Questionable practices at new hospital

[travelingirl]

Hi all,

Just wanted to run some things by the group and see where everyone stands on these issues I've found at my new hospital.

First, I was hired PRN but they do not pay higher for PRN nor do you get shift differential for working nights or weekends...just one flat rate pay. Has anyone else seen this before? I came from a hospital that paid higher for PRN since we didn't get benefits and also was given shift differential like everyone else....

Second, they have no safety standards in place to fill blood specimen tubes, they just use regular needles to puncture the tubes. I am really concerned about this because of the risk of accidental needle sticks but I seem to be the only person concerned with this. We don't even carry blunt tip fill needles and I'm not sure of any other way that would be safer to use...

Third, they have no set regulations on mandatory call-ins for disasters such as storms and such so the last lockdown they had, the people who were called in and locked down in the hospital for 24hrs only got paid for 8hrs of the 24hrs they were there! Is this even legal?

I'm getting a bit weary of their protocols and just wondering if this is normal in some hospitals or do I have a right to be concerned. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

I can only assume that you knew what the rate of pay was, including the lack of differentials, when you accepted the job, and that you found it acceptable because you ... well ... accepted.

Laws regarding mandation and what constitutes call time vary from state to state, so it's hard to make any kind of generalized statement on that situation.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

Containing a specimen accounts for only a teeny tiny fraction of needlestick injuries in the U.S. The risk of injury in that context is super low. Also, while engineering controls should be part of a well designed needlestick prevention program, keep in mind that the main causes of needlestick injury are related to human behavior, not engineering controls. Practicing safe needle handling procedures is your best insurance against needlestick injury.

[katdog26]

Well, yes and no. I was informed over text message my rate of pay. But only afterwards did I realize that that was one flat rate. Shame on me for not asking more questions.