Winona Hospital Closing

With the poor economy in Indiana - how many other hospitals will be closing in the next few years? I know many hospitals are laying off nurses and other staff. I think many of these people will have to move out of state for jobs - Indiana just doesn't have many jobs.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Gosh - that does not surprize me. When I left Indianapolis in 1996 - I wondered how Winona was staying in business. Good luck - take a peak at Methodist or Wishard - if you like a challenge.

[WickedRedRN, BSN, RN]

This is a sad day for Indianapolis. I had been to Winona to visit people on occasion and found it to have wonderful, caring staff. Winona will be missed!

I will be keeping the staff in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this.

[blue gardenia]

With the poor economy in Indiana - how many other hospitals will be closing in the next few years? I know many hospitals are laying off nurses and other staff. I think many of these people will have to move out of state for jobs - Indiana just doesn't have many jobs.

I just recently signed on with allnurses that's why this reply is so late. (See my "Introduction and Greeting") I was one of the long-time RN's with Winona Hospital caught unexpectedly without a job. Starting in 1978, I have left and returned several times, 4 at last count. Fortunately, a local hospital--St. Vincents-- called Winona on their last day open to offer the staff positions. All hospitals in the city came together in one place the following week with a job fair for Winona's staff only, arranged by Workforce One (Unemployment Office). :) Community Hospital Network website (ecommunity.com) job search page opens with "Welcome former Winona Staff" inviting us to explore their job opportunities. And, just as an FYI, nurses are eligible for unemployment benefits. Its not much but it beats nothing. The entire community has been very supportive. To many, losing Winona was like losing an old and dear friend. Especially for those who have been with Winona for so long, both staff and patients. Unlike many industries, we in the healthcare industry are fortunate to have options.