.

I guess they count on hiring a bunch of new grads who don't know any better to make up the difference. Still, the training costs and turnover can't be cheap either.

:typing

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi south California I am an English nurse hoping to one day work in north California. My family and I are hoping to visit some of the Hospitials later in the year when we are on Holiday. It would be nice to meet up with one of you guys, may be someone could show my around. What do you think?

Gods

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Hi there>

I work for San Diego County.

The County is running into problems because the salary is lower than local hospitals, however, with the County you get a chance to work with very diverse populations and cultures, like the Homeless. The County is the safety net and helps those who need help the most.

In terms of salary, retirement, etc., I don't think the problem is unique to San Diego or Northern San Diego County. San Diego County has a very good retirement system. The salaries in San Diego, compared to national averages, are low because of the high cost of living here. The housing and rental prices are also high.

'As compares with San Francisco, the salaries there are higher, but I think that the cost of living there is also higher than San Diego.

In terms of problems I have encountered, other than the salary issue, I don't think that they are unique to San Diego. In general, nurses are very commited people and really go into the field to help others. I see the main problem relating to being valued, respected and knowing you make a difference to the organization and to the patients/clients. There is also the culture of bullying in the healthcare industry which makes it even more difficult. The culture needs to change from the Florence Nightengale perception to the truth, which is that nurses are knowledge workers and without their interventions, the quality of care that patients get would be horrible.

This situation is reflected in problems as high case loads, Doctors not respecting nurses, nurses "eating their young", some managers and supervisors with tenure not creating an environment that is positive and uplifting, nurses going home at the end of the day being exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed.

I also think there needs to be a higher effort in retention. Some places give huge sign-on bonuses and, the nurses flock in the front door, experience the "reality" of the place, and run out the back door.

All of these things and more can be found in many nursing articles on the web, if you look. You can google, nurse retention, nurse shortage, bullying and find out.

In any event, its a big problem. The baby boomers are retiring, the nursing schools have long waiting lists, there is a shortage of nurse educations/teachers. I don't remember the figure, but its pretty frightening. If the trent keeps going, by 2010 the shortage will even be worse.

I would love to meet with any of you if you are in this area.

Leets keep the dialogue going.

Harry.

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

Well, I haven't worked in a hospital since 1991, and I haven't worked in a traditional nursing job since 2000, so I'm not sure how relevant my perspective will be. Still, I do have my opinions, lol!

1. As San Diego North County nurses, what do you think we can do about the nursing shortage, about being valued and respected as nurses by patients, the community and our employers. Mira Costa College is starting an RN bridge program. My friend got the grant to plan it. I think we have to continue impressing upon our legislators the effects of not funding more such programs, as well as incentivizing teaching positions.

2. Is it all about the money??? Or are there other ways of valuing us as nurses? I don't think it is all about money, but I do think that it is important for nurses to be paid what they're worth. All the accolades in the world can't make up for not being properly compensated for our hard work and training.

3. How do we stop nurse mobbing and bullying? I can't really speak to this, having been out of the game for so long. The only thing I can think of is the importance of nipping these behaviors in the bud, and if it isn't controlled within the unit, to use the chain of command until it is.

4. How do you see the future of nurses re the shortage, low salaries, being a door-mat, etc. Do you think they will be replacing us with robotics? I think the shortage will only get worse as the boomers continue aging. I think salaries will continue the gradual climb. I don't want this to become a union debate thread, but I do believe they're important in the doormat issues- no union can change a doc or administrator's attitude, but strong contract language can help with the way nurses are treated and offer some form of redress. Robotics? I doubt it, but what do I know?

5. What do you see happening now and in the future in regards to quality patient care. As predicted, when ratios are honored, it is at the expense of having CNAs on the schedule. I think it will continue to be a struggle.

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi Harry, 5 50 in the morning, comming to the end of a very peacefull night shift. Just about to start my morning bloods and my morning medication. got another two more nigts to do.thank you for replying to my question. I thought I will post my own thread, look out for it. got to go alarms going off.

JACKIE (Gods)

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Although I've lived in Oregon for almost 20 years, I'm originally from Ramona, and I've lived in Escondido and Vista as well. I'm curious about where you work and what problems you've encountered in nursing, and if you feel they are unique to North County or southern California as opposed to other parts of the country.[/qu

I am going to start working in Palomar Medical Center in a month's time. Where do you think is the the safest and nicest place to live in that is close to the said hospital. I will be renting an apartment on my own.

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Palomar Hospital is a very good hospital. What kind of nursing will you be doing? Depending on what you can afford, I would look for a place in San Marcos which would be pretty close. San Marcos is between Escondido and Vista. There are some nice condos there, but am not sure of the rental price.

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I use to live in San Marcos, rented a 2bdrm condo, very nice for $1500. Anything west of the 15 is pretty nice. Good luck!

T

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Palomar Hospital is a very good hospital. What kind of nursing will you be doing? Depending on what you can afford, I would look for a place in San Marcos which would be pretty close. San Marcos is between Escondido and Vista. There are some nice condos there, but am not sure of the rental price.

I will be working in the OR. How long is the drive from San Macos to Palomar Medical Center? It will probably take a month or two before I will have my own car.

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