Nurses outraged by plan to strip health professionals of overtime pay

Teshiee · Jul 3, 2003

I don't understand why when something isn't broke they try to fix it and screws it up. The day we don't get paid ot is the day I will be doing something else. I don't work for free. They think the nursing shortage is bad now they will truly feel it then. This damn country is slowly trying to opress the common hard worker to the point you can't even get ahead. So much for patriotic behavior!!!!! I think everyone should just stop paying taxes but that is another issue!!!!!! They can't even decide on patient ratios so much bullcorn!!!!!!!

ainz · Jul 4, 2003

Thus the root of the issue concerning unions and labor relations. If we view ourselves as "common hard workers" then that is how we will be treated. I do not consider myself a common hard worker nor do I consider other professional RNs common hard workers though they may conduct themselves as such. I can tell you that most healthcare organizations' administrative teams do view nursing as "common laborers," paid by the hour, expendable, and an expense that erodes profits. If they could find a way to rid the organization of nurses for cheaper labor they would do it in a heartbeat. Why? Because nursing has not demonstrated how they bring revenue into the organization and actually make money for organization. Physicians are held in high esteem because it is clear how they bring revenue into the organization--they are the only ones (ultimately) that can admit patients and order interventions that generate revenue. It is all about the money!!!!! Nursing is viewed as an expense, not a revenue generator. Our system is not set up to recognize the contributions of RNs. We need to change that.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2003

Originally posted by -jt
[b
"The union" is not some third party outsider coming in to take care of our business for us. Its us taking care of our own business. Ours is an RN union - run for & by the staff RNs. We are doing exactly the kind of things that you suggest. The staff nurses at the facility take care of their own business themselves, with their collective strength, but they're doing it with the expertise of the RN union resources and the binding legal power of union labor laws that they wouldnt have backing them if they werent a union. Without that legal backing, the employer still has the ultimate control and final say. [/b]

Thank you.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2003

As a lone RN, I have worked hard, and stuck my neck out in bringing dangerous and unfair working conditions to the attention of mgmt.

Co-workers readily agree w/ what I have to say- until it comes time to speak up. Then, I'm the sole "trouble maker."

I conduct myself professionally, but that has not lead to me being treated as a professional.

The same is true of millions of nurses.

True professions control and decide their own course and destiny.

True professions have real power, clout and influence in all arenas of society. True professions possess self determination. THEY decide their working conditions, situations and what fees they will charge.

Nurses deserve, want and need these things, but we do not have them.

"UNITY" and "DEFIANCE" are philosophies that brought several little colonies together and created the United States.

Unity and defiance among nations defeated Hitler's Germany.

I beleive that national unity and defiance among nurses, in the form of the largest "professional" (not labor) union in the United States could be the catalyst that provides us with the POWER and the SELF-DETERMINATION to truly become a profession.

roxannekkb · Jul 4, 2003

As a lone RN, I have worked hard, and stuck my neck out in bringing dangerous and unfair working conditions to the attention of mgmt.

Yes, that was me also. I was labeled as "negative" by a few of my coworkerss because I refused to float, and also confronted the hospital with an illegal activity that it was doing in regards to overtime pay. I called the Labor Board on it, and they quickly changed it. However, all nurses had to go back and resubmit time cards in order to get the overtime owed. And would you believe, not one nurse (other than myself and a fellow troublemaker) did so. Not a one! All the complaining and whining among themselves, and yet when the time came to stand up for their rights, they wimped out.

It is unfortunate that this is often the story of nursing, where pro-active nurses often face the most obstacles from their coworkers. :sniff: :scrying:

OC_An Khe · Jul 4, 2003

It never ceases to amaze me that some people continue to beleive that educated professionals don't belong to Unions and that if you are an educated professional it is somehow unprofessional to belong to a Union. There isn't a profesion that I can think of that doesn't have some of its practicioners also hold membership in a Union. Professionalism and Unions are not mutually exclusive.

On a second point, even if these proposed changes take effect I will not lose overtime. My union contract will continue to protect my ability to collect overtme. Unions not only help you fight to gain something new they also protectwhat you already have.

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2003

Originally posted by ainz
Thus the root of the issue concerning unions and labor relations. If we view ourselves as "common hard workers" then that is how we will be treated. I do not consider myself a common hard worker nor do I consider other professional RNs common hard workers though they may conduct themselves as such. I can tell you that most healthcare organizations' administrative teams do view nursing as "common laborers," paid by the hour, expendable, and an expense that erodes profits. If they could find a way to rid the organization of nurses for cheaper labor they would do it in a heartbeat. Why? Because nursing has not demonstrated how they bring revenue into the organization and actually make money for organization. Physicians are held in high esteem because it is clear how they bring revenue into the organization--they are the only ones (ultimately) that can admit patients and order interventions that generate revenue. It is all about the money!!!!! Nursing is viewed as an expense, not a revenue generator. Our system is not set up to recognize the contributions of RNs. We need to change that.

This post made me think in a new way. Thank you for that.

xxgeeeek

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 4, 2003

Agree. That's just so very true ! So where do we start making the big "change" ? Let all the docs do the nursing for awhile, and the hospital administrators, and the budget planners... for just ONE year ! Let them see how long they all survive without nurses... I know that's so easily SAID and great fun to think about, but seriously... how DO we make the CHANGE ? And something HAS to change.. and SOON ! :confused:

Enabled · Jul 5, 2003

I agree that many of us have stuck our neck out while others have in some cases reaped the benefits unjustly. Any RN where I worked who was not in the union was receiving the same pay and benefits as the union RNs. We were required to fill out forms in duplicate because so many got "lost" But the staff moans and whines as someone has already said but won't fill out the forms. I was told that if I didn't float one evening I could find the front door and not return. I wish I did when I was given the chance as I was union but the union never did anything with admiinistration about staffing and safety of staff and patients. All that matters to them is the bottom line whether it is black or red. Usually, if a nurse was floated we would then get bonbed with admissions and transfers and we said no but the moment we turned around the patient was there. The supervisor was of no help what so ever and the only time one in particular showed up was a code. She would not return even calls for hours.

It could even get more ugly in Florida. Florida law says that a patient has to be assessed by an RN once every 24 hours. All each unit would need would be three RNs who each would divide the unit and do the assessments and that person would have to remain on the unit at all times as the super ain't gonna cover.

Our individual state nurses association should be doing something about getting unions and wages and recognition for the profession we are in. On several occasions the indiscretions of Florence were thrown in my face as if I had the same lifestyle. I couldn't do anything about it as there were no witnesses and I had been known to question things. I think it was just to get a rise so that they could say bye bye. The state associations should also have various types of insurance in the event of an injury that doesn't meet all the financial responisibilities

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2003

Originally posted by Enabled
I Any RN where I worked who was not in the union was receiving the same pay and benefits as the union RNs.

That is how unions are made impotent by the laws of "right to work" states.

In these states a union is not truly a union.

Enabled · Jul 6, 2003

Unfortunately, Florida is a right to work state and many employers more than take advantage of it. If someone just mentions someplace else they are out the door as there is a glut of people who would do the job probably for less salary. When I was terminated for health reasons rather than the absenteeism they had on the form my reps weren't even present or at prior meetings and they (administration and HR) knew it was a violation. I didn't find out about some of the laws until I started taking classes for my BSN but by that time filing anything had long gone by. I talked with the state nurses association twice and was blown off by them also. I really do want to work but it will have to be part time with flexibility. I doubt if a union is available that I will join from being burned by my colleagues. Besides, the fee is over $200 a year and on my current disability it is impossible. However, they send information soliciting monies.

arkierns · Jul 14, 2003

Overtime is one of those "Hot button" topics that gets everybody worked up and rumors run wild. The fact of the matter is that the overtime rules are sorely outdated, montrously complicated and hopelessly confusing. Every administration since the Carter administration has tried to amend these rules. What little they have done before has only muddied the waters.

These new rules will actually help 1.7 million workers attain overtime pay and strengthen the rules giving o.t. pay to 10 million workers. It will help more lower paid employees.

This bill will not affect you unless you are in an administrative position with hiring/firing capabilities or that you personally can affect the finances of the company you work for. This bill also does not affect companies that are represented by a union. It will give people the choice of taking o.t. or comp time. There will not be a mandatory comp time.