Letter Writer, ‘And Other Misinformed Individuals, Should Get
Their Facts in Order’ Before Offering Opinion on Nurses’
Situation
Letter Writer, ‘And Other Misinformed Individuals, Should Get Their Facts in Order’ Before Offering Opinion on Nurses’ Situation
Editor,
The recent letter from Elizabeth M. Chenet (Nov. 14) regarding nursing wages at Hazel Hawkins Hospital indicates the lack of knowledge some people in the community have in regards to what an RN’s job entails. First of all, I don’t work for the government. I work for the San Benito Health Care District, which means I work for the community – your community, Ms. Chenet.
Ms Chenet points out that nurses should not be given “preferential treatment.” I couldn’t agree more. I would like to know that each time I go to work, I will be guaranteed a 30-minute lunch break, where I can leave my unit and not be distracted. Currently, if my department is busy, there is no relief, and therefore, no break. I wish I could put up an “out to lunch” sign, or “be back at 1pm,” like government employees can do, but that is not an option sometimes.
One area of the current negotiations simply asks that the hospital obey existing laws. There are laws relating to the number of RNs that must be present at all times. If I don’t have someone to relieve me for lunch, or a simple 15-minute break, and I leave, there is not adequate staffing. I guess I could tell the next patient to be seen that “I’ll be back in 30 minutes. Maybe your chest will stop hurting by then.” What if that was your family member or loved one?
Simple labor laws require an employer to allow for breaks. We are asking for 30 minutes in a 12-hour shift. I wonder how long government employees would tolerate no lunch breaks in a 12-hour day.
Currently, RNs at St. Louise make 10 percent more than an RN at Hazel Hawkins. We would like the gap to be narrowed. There are already many RNs who do drive to other facilities. Many of us at Hazel Hawkins have been looking at Web sites to find work elsewhere. I would have no problem getting another job. But, what if more nurses worked outside the county? Who would staff your local hospital? Traveler RNs can be hired for contract work for 2-13 weeks. Most of these RNs are qualified, but have no vested interest in the community. The hospital pays the company that represents the nurse for travel, relocation, housing, and insurance. While the RN may make a comparable wage to other staff, the hospital pays a tremendous hourly rate to the company. Last year, Hazel Hawkins spent $3,000,000 on traveler nurses.
RN wages need to be competitive for many reasons. One being the ability to retain and attract new staff. Why would a new grad RN want to work in Hollister when they could make 10-20 percent more elsewhere? Why would an experienced RN want to work in Hollister when it seems their education and expertise are not valued or appreciated by the administration?
Registered Nurses are highly educated, must maintain a license, and have tremendous responsibility that is not found in many government positions. When was the last time the mayor or city planner had the opportunity to resuscitate someone? Or educate a new mom on how to properly medicate her child? Or respond to a severe allergic reaction? Or place a splint on a broken tib/fib?
RNs are an extremely valuable asset to the community and should be acknowledged and compensated fairly. Ms. Chenet, and other misinformed individuals, should get their facts in order before spouting off on issues they have absolutely no knowledge about. Just ask an RN what they did on their last shift. It may surprise you.
Rebecca Jones, RN
Hollister
