The current economy and your job

Specialties NICU

Published

Hello All!

I was just wondering if you all are experiencing alot of cut backs because of the economy. The hospital I currently work for has a hiring freeze and also has cut out OT and call pay. We are not allowed to go over our budgeted hours for the week either. I was just wondering if this hospital is the only one experiencing something like this.

Thanx!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

While OT is avoided most of the time by employers, my present employers make certain I don't get overtime. Neither will pay for OT, so I have to make sure I don't work over 8 hours in one day so I don't get cheated. Also, they are not very fast at finding me new cases when cases close, so I am out of work for longer periods of time. Instead of going between two employers to stay employed, I will have to add a third to the mix.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My hospital is on a hiring freeze also. Technically there is not supposed to be overtime but due to staffing situations, I was able to get an extra shift just a few weeks ago.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.

We are still hiring, just hired 17 new grads for the summer, we have travelers and agency, still tons of OT being offered! Only thing I've noticed is our insurance costs more and is still subpar.

I know a lot of coworkers frequent this board and if we are cutting back on anything, I'm interested in knowing!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

It's just upstairs, NeoNurseTX. They've called a few people off just because the census had been so low - but those are usually the ones on OT. Or float them downstairs, which not everyone likes. I'm on the list to always float first until I get to officially go to Level 3.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.

Do you guys know if you are doing level II or III yet? If so, I'm guessing you're doing level II since you mention floating downstairs.. you guys still get lvl II kids, right?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Hi,

I am in a hospital which is looking to save costs "due to the economy" while expanding with a construction project lasting until 2012. Yesterday we were handed new cards for access in the hospital because they are changing from a swipe system to a "wave" system. I unfortunately have a big mouth, and when I was handed my new card said "The hospital has money to upgrade the access system, but sent an email 2 weeks ago stating that we will not get merit raises this year due to the economy, and that they will keep us posted on what is decided on the annual cost of living increases." Needless to say my mgr. was mad at me for that statement, but I was really ******! Last I checked, the economy did not affect the admissions to a hospital, and we are still required to work our shifts (without any overtime), not call out, and if the census happens to be low, take forced leave. We are as busy as ever, yet the hospital insists in stating they are having to cut back financially while expecting us to maintain the same standards of care without the compensation. I think it's a crock of you-know-what! If my hospital can afford a major reno/expanding, they can afford to give us what we deserve.

Just my two cents...

Amy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I myself would not comment on the state of the economy and my hospital on a public forum. However, it is true that hospital admissions are down across the country, especially for more elective procedures. And although this may not affect the NICU directly, it does have a trickle-down effect. Also, as more people go without insurance and insurance payment structures change, the hospitals are getting less money back for their services.

Our hospital has cut back on its building projects and is very up-front with us about the state of the hospital economy. I feel they are acting very responsibly in these hard economic times.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi,

I am in a hospital which is looking to save costs "due to the economy" while expanding with a construction project lasting until 2012. Yesterday we were handed new cards for access in the hospital because they are changing from a swipe system to a "wave" system. I unfortunately have a big mouth, and when I was handed my new card said "The hospital has money to upgrade the access system, but sent an email 2 weeks ago stating that we will not get merit raises this year due to the economy, and that they will keep us posted on what is decided on the annual cost of living increases." Needless to say my mgr. was mad at me for that statement, but I was really ******! Last I checked, the economy did not affect the admissions to a hospital, and we are still required to work our shifts (without any overtime), not call out, and if the census happens to be low, take forced leave. We are as busy as ever, yet the hospital insists in stating they are having to cut back financially while expecting us to maintain the same standards of care without the compensation. I think it's a crock of you-know-what! If my hospital can afford a major reno/expanding, they can afford to give us what we deserve.

Just my two cents...

Amy

Our hospital has laid people off and is on a hiring freeze.

Our census is about the same.

A lot of people have lost their jobs and now have government insurance (called different things in different states). The government doesn't reimburse as much or as easily as private insurance. The number of self pay and government clients= less reimbursement per patient. There is some research out that that states for every 1% of patient going from private insurance to govt insurance, hospitals lose 1.5 million dollars a year. This is how the hospitals are still busy.

Our hospital has capitol improvement projects going on that were on the books before this crisis hit. We are also a not for profit hospital, so some of our improvement projects are due to corporate donations.

Maybe you should talk to your nurse manager about what exactly is going on, you might be surprised.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment