chinoyRN

I just wanted to share this story to everyone, and maybe get some sort of feedback as to your own experiences. I used to work in a community hospital in Southern CA in a telemetry floor. Back then, we were used to have 5 patients to take care of, plus an occasional 1-2 more to cover LVNs. I worked day shifts, so it can get pretty busy especially with the fast turnover of patients. One thing I really appreciated working there was the fact that we were well staffed with adequate CNAs, getting about 4 of them with a total unit census of 30 patients. That was tremendous help for us RNs and LVNs because we can concentrate on other tasks that licensed healthcare givers are counted on to do; such as educating patients, passing meds, comprehensive documentation, double checking charts, and updating plans of care, among others. Our valuable nurse aides would take care of the patient's other essential needs that is well within their scope of practice like hygiene, nutrition, vital signs and other basic needs, even answering call lights. In the 2 years I worked there, patients were kept happy and safe, staff had good camaraderie, and no patient had a fall incident as far as I would recall. I recently moved to the Bay Area and have since been working in what was said to be a reputable hospital. At their telemetry unit, we get 4 patients to each RN, but we are staffed with one CNA for 27 patients... whew. If we get more than 27 patients, we get 2 nurse assistants. At nights, we often get one CNA only and if one patient requires a sitter, that CNA is assigned to that task and we are left to do primary care with all our patients. I feel that this is unsafe both for the licensed staff and the patients as well. In 6 months that I have been working there, we have had 4 falls already and a lot of complaints from the staff, but no change has occured. I feel like I got tired more easily the last 6 months compared to the 2 years where I previously worked. I have observed that RNs get burned out easily with this going on, affecting their patient care and performance. I have tried to look up policies or laws as to proper nurse assistant staffing here in California but unable to find any. We RNs were happy about our patient ratio laws, but if we get shortchanged with improper nurse aid staffing then patient care still gets compromised. Maybe the employers do this for logistical reasons, but then again patient safety is what its all about, isn't it?

Thanks Sassy, Yup Aultman is definitely certified as a Magnet Facility, the only one in that area. I'm glad to hear that they have a very good retention of nurses... it just goes to show how contented and happy the staff are and how much the admin values their employees.

hi tiff, thanks! i'm looking forward to working there as well. They have very nice people who get you situated with their program and they offer very good rewards as far as working there is concerned. I probably get to know more later on when i actually start working soon. its perfectly normal to feel nervous cause i think change does that. But change can be good too, you get to meet new people, do something different and rewarding, especially in this line of work cause you have that opportunity to touch other people's lives... and the pay is terrific! Good luck on your pre-reqs and congratulations on your career change Welcome to the world of nursing!

Hey CareBayer, Congratulations! Looks like we're starting at the same time, I will also be attending orientation on Jan 21. See you there!

Hello everyone, Can anyone please give me some feedback about working conditions in Aultman Hospital in Canton? I was thinking of applying to their critical care unit, and I would really appreciate to hear from your experiences there. Thanks a lot allnurses :)

sorry to hear that sassy. I looked researched around and found out that the staff their are very nice though. I do hope they turned around from poor management. I may still try to apply and hopefully find out soon if they have. Thanks for your input though.

Thanks a lot for your insight LeesieBug! I got my RN license already from Ohio BON yesterday :) so now I can start applying. Yes I heard Akron City hospital is a good place especially with their new ICU's... I also heard the Mercy Hospital in Canton is also good mainly because of the people you work with. I wonder if anyone could give me any ideas as to how much they offer as far as salary is concerned. Im applying for full time on days. Again thanks for all your help guys.

Hello everyone, I'm moving to Akron, Ohio early next month, and I was hoping if anyone would give me any suggestions or recommendations as to where would be a good place to work. I've been working for 2 years in ICU, and from where I'm staying the closest big hospitals would be Akron General Medical Center, Akron City Hospital (Summa), and Mercy Medical Center. Any comments would be highly appreciated. Thanks so much!

Thanks Melissa and Navybet... I do hope I could find work with good compensation there in/around akron. I have just a year's experience in Telemetry, with a BSN. Will keep lookin around the next time I come to town... Thanks a lot for your inputs....:balloons:

Hello fellow RNs... Can anyone please suggest any good hospitals around Akron - Cleveland area with regards to good pay and working environment? I am planning to move from LA to be with family here in Akron area. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

oh no... i have the same situation because i will be starting with telemetry too... hope anyone can give us some ideas and tips on how to do good on that unit... i might start very, very soon... thanks!

hello ALLNURSES! my name is dairo... i just recently came to the country and will soon be working on the telemetry unit of a medical center in southern CA... im both excited and nervous about the idea of working here... but it gives me great joy that i was given the opportunity to do so... folks here are sooooo friendly and courteous :roll my utmost gratitude to the hardworking people who keep this wonderful site possible... cheers! :biere: "with God, anything is possible"

to all those taking the NCLEX soon.... best of luck!!!! :rotfl: may we all reach that dream of finally acquiring that elusive green card... never give up... "with God, anything is possible" :)