This is my first time that I have ever felt this strongly about
an issue to write to the opinion page in our local newspapers. I am
responding to your article Feb. 18,
”
Hands on Learning.
”
This is my first time that I have ever felt this strongly about an issue to write to the opinion page in our local newspapers. I am responding to your article Feb. 18, “Hands on Learning.”
It is a great service for the first-year nursing students from Gavilan College, which has an excellent nursing program, and it is great that Hazel Hawkins Hospital can add to the excellence of the nursing program by allowing the nursing students another avenue of experience. That gives Gavilan College nursing students another view of nursing, not just the hectic hallways of STK.
Our nation continues to have a shortage of nurses and our local rural hospital is not an exception. If you take a look at our employment board you will see a dozen or more positions for nurses, from the operating room to the E.R.
So that is why I am so confused in why Hazel Hawkins Hospital is not willing to hire me. I am a single parent of three who returned to nursing school at the ripe age of 40-plus years. It has been a struggle financially and emotionally. Enduring rotations, long hours of studying and many hours away from my children, the latter part being the most difficult. My perseverance is paying off, for I will graduate in May 2004.
I have repeatedly tried to get a position working on the medical surgical floor to get some experience before I graduate. Did I mention that I’ve been an employee of Hazel Hawkins for the past three years working in the X-ray department. I would like to experience the comfort and initiation to the Hazel Hawkins family like the first-year nursing students. If there is a reason for not being hired, I would appreciate the communication. The hospital also has a wonderful tuition program for nursing students, which has only one criteria, that you agree to work for Hazel Hawkins for one year after you graduate. I qualified for the tuition program and I was given a check for only one semester, then it was discontinued. Discontinued with no explanation. Once again, I ask the directors, why? Why am I being discriminated? I am the one who applies for an and all scholarships, for I am truly in dire need of all and any financial help that is out there.
Hazel Hawkins has treated me unfairly – they have ignored all my requests to talk. I am old enough to accept and understand facts, but they need to be conveyed to me. I know that an employer can hire whomever they want to, but I am an existing employee of Hazel Hawkins. If I cannot work on the floor as a nurse, then why am I allowed to work in other departments? A nurse should be hired by their qualifications, not the color of their skin, or whom the directors like or dislike. I have worked hard to overcome many obstacles and I am proud of what I have accomplished and it makes me sad that the opinion of one person can have so much control in our little hospital.
Put aside your pride and have a heart. I have the needed qualifications, and unfortunately Hazel Hawkins will be short of this great nurse. Like I mentioned before, there is a shortage of nurses throughout the state. Hazel Hawkins, please stand up and take responsibility of communication and put your patients’ needs before the opinions and unreasonable demands of your directors.
Anna Martinez,
Hollister
