chloetwist

i have often considered writing the local paper....i would definitely lose my job. management has the general attitude that any ratio is a safe ratio....a safe ratio is dictated solely by economics and the number of call-ins. it is disheartening when i have a patient that wants my time....wants to talk about procedures or medications or even their lab results...disease processes and i have to hand them a flyer and run to the next patient....

I'm studying for PCCN...wish me luck!!!! Thanks for helpful links...using them as we speak

I cannot leave...single mother of four + area hiring freeze= I stay....

I am feeling your pain. I have been a nurse for almost 15 years now and the atmosphere at the hospital is no less than hostile. It amazes me that working conditions can be so horrible in todays society and at a Catholic hospital. Everything has been cut, including my wages....this year I will make 50% of what I made last year working full time hours. Each bit of bad news that is passed down is pre-empted with a speech about how bad the nuns had it back in the 1800's.... that sort of coersion just doesn't work on me....Im not a nun...its not the 1800's.... this is just appalling. Last week I was stabbed by a patient...a nurse I work with had her head repeatedly slammed into a cement wall by a patient (and we don't work in psych or the ER). Managements apathetic attitude toward their employees....general disconcern....is unexcusable. Nurses who have worked her for 20 years leave with not even a thank you for all your years of service...there is no appreciation at any level. We are treated not as individuals or even as human beings deserving of respect but as property to be used and discarded when worn. We are told to tie confused patients up to save on spending the money for a sitter. Work short staffed repeatedly. I am so disenchanted with the entire field....is there anyplace out there where safety REALLY is the number one concern?