Universal Health Services concerns

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Hi All. I work with a Universal Health Services psyche facility and am very concerned about some of the practices I have seen. At the end of every year, the company starts laying off (more precisely getting resignations) from nurses who have more years of experience and subsequently who they have to pay more. At the same time, they seem to hire new grads to replace them. Has anyone else seen similar practices at other UHS facilities? I realize this is a for profit organization, but I just don't understand how they get away with it.

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Specializes in PMHNP/Adjunct Faculty.

There are many UHS facilities in my area that have poor reputations due to 1:24+ nurse to patient ratios, worn down facilities with requests for repair ignored, low pay, and many many safety issues. Check out this website, and know not all for profits sacrifice patient safety!

UHS Behind Closed Doors | The hidden harm of maximizing profits

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Specializes in psychiatric, corrections.

The UHS facility I work at is constantly hiring. The pay is decent, however I went PRN to make more money because the units I was working had acuity through the roof and the regular pay wasn't worth it, also I couldn't stand to be on that unit everyday. It was too much. I am much happier now, but staffing remains an issue, so many people have quit or juat do no call no shows and the ratio is out of whack. As a charge nurse I can have up to 24 patients

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There are 2 large facilities in the miami-ft. lauderdale area that I'm applying to... but now I wonder if I could even do it if I were hired. Sigh

Universal Health Services (UHS) Skewered (Again) by New Report | World of Psychology

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

In my area, UHS facilities are always hiring and even offer bonuses. However, their reputation is horrid. Being a new grad, I really wouldn't risk my license working under such dangerous conditions (and yes, according to the documents staff took the blame).

What is more concerning to me is that the mental health department continues to certify them despite all these issues, year after year.

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Specializes in PMHNP/Adjunct Faculty.

I have now worked in mental health for 3 years and have precepted many new grads. UHS hires many new grads and sends them straight to the floor after a week of orientation. They are often the only RN and have 18-20 patients under their care with only one tech running the unit. This was on a psychiatric intensive care unit. The new grad I'm talking about came to my facility and oriented at my facility under me after being at a UHS facility for 2 months, she had had enough. I hear the story over and over again. It's their formula for putting profits over people, their employees and patients. If something goes wrong they calculate risk management lawsuits into their losses and move forward, waiting for their next new grad, LVN, or experienced RN who will take a pay cut to come by to meet their "budget."

Don't do it.

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I have now worked in mental health for 3 years and have precepted many new grads. UHS hires many new grads and sends them straight to the floor after a week of orientation. They are often the only RN and have 18-20 patients under their care with only one tech running the unit. This was on a psychiatric intensive care unit. The new grad I'm talking about came to my facility and oriented at my facility under me after being at a UHS facility for 2 months, she had had enough. I hear the story over and over again. It's their formula for putting profits over people, their employees and patients. If something goes wrong they calculate risk management lawsuits into their losses and move forward, waiting for their next new grad, LVN, or experienced RN who will take a pay cut to come by to meet their "budget."

Don't do it.

i am scared straight. Message received loud and clear.

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Specializes in PMHNP/Adjunct Faculty.

Glad I could be of service ;)

Page not found | UHS Behind Closed Doors

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
What is more concerning to me is that the mental health department continues to certify them despite all these issues, year after year.

I would imagine they--like almost every single other facility out there: profit, non-profit, whatever--put their best foot forward when they know inspectors or accreditation committees are coming.

Those are the times you'll see short-staffing magically disappear...in fact, you'd probably see a bit of over-staffing with some of the facilities best/most-seasoned nurses who know exactly what to say or do during these site visits.

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