More pay or better ratios?

[DesiDani]

A new employee said that her previous job paid a lot more, but they had horrible nurse-to-patient ratio. Other coworkers who worked there, or know of people who have, said the same thing. This is at a hospital not long term facility. The RNs can have up 8 to 9 on med-surg floor at $12hr more . The CNAs can have up 18+ on a med-surg floor at $5hr more. 

So what would you do? Would you pick the better pay and high ratio, or the lesser pay and low ratio?

[TriciaJ, RN]

The better ratio in a heartbeat.  One's means can be lived within.  The extra money won't buy your health back.

Don't underestimate the cumulative effects of relentless stress.  If you need extra bucks, pick up extra shifts or sell Avon.

[DesiDani]

Someone at work commented that you might as well hand over your license as soon as you walk into the door. Meaning the high ratio leads to mistakes then license suspension or worst.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

Better ratios, hands down.
We recently received an across the board raise to show appreciation in my facility which was lovely but I would much rather have better staffing and ancillary staffing. 
I’ve been fortunate enough to work pediatric world my whole career which has amazing ratios when compared to adult world. 

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

More money doesn't mean anything if you lose your job due to having impossible assignments.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I also agree that better ratios would be more important to me. Interestingly, my hospital's union went through negotiations about a year ago and they chose not to focus at all on staffing ratios, only a pay increase. Well, we got the pay increase, which they insisted would lead to "safer staffing", and then we have been suffering through nurses being mandated for the past nine months because miraculously, staffing did NOT improve with the increased wages. They also argued for wage increases for the nurses earlier in their career, but the increase for nurses with more years of experience was negligible. MANY people throughout the negotiations requested other issues be the focus of their efforts, but the team stuck with what they said everyone wanted (yet most of us can't find those people). They managed to lose quite a bit of support for the union after that. 

[TriciaJ, RN]

8 minutes ago, JBMmom said:

I also agree that better ratios would be more important to me. Interestingly, my hospital's union went through negotiations about a year ago and they chose not to focus at all on staffing ratios, only a pay increase. Well, we got the pay increase, which they insisted would lead to "safer staffing", and then we have been suffering through nurses being mandated for the past nine months because miraculously, staffing did NOT improve with the increased wages. They also argued for wage increases for the nurses earlier in their career, but the increase for nurses with more years of experience was negligible. MANY people throughout the negotiations requested other issues be the focus of their efforts, but the team stuck with what they said everyone wanted (yet most of us can't find those people). They managed to lose quite a bit of support for the union after that. 

Ideally, more of the rank and file need to get involved and take back their union.  Unfortunately, the demands of the job and poor working conditions make it difficult to take on additional obligations.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

You're right. I know that I didn't agree with much of what the union decided upon, but I only voiced my opinion a couple times.  There's a very small vocal group that basically calls people out on facebook in a nasty way if someone goes against what they put forth. It's unfortunate, but I know I have one foot out the door at this point anyway and the things I've tried to put forth as positive changes have all been met with such resistance that I decided not to waste my energy anymore. It's too bad because ultimately the patients suffer the most. 

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

I would take better ratios over more pay. Insane ratios lead to burnout and injuries. I saw nurses where I used to work quit or retire early due to mental and physical health issues, and others take unpaid leaves or go on disability for months, which doesn't pay your full salary. I'd only take the bad ratios/good pay option if I had a bionic body impermeable to injuries and perfect mental health. But I do NOT want to be having rotator cuff surgery, knee replacement, back injections, etc due to hurting myself working in bad conditions, or end up severely depressed. Not worth the money.

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

For me, better ratios. Then I would get in shape and start an OnlyFans page as a side hustle (I don't know if they are as popular with males though). 

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

3 hours ago, OUxPhys said:

For me, better ratios. Then I would get in shape and start an OnlyFans page as a side hustle (I don't know if they are as popular with males though). 

LOL! Some men are VERY popular on OnlyFans, don't worry! All about the marketing and finding your target audience ? I have seen some nurses who made so much money on OnlyFans they quit nursing and do it full time. Not sure about the longevity though LOL

[DesiDani]

I'll play devil's advocate, I would jump at the better pay if I was new to healthcare or new hospital group in the area. As soon as I could get in somewhere else I'd be gone.