Staff satisfaction equals patient satisfaction

CHESSIE · Jan 22, 2005

Some hospitals are batteling the shortage of nurses by improving the work environments, schedules, patient/nurse ratios. They believe that retention of contented staff draws applicants. It is also believed that word of mouth from patients regarding positive treatment experiences will build loyal consumer base.
unfortunately most of the facilities I have interactions with continue to cut corners in a multitude of areas.
In your experience do you agree that this tact could benefit a hospital facility without compromising the bottom line?
strongly agree
agree
strongly disagree
disagree

I strongly agree with you! It is only common sense that people who are treated well, will treat others well and that includes patients and coworkers. When will hospital administrators and physicians learn what we learned in Sociology 101?

Sincerely,

Chessie

Retired RN

CHESSIE · Jan 22, 2005

I agree strongly with you. It is common sense that a people who are treated well and with respect, will, in turn treat others with respect and courtesy. This applies to not only the patients but one's coworkers, as well. When will hospital administrators, managers and physicians learn what most of us learned in Sociology 101 and Psychology 101? Will it cost more on the outset? Yes, it probably will, but it is cost saving if an institution retains competent staff.

Chessie, RN

(Retired)

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

I agree with you but facilities owned by HCA, Tenet, and other for profit companies, will never acknowledge what they know already, good treatment of staff equals retention of staff.

CHESSIE · Jan 22, 2005

I agree with you but facilities owned by HCA, Tenet, and other for profit companies, will never acknowledge what they know already, good treatment of staff equals retention of staff.

Thank you for your response. I certainly agree that for profit facilities often think only of their "bottom line." Unfortunately, there are "non-profit" institutions who also think in that same vein. Bonuses given to upper management before the end of the fiscal year will keep any "profit" margin down. Capital expenditures will provide for an attractive facility, but one that may be inadequately staffed, so that optimum care is not possible and competent staff will find opportunities for employment elsewhere.

live4today, RN · Jan 22, 2005

i agree.:) i don't foresee having a hospital with a vision like that unless we build one which is what i plan to do when i hit the supermegabuck lottery. i know without any doubt in my mind that i can own and operate the best hospital for nurses to work in, and for patients to be admitted to. i am looking forward to the opportunity to own the best hospital anywhere!

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

Chessie,

I agree that not for profit organizations can be very narrow minded on their treatment of staff, especially nurses. We are always replaceable and easily done so. I only mentioned HCA and Tenet because they have such a history of problems in this area.

CHESSIE · Jan 22, 2005

Chessie,
I agree that not for profit organizations can be very narrow minded on their treatment of staff, especially nurses. We are always replaceable and easily done so. I only mentioned HCA and Tenet because they have such a history of problems in this area.

Thank you for responding. How sad for all concerned that hospitals and health care institutions, both non profit and for profit, are so short sighted. This hurts not just the patients who depend on that facility, but the staff and in the end the institution itself.