20/20 Report on VA system

[BabyRN2Be]

That report was indeed very sad. I don't know if this is commonplace for VA hospitals, but I sure hope not. Our veterans deserve more than care like this.

[kahumai, RN]

I also caught the show about the VA hospitals, and it was as difficult for me to watch as any other. I currently have my clinical rotation at the local VA hospital, and although I can thankfully say that conditions there aren't as bad as the hospitals they showed on the show, they're still not the greatest. I'm assuming they pass inspections by a hair, because I certainly wouldn't be inclined to call it a "clean" hospital.

What's even more appalling is the care (or lack thereof) given by the nursing staff. I have had patients complain to me that they have been left on the toilet for more than 25 minutes waiting for someone to help wipe them, that their medications and trips to physical/occupational therapy are "forgotten," and that the staff seems unwilling to do simple tasks such as answer a call light, change a diaper, or give a bath. Our patients have begged our instructor to please assign more students to them, because they know that they'll get the best care that day. It's very disheartening to see that these veterans who risked their lives for our country can't even get bathed daily because no staff member wants to get off their a$$ and do it. And it's all of the staff....doctors, nurses, nurse's aides, physical therapists, etc. I even met someone who was more interested in trying to talk me into joining the Air Force reserves like him than feeding the patient.

I see this every week when I go to clinical, and I just try my hardest to help the patients I can while I'm there.

[Palpitations]

When you hear a report about how "nurse's mistakes are killing patients", I want you to remember this report on the VA and see how it reflects on you. It just stabs you in the heart! Ugh!

Keep in mind that the VA is an easy target because it is the largest health system in the U.S.A.

Melinda

I also caught the show about the VA hospitals, and it was as difficult for me to watch as any other. I currently have my clinical rotation at the local VA hospital, and although I can thankfully say that conditions there aren't as bad as the hospitals they showed on the show, they're still not the greatest. I'm assuming they pass inspections by a hair, because I certainly wouldn't be inclined to call it a "clean" hospital.

What's even more appalling is the care (or lack thereof) given by the nursing staff. I have had patients complain to me that they have been left on the toilet for more than 25 minutes waiting for someone to help wipe them, that their medications and trips to physical/occupational therapy are "forgotten," and that the staff seems unwilling to do simple tasks such as answer a call light, change a diaper, or give a bath. Our patients have begged our instructor to please assign more students to them, because they know that they'll get the best care that day. It's very disheartening to see that these veterans who risked their lives for our country can't even get bathed daily because no staff member wants to get off their a$$ and do it. And it's all of the staff....doctors, nurses, nurse's aides, physical therapists, etc. I even met someone who was more interested in trying to talk me into joining the Air Force reserves like him than feeding the patient.

I see this every week when I go to clinical, and I just try my hardest to help the patients I can while I'm there.

[nurseunderwater]

flies laying eggs in the noses of comatose pts...

i had no idea, I mean I "knew" it was rough but what a way to treat those who served their country,

I feel for the nurses as well. I couldn't imagine trying to work in a place like that. It would be like paddling up stream.

[IrishE]

I also saw this program and wonder how much should this affect the decision to work as a nurse within the VA system?

[Alnamvet]

As a veteran who had the opportunity to vacation in SE Asia, Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm, I would rather die on the streets like a dog than be a va patient.

[Palpitations]

Unfortunately, that is what happens to a lot of veterans.

As a veteran who had the opportunity to vacation in SE Asia, Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm, I would rather die on the streets like a dog than be a va patient.