The management at my place of employment recently hired a group of nurses who are all youngish, slim, and physically attractive as a response to declining patient satisfaction scores. Is the solution working? We can only wait and see.
My workplace, a freestanding specialty hospital owned by a for-profit corporation that operates multiple facilities across the United States, has been having recent troubles with low Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores. This does not bode well in an era where patient satisfaction scores are tied to Medicare reimbursement rates.
Patients typically complain on the survey forms about random issues such as the food, the semiprivate rooms, their loud roommates, and the aloof manner of some of the physicians. Some mention that nursing staff failed to keep them informed. Once in a blue moon a patient comments that the hospital employs too many 'foreign nurses' or has staff who cannot 'speak English.' Whatever.
To combat the chronically low patient satisfaction scores, the managerial staff implemented a mix of interventions which they believed would make patients and families feel more 'cared for.' Hourly rounds, bedside rounding at the change of shift, more scripting, and more smiles have been put into action without much positive effect on the Press Ganey scores.
"What was management's next solution?" you're probably wondering. Administration announced they were hiring good people who were more friendly, skilled, positive, and indicated during their interviews that they actually wanted to care for patients. Well, the latest new hires have initiated more questions than answers.
Where do I start? They are all youngish, ranging from early 20s to early 30s. They are all fairly slim, nicely shaped, and physically attractive. The most experienced new hire has about six years of nursing experience, while the remaining nurses have anywhere from one to three years under their belts. The majority have no acute care experience and are learning certain procedural skills for the very first time: starting peripheral IV access, administering blood, performing wound care, operating feeding tube pumps, and so forth.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not an 'old nurse' who is 'eating the young.' I am 32 years old with seven years of experience, and I had no acute care experience prior to taking a job at this facility several years ago. The new hires all have good personalities and are seemingly pleasant to work with. In addition, we all must start somewhere.
However, they are not necessarily more skilled or more eager to care for patients like management said they would be. Several of these nurses remain seated at the nurses station while staring into a smart phone as call lights are ringing. A few walk into patient rooms without employing basic relational skills such as knocking, introducing themselves, or explaining what they are planning to do. I'm not complaining; I'm merely observing.
Here are my thoughts on this issue. Rather than hire a mix of highly experienced and relatively inexperienced nurses, the managerial staff opted to save on labor costs by hiring younger nurses with a certain attractive look that patients and families might find appealing. They hired no new grads because, I assume, they did not want to spend the staggering amount of money on 3-month orientation periods. They hired no one with 15, 20, 25, or 30+ years of experience because human resources would be forced to offer highly experienced nurses a significantly higher rate of pay per the wage grid. They hired no nurses who were badly overweight, gray-haired, or outwardly appeared to have health problems that would drive up insurance costs. To presumably get the most bang for their buck, most of the new hires have between one and three years of experience.
How is this experiment turning out? We shall wait and see.
Jenni811, you seem smart, driven and raring to take up the challenge of being the best nurse in the facility. But don't let your ego and IQ fool you into thinking that you know so much -- experience has a way of catching up to you and informing you as to just how much you do not yet know. From my viewpoint (a couple decades older than you) life has plenty to teach you that you are not even close to being aware of yet. In life, I've seen that being human is just as important a qualification to success (and personal satisfaction) as is academic achievement and climbing the ladder quickly. I have noticed when I was volunteering (as a CNA), as well as in nursing school, that after basic technical skill mastery, being "human" seems to be a critical core component of the RNs that I admire and respect.
One thing does seem to be a bit bothersome: you seem to have not learned that true respect is earned, not given. Do not expect to be given "respect" simply because you demand it by having a good GPA and some certifications. Guess what? I have the GPA and the certs too, and likely more degrees than you - for instance, did you get As in differential and integral calculus, or 2 semesters of organic chemistry? I did. But in light of my ability to do my duty as a nurse, those paper things are relatively meaningless. Think about the real meaning of the "respect" you are demanding: if its given so cheaply (a bunch of paper) and easily (just because you demanded it), then it is probably not of much true value. Let your actions speak for you, not your words. Here your words do you a disservice by making you appear "green" and arrogant. I am not saying you are, just that is what the words convey. Perceptions...
I freely admit have even less nurse experience than you (as well as my mom's 40+ years as an RN). As a matter of fact, I will not even graduate for another year and a half. But I learned how to earn my respect the hard way first, as a soldier. Then getting my second degree (comp sci) while I was in, and working corporate when I got out. (you want ageism? try being in software past your mid 30s, you become basically unhirable in that field once you pass 40). Rather than put up with the tacit but inherent age discrimination in the corporate computer world looming on my horizon, I started my own small tech consultancy and ran it successfully enough to be able to go back to school yet again. This time, my objective was to have my vocation and avocation converged: my "final" career: RN. So what if it took me years to figure it what I wanted to do; call me a slow learner ;-D
So when you see this "old guy" come on board as a newbie nurse, please do not start with your assumption about younger people having computer skills better than "the older" nurses. I could probably design and write the systems you use, and run rings around you using it. Also, stop thinking you are my my "superior" -- because you are not. You are my charge nurse. There is a difference.
Here is a handy Latin saying I learned many years ago in Catholic school, from which you may benefit: "Acta, non verba". It was a hard lesson for me when I enlisted in the Army (at your age) having already earned my first bachelor's degree (giving me the false arrogance that I was "superior" due to certifications and a high GPA). Anyone with life experience will not be overly impressed by academic achievement like GPA and paper awards. This is especially so if they are backed up by only 2 years of real experience, and very little life experience. I learned early as a non-commissioned officer that rank (or office) will be rendered its formal/legal due by others, but the person bearing that rank or filling that office still has to earn the actual respect. When I got promoted, I was told by my experienced 1SG that in the real world, where things can go wrong and people can die, my college and my brand new sergeant's stripes meant 2 things : jack and squat. It was up to me to show (not just pass exams) that I was a capable soldier and a capable leader by my actions.
As an RN (and a student at the moment), I guarantee you this: I do not and will not demand respect from anyone when I'm on the unit. I realize that I am just a student, and even after I graduate, I will be just a newbie. But I expect to eventually have the respect of my peers and supervisors, but only after I have done things to earn it -- and not a moment sooner (and certainly not after only 2 or 3 years on the job!).
We tend to learn best from our mistakes. But life is short, so we don't have enough time to make all the mistakes we need to make in order to learn all we need to know. So take advantage and learn from the mistakes of others. Feel free to benefit from my prior error of ego, and ask yourself "what if I am wrong?" Hubris can being some hard lessons.
No I didn't get an A in calculus. I was too busy double majoring in nursing and biology. Do you speak 3.5 languages? I say 3.5 because I'm not that great at one of them but I would be able to manage if absolutley necessary. No I didn't start my own company or serve in the military like you. It doesn't mean I don't have "life experience" yea you have more life experience. You nor anybody elsse on here knows my life and what I've been through. I was hospitalized when I.was 17 for being hit in a car with a drunk driver. My 2 best friends were killed, I was ok. Lost a finger they were unable to save. Broke 5 bones in my left arm. Why I'm sharing this?? When I was in the ICU and on the general floor it didn't matter to me my nurses "life experienced." I didn't care if they owned a business, worked at walmart, married a millionaire, served in the military. None of that mattered. So when you bring up "life experience" it really has no relevance in patient satisfactory scores (which this post was about). What does matter and what mattered to me was that I had a nurse who cared about me, who helped me when I was hurting, who was my advocate. It didn't take a nurse who was in her 40s and owned a business/ made computers or whatever.
I may not have the same life experiences you do but that doesn't mean I should be less "hireable." My looks , my age nor my size didn't get me my job. I...myself got me my job. I worked hard for it. I didn't go to an interview with low cut top and bat my eyelashes begging for it. I earned it!!!
Oh and to add....yes I am a bit arrogant when I become defensive. And I'm defensive because people like you are assuming I got my job because of my looks. Not the fact I worked very very hard and beyond my looks I DO have a brain!
Oh and to add....yes I am a bit arrogant when I become defensive. And I'm defensive because people like you are assuming I got my job because of my looks. Not the fact I worked very very hard and beyond my looks I DO have a brain!
^Jenni811, We as posters DO NOT, I repeat do not KNOW what you look like. Or even KNOW you! :)
WHOOOOOOOSAH!!! Ok? :)
If you work hard, and continue to work hard in this profession, then NO ONE can take that from YOU, regardless if they hire for looks. You ultimately will still be in control of you practice, and be able to advocate for yourself and your patients. I know you are fully aware of that as well.
The fact remains, we live in a world (Not just this county) that is focused on the aesthetics, the initial "sighting" of who is coming into their view, whether engaging in conversation in the grocery checkout line, or the nursing coming in with the enema, or starting chest compressions. It is natural to look at the "exterior" it is relative to the person.
It does fade, the initial aesthetics...we are aware of that; however, healthcare is a booming business; as well as full of people who hire people, sometimes to their "likeness."
Nurses that may have the same qualities are interviewed; great team player, ability to grow and stay within the company; they may take the "young thin, energetic" one over the one who has ten years plus experience with a wicked lazy eye. Or a weird hairy mole, whatever "quirk" that the interviewer may not find "appealing." That happens. They may take her at a later date, if budgets align...but the "more it" factor may come through and appeal to the hiring committee.
It is not right, nor is it helpful. But it happens. It is leaving qualified or more qualified people, as well as new grads out in the OPs workplace. It happens more than we admit. Sometimes you can go on a floor or a unit and look at who they staff and see a similarity or a likeness...and I have seen it in the 12 years I have been in healthcare. I remember one unit having tall unit secretaries, rarely short ones; were bright, cheery and could be in an ad in a national magazine. One went on to be a excellent PA; one was successful as a massage therapist; they replaced the PA with a tall person. I thought that it was random; but this post made me think of that particular unit. I am sure they are more; however, not thinking too deep about it; where I work, such a various range of skill mix, personalities, and aesthetics, I know they were hired because of experience and what they can bring to the unit. I am confident on their experience and the support they have given me as a new grad RN, not so much on the "exterior". :)
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Don't eat your young.
I'm 32 years young. :)
And don't discourage your bosses from hiring honest, good, and respectful nurses just because they have less than 5 years experience.
I don't have any say in who my bosses hire.
These "new hires" will be taking over for you someday when you retire, which you will.
Like I said, I'm in my early 30s, so retirement will probably be another 30+ years down the road.
You may be SuperNurse, but you won't live forever.
I'm not anybody's 'super nurse' and I definitely wouldn't want to live forever. Your conclusions are specious and faulty, but thank you for your input.
I'll be honest. The ICU I worked in was mostly all good looking people hired in the reign of my NM. I didn't realize it for a while. Don't know if it had anything to do about $$.
However, those good looking nurses aren't all young.
We have some hotties in their 40's and 50's. so........ I guess good looking could have experience too.
This thread is getting.out of control and needs to end now. Point being I felt I was judged because I am young. Truth is I was hired because of how hard I worked, the fact I get paid half what experienced nurses do. Not exaggerating. I work with my mother who has been there for 25 years and I know what she is making. When I get "time and a half" it is less than her normal/regular pay. THAT is the reason I got hired over the 50 year old with 30 some years of experience. Its all about $$ that's what it comes down to. Sad but true. A hospital is a business. They don't care about you, they don't care about their employees. They are going to do what makes them the most money. Much much cheaper to hire me or people like me. I never said I agreed with it....but its the truth. Yup ok going to hate it too in 30 some years. Id see it as a blessing in disguise though.
Specializes in inerested in school nursing, peds, OR.
I respect my elders who deserve respect. If you're 80 and naive and rude and disrespectful you do not deserve my respect because you're old.
Work as a server for a few months then you'll reconsider what I'm saying. I've met young respectful customers and old nasty men and women.
I don't respect people for their age but for their attitude, compassion, dedication and experiences. Not their age.
Regardless of what their attitude I was taught to respect my elders. It's a southern thing. I understand what you're saying, but everyone here is a nurse, or striving to be a nurse. I can respect people who have even worked hard enough to get accepted to nursing school,
Much less are a seasoned nurse. That's respectable. More than just respectable in my book. More like commendable.
Old and nasty or not, my elder is my elder. I respect you're opinions though. To each their own.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
This thread is getting out of control and needs to end now.
The only way a thread continues to exist well beyond 150+ replies is if our lively members continue to add posts. The more you post on this thread, the more you keep it alive. But if you stop posting to this thread, it will eventually lose traffic and come to a natural end.
Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.
I'm not buying the conspiracy theory that human resources is purposefully hiring young, attractive nurses over experience to boost satisfaction scores. However, I have seen a group of older women talking crap about younger women because of jealously, bitterness, and cattiness... many times. It makes me laugh when I read that young, thin nurses are being hired over older nurses. It's the same cycle. The older nurses did that stuff to you guys when you were young and now you are dishing it out to the newer generation. Eat your young, eat your young! Drama, drama. God, I'm glad I am a guy.
Regardless of what their attitude I was taught to respect my elders. It's a southern thing. I understand what you're saying, but everyone here is a nurse, or striving to be a nurse. I can respect people who have even worked hard enough to get accepted to nursing school,
Much less are a seasoned nurse. That's respectable. More than just respectable in my book. More like commendable.
Old and nasty or not, my elder is my elder. I respect you're opinions though. To each their own.
Sorry but I'm with the other person on this. I don't care if you are 20 or 80 years old. You respect me, i will respect you! Everyone deserves that...young, old,smalll,large, white,black, purple, you name it. Yea ill give up my spot sitting down in church for an old lady but I would do the same for a 20 year old if I saw they were using a walker/cane or looked likw they needed it more than me. Like a pregnant woman for example. It has nothing to do with me respecting someones age or life experiences. It is me respecting everyone the same.
So funny!! I've noticed that most of us are blonde slim to chubby and short. I'm 5 4 and blonde and tower over a few of them. I was hired & interviewed by women. I look young for my age, I'm 43 but look tops 33. I was hired straight out of nursing school.
Jenni811, RN
1,032 Posts
No I didn't get an A in calculus. I was too busy double majoring in nursing and biology. Do you speak 3.5 languages? I say 3.5 because I'm not that great at one of them but I would be able to manage if absolutley necessary. No I didn't start my own company or serve in the military like you. It doesn't mean I don't have "life experience" yea you have more life experience. You nor anybody elsse on here knows my life and what I've been through. I was hospitalized when I.was 17 for being hit in a car with a drunk driver. My 2 best friends were killed, I was ok. Lost a finger they were unable to save. Broke 5 bones in my left arm. Why I'm sharing this?? When I was in the ICU and on the general floor it didn't matter to me my nurses "life experienced." I didn't care if they owned a business, worked at walmart, married a millionaire, served in the military. None of that mattered. So when you bring up "life experience" it really has no relevance in patient satisfactory scores (which this post was about). What does matter and what mattered to me was that I had a nurse who cared about me, who helped me when I was hurting, who was my advocate. It didn't take a nurse who was in her 40s and owned a business/ made computers or whatever.
I may not have the same life experiences you do but that doesn't mean I should be less "hireable." My looks , my age nor my size didn't get me my job. I...myself got me my job. I worked hard for it. I didn't go to an interview with low cut top and bat my eyelashes begging for it. I earned it!!!