fishcado

Ruh roh... http://westwood-hillsdale.patch.com/articles/layoffs-planned-at-englewood-hospital-union-says Englewood Hospital and Medical Center plans "far reaching" layoffs and the closure of two care units, according to the union representing nurses at the hospital. "I have been notified by the [Medical Center] of their intent of a far reaching layoff that will affect many members," said a message posted on the Health Professionals and Allied Employees website from Local 5004 President Michele McLaughlin. The union message listed the units slated for closure by location or acronym, as 3NW and PCU. According to the medical center's website, the units listed by the union correspond to the medical-renal unit and the progressive care unit. "This layoff will be far reaching as there are minimal probationary employees as well as vacant positions," a union message said. "Therefore, those employees who are affected will have the ability to bump least senior nurses in all nursing units." The number of employees impacted and when the layoffs would begin was not immediately clear. "We will be meeting with the Medical Center to discuss among other issues, the legitimate business considerations for this layoff," the union's message said. In a statement Saturday, medical center spokeswoman Maria Margiotta said the layoffs were "a difficult but necessary step to best position us for future challenges." Margiotta could not confirm how many staffers would be impacted or in which units. "In this challenging economic climate, all hospitals are experiencing dramatic changes. We all are facing the strain of the economic downturn, declining patient volumes, a rise in uninsured patients, inadequate funding for charity care, and decreasing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates," the hospital's statement said. "The prospect of adding a new acute-care hospital in Westwood in this environment is unnecessary and only adds to our challenge." Hospital officials decided to cut clinical and non-clinical staffers, and official notice was given to union leadership this week, according to the statement. "Be assured, this decision has been reviewed carefully to ensure that it does not impact our ability to continue delivering the safe, quality patient care for which we are recognized," the statement said. "This is the responsible decision for the long-term health of the Medical Center and for the communities we serve." Englewood hospital officials had fought the opening of Hackensack University Medical Center's Pascack Valley branch in Westwood, saying the facility would duplicate services and hurt nearby hospitals. Members plan to address the layoffs at meetings Thursday, the union's message said. Englewood hospital is one of Bergen County's largest employers, according to the county economic development corporation.

That's great advice! I'm currently in publishing and have thought about EMT before considering a nursing career. I think for many of us interested in pursuing nursing it would benefit to see if this line of career interest us before diving right in.

Outside of the 5 boroughs, yes you may need a car. I've been to the Pleasantville area and from what I remember, depending where you live, there are places you can go to that are accessible like small groceries but you're pretty much stuck there. You always have Metro-North if you need to get to the city.

Hi all, Long time lurker first time poster! I am 43, male latino who is doing fairly well in my current career but feeling like I need to do something that is fulfilling. I have been considering nursing for some time but have been afraid to dip my toe in the water for the following reasons: 1. Age 2. Finances. I'm going through a separation and will have to find my own place soon (wife was never supportive of the idea), provide money for my daughter and have to think of the investment in paying for nursing school. 3. Making time for school and work and wondering how will I ever be able to do clinicals/school and support myself? 4. The fear of failure. 5. The fear of after so much toil and suffering not finding a job after graduation (I see so many graduates who have not found work here on this board for close to a year). Are there others like myself who want to pursue a career (or second career) in nursing but feel that the odd's are against them?