3 nurses laid off

This is simply a sign of the times. The US economy is crumbling as we speak, and any person who believes nursing is "recession proof" is only engaging in foolish thinking.

Here, here. I've heard people say "oh, well, people will always need health care." True, to a point...

...but I can tell you from personal experience that when your money's tight, you find out how many non-urgent medical procedures you can put off until you have the money. I spent a lot of my leaner years not going to the doctor until it was an absolute emergency, and then I went to urgent care. People are going to tighten their belts on health care just like anything else, and if the market deteriorates, then facilities are going to adjust accordingly.

We laid off about 10 nursing staff a few years back, not many floor nurses were involved though mainly education staff/infection control/corp health and a few CNA's. Our hospital has reduced staffing drastically the MS floor went from 3 RNs and 2 CNAs working 3rd shift to just 3 RNs and 0 CNA. Days went from 4 RNs and 4 CNAs down to 3 RN and 2 CNA for the same amount of patients.

Apparently until someone gets hurt really bad those ratios will remain.

We also cut housekeeping so now part of nursing duties is emptying trash and wiping down surfaces every night and cleaning BSC and since we cut the dietary staff that means nursing is now also delivering and picking up meal trays too.

We laid off about 10 nursing staff a few years back, not many floor nurses were involved though mainly education staff/infection control/corp health and a few CNA's. Our hospital has reduced staffing drastically the MS floor went from 3 RNs and 2 CNAs working 3rd shift to just 3 RNs and 0 CNA. Days went from 4 RNs and 4 CNAs down to 3 RN and 2 CNA for the same amount of patients.

Apparently until someone gets hurt really bad those ratios will remain.

We also cut housekeeping so now part of nursing duties is emptying trash and wiping down surfaces every night and cleaning BSC and since we cut the dietary staff that means nursing is now also delivering and picking up meal trays too.

and with the economy in the horrible shape it's in, nurses will just be glad they're not the ones getting laid off. It's gonna be hell to pay when the economy recovers and health-care explodes.

I work for an L.A. hospital and we are still hiring like crazy. In fact, they can't find enough people to recruit. I heard this year's new grad class was 50 new RNs alone. Which area are you in?

We also cut housekeeping so now part of nursing duties is emptying trash and wiping down surfaces every night and cleaning BSC and since we cut the dietary staff that means nursing is now also delivering and picking up meal trays too.

Mmmmm, appetizing!

I work for an L.A. hospital and we are still hiring like crazy. In fact, they can't find enough people to recruit. I heard this year's new grad class was 50 new RNs alone. Which area are you in?

I'm a new grad from MA looking for a job since late June. Do you mind telling which hospital is recruiting new grads?

I'm in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex of TX. John Peter Smith Hospital just had a massive job fair because they need nurses in all departments. You can google their name and apply online.

There are some areas that are still strapped for nurses - my area is woefully short of nurses and it's easy pickings, and Texas is usually a good job market for nurses.

In 2001 we got 2 WEEKS notice that ALL of us were losing our jobs...460 of us. Yes ppl, it can happen 2 any of us. Doesn't matter how long you've been there. I'm just worried about the smaller community hospitals (like the one I worked at) weathering it out.

Here, here. I've heard people say "oh, well, people will always need health care." True, to a point...

...but I can tell you from personal experience that when your money's tight, you find out how many non-urgent medical procedures you can put off until you have the money. I spent a lot of my leaner years not going to the doctor until it was an absolute emergency, and then I went to urgent care. People are going to tighten their belts on health care just like anything else, and if the market deteriorates, then facilities are going to adjust accordingly.

I agree and have seen this in my community first hand. Every hospital in the area has had very low numbers for months and are having to make major cut backs including lay offs.

Have been at 2 facilities when lay offs came around. There were rumors, but administration denied the lay off until the day it was planned. Pay day. The facilities even fought the nurses getting unemployment benefits. The economy is going to effect everyone but the very rich before we get back on our feet.