what will be the effect of this as it relates to nurses and patient safety?

http://www.post-gazette.com/businessnews/20030105hospitals0105bnp4.asp

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Budget cuts. When has there ever been a change that didn't call for severe and immediate financial panic, resulting in budget cuts?

[Sleepyeyes]

I just emailed them to the effect that it's always nurse's salaries that take the gut-punch, never the CEO's.

*to canoe and oramar---------->* at least someone's on the same page....I see the same tired lines.... waaaaaahhh..

[oramar]

My first thought was that patient/nurse ratio's will only get larger. Plus now you will be working without a secretary or aid.

[c.wicks]

I usually avoid this subject like "the plague" because it often brings out the worst in me, but for some unknown reason I can't resist the urge to offer my opinion on this matter.

The parasites I am referring to are groups of people (politicians, insurance companies, pharmaceutical corps., lawyers, ect.) or individuals who continuously feed off the healthcare community (the host).

It could be argued that we, as healthcare professionals also feed off the host, but this relationship is one of symbiotic mutualism where both groups benefit.

My point...

We need to eliminate the blood-sucking parasites.

My solution...

Proactive involvement in a united national healthcare plan.

"If you come to me with a problem, you better bring a solution."

C.