The future of Nurses in Obama's Health Plan

HNursing · Jun 18, 2009

If doctors going to get pay less like Canada. We will be end up paying less and work more hours and more patient ratio.

aCRNAhopeful · Jun 18, 2009

I don't think that Obama's plan should slash Dr's pay like in Canada. There are still going to be private insurance companies so it isn't going to be "universal healthcare". I guess I haven't heard too much on the details of the plan yet to really have a clue how it would affect nursing.

**All Heart RN** · Jun 18, 2009

If doctors going to get pay less like Canada. We will be end up paying less and work more hours and more patient ratio.

You should take some time to read the outline to Obama's Health Care plan. The plan is not a universal health care plan. There will still be private insurance plans. I've noticed on this website and in the general public that there's a lot of fear about overhauling our defunct healthcare system.

I definitely understand this fear but what I don't understand is all of the misinformation. We have to force ourselves to not give into all of the soundbites that the media continuously pumps out and have to be careful to consider the source when listening to hearsay. Let's take the initiative to inform ourselves.

Here's the link to President Obama's health care plan:

http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2009

The link in the post above may be somewhat outdated as it is from the Obama-Biden campaign.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Why-Reform-Why-Now/

This is the President's recent speech before the AMA.

Be_Moore · Jun 18, 2009

I will get a raise. I work at a Level 1 Safety Net hospital where 40% of our patient population is indigent. As such our hospital is in a continual budget crisis and are always just struggling to get by. If a higher percentage of our patients were insured, hospital revenue would increase, and we would likely see cost-of-living adjustments and raises after the first fiscal year.

**All Heart RN** · Jun 18, 2009

The link in the post above may be somewhat outdated as it is from the Obama-Biden campaign.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Why-Reform-Why-Now/
This is the President's recent speech before the AMA.

Thanks for providing a more updated source! It's all about staying informed:wink2:

TinkRN8 · Jun 18, 2009

Thanks for the link! While I didn't vote for Obama, nor do I agree with most of his policies thus far, I am always hopeful that he will do right by this country. While this issue needs to be addressed, I do wait to pass judgement until specific details are given. I used to be a big proponant of universal healthcare until I did a lot of research and then lived in Europe for a while. Then....not so much. I do like that we will be able to keep the coverage we have. I am concerned, though, that the cost of private coverage will be increased so much that it will be unaffordable (like it isn't already) and we will be forced into a government run program. I am just very leery of the government having any say in issues regarding my personal well-being. The government can't even run itself properly, and we want to give them control of our healthcare?! That just really scares me. That and how nursing will be effected. I am starting my program in August and am already worrying about finding a job, or if there will be jobs when I graduate.

Also, why is there never any discussion about drug companies? They have a lot to do with the current price of health insurance. I actually had to stop filling one of my asthma meds because I simply cannot afford it. No generic is available and with the other 3 scrips I take, I had to make some tough decisions. And I have health coverage! I just don't understand why drug companies are not brought up in the discussion of reform. Well, I do know why, they have a huge lobby in DC and contribute a lot of money to our politicians' campaigns. There are just other holes like this one I don't see being resolved or discussed when reform is brought up.

Anyway, just some of my thoughts. I really do hope that Obama doesn't rush something thru just to get it done. The system didn't break overnight, and therefore, can't be fixed overnight.

jmckeith · Jun 18, 2009

well said chihmom8. you hit the nail on the head with this quote “well, i do know why, they have a huge lobby in dc and contribute a lot of money to our politicians' campaigns”. this is perhaps the biggest problem we have in getting effective legislation passed by our government.

it was reported on a pass lou dobbs show (cnn), that the drug industry has two (2) lobbyist, per company, for every member of congress. that is scary.

TinkRN8 · Jun 18, 2009

well said chihmom8. you hit the nail on the head with this quote "well, i do know why, they have a huge lobby in dc and contribute a lot of money to our politicians' campaigns". this is perhaps the biggest problem we have in getting effective legislation passed by our government.
it was reported on a pass lou dobbs show (cnn), that the drug industry has two (2) lobbyist, per company, for every member of congress. that is scary.

it is very scary. it is also sad as obviously the best interest of the american people is not really their first priority. i do find it interesting that "big business" ie banks, mtg co, ins cos, car manfucturers, oil cos, are being scrutinized, regulated and their execs put on a monetary leash, however, drug companies and their ceo's are not even mentioned. just another reason i believe that our 2 party political system has failed. our founding fathers did not intend for a 2 party run government system. but, that is a whole other issue. sorry, history major/degree in past life...lol!

the other issue not discussed is tort reform. yet another example of a powerful lobby (lawyers) in dc. not to mention the fact that the majority of our representatives in dc are lawyers. tort reform will never happen in this country. yet another big issue effecting the cost of healthcare that is not being addressed. while i believe that there needs to be relief for those harmed by medical professionals, i do think legal action is abused in this country. i come from a family of phsyicians, dentists, etc. malpractice insurance is outrageous, especially in the ob/gyn field. just because you can sue, doesn't necessarily mean you always should sue. when i see those class action commercials on tv trolling for litigants it turns my stomach!

i am glad that obama is opening the discussion and, at least at present, seems to want an open dialog with the healthcare industry. however, i really don't see true reform unless these other issues are also addressed.