Should nurses create contract groups for employment?

[jpellegrino, RN]

Recently, in RN magazine there was an article suggesting that nurses should form "contract groups", (like anesthesia groups, ect), in order to gain employment. This would force the hospitals to sign a contract with nursing with terms of agreement. This also would allow for legal ramifications if the hospital does not honor the agreement. Maybe we would not be passed over raises! Could this possibly push the profession into a position of power? What do you think?

[VizslaMom]

Almost sounds like Nurse Agencies.

[SharonH, RN]

Recently, in RN magazine there was an article suggesting that nurses should form "contract groups", (like anesthesia groups, ect), in order to gain employment. This would force the hospitals to sign a contract with nursing with terms of agreement. This also would allow for legal ramifications if the hospital does not honor the agreement. Maybe we would not be passed over raises! Could this possibly push the profession into a position of power? What do you think?

The short answer to your question is YES. And it has already been done, I know of a group in VA that did it and a group was forming out in California. It would require a lot of responsibility and planning, a la lawyers and accountants. But it is definitely doable if you have the cooperation and the will.

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

It would be nice, but would hospitals hire nurses in bulk like that??? Most places advertise for one or two nurses at a time for a said floor, unit, or specialty...and believe me they will brush over anyone with too many demands...no matter how sane and appropriate they are.

I could see my hospitals going no way to hiring this way and stick with the costly interview by individual or agency processes vs a group you have to sign a contract for and renew (I mean, most have unions here they already deal with...why would they wish to add on to it, even though I agree...I don't think many admins will...it would look like a loss of control to them in a way).

Heck, my employer won't even go with the idea of agency...and we are desparate for one other nurse (we got one coming in December..YEAH!!!!!! Oh cross you fingers, the last one didn't even show up?!?!?!). They don't want to deal with the hassle or paying for a nurse vs just being patient and keeping an ad up (which heck, after 7 months you think they would have had the agency fee paid after that many daily ads!). They would NOT go for a contract nursing group..they only need one nurse and they do not like someone telling them what they will or will not give to employees as far as benifits or bonuses or anything!

I don't know..I just don't see companies hiring them unless it becomes a trend nationwide...like the Magnet hospital idea promoting certain hospials and those hospitals get some prestige from it which they can advertise.