And... They're dropping like flies! About This Page:

[Teresa]

I work for a small hospital. The hospital agreed to an "alliance" with a large conglomerate of hospitals a couple of years ago. Basically, they bought us out and we will be assimilated soon!!!!! (yes, it's a good thing - and this is an example of why)

In the last week, 3 good nurses have quit. A few others are threatening to. One transferred from our unit to the ER. An experienced nurse who was just hired on told me she probably won't stay. I'm searching for another position (don't know what I'll do if I get one, I'll figure that out later). Quite a few nurses have taken positions elsewhere and are only working for us PRN.
When I ask people why - the response isn't always the same, but the root cause is: our manager. The problem is, our HR does not do exit interviews!! Although the large corporation hospital does, we still operate with some autonomy - which means no exit interviews.

NO-ONE in a position of power/administration is going to know why these people are leaving in droves. It bothers me for quite a few reasons, not the least of which is some of them are my friends. What bothers me the most is: the hospital invested about $20,000 to $30,000 in each of the nurses that are leaving, for orientation, classes, new training, etc. They keep telling us we need to cut costs and yet, they aren't!

[Huntermom]

If your attrition rate is much higher than normal, HR should be trying to figure out why.

I can tell you as a patient, there is nothing worse than being "cared for" by a nurse who doesn't want to be there. During my hospitalizations, I had two long conversations with the nursing supervisors. As a patient, I found out the best way to get an issue addressed was to ask the doctor's help. From intern to attending, every doctor I encountered was more than willing to help me get good care.

I am now at another hospital (4th hospital but primarily as an outpatient). I have been impressed with the nursing staff when I have been in for procedures. As I patient, I needed a nurse who would respond to my needs and not make me feel like I was imposing. I was in intensive care and could not get out of bed. I tried my best not to bother anyone but sometimes you need help. A good nurse makes everything much easier.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by Huntermom

If your attrition rate is much higher than normal, HR should be trying to figure out why.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Sorry to hear you're going through this. I've been in that situation before, with good people leaving and it really does drag you down.

[Teresa]

Originally Posted by Huntermom

If your attrition rate is much higher than normal, HR should be trying to figure out why.

In a normal facility, yes. This is really a very odd facility!
For me, the hardest thing is: I love my job. I love my co-workers. I love my patients. I love who and what I am while I'm at work.
I'm looking forward to the change to the larger hospital's leadership and thought process being in our hospital.

[Huntermom]

Teresa,

MY patient observation is the better the hospital, the better the nursing care. I don't know if it's the pay structure or training or supervision, but with one exception, ( a hospital which was not in the city) as the hospital rose on the prestige level, so did the nursing care. My current hospital is world renowned and the care by everyone is superlative. People seem to want to work there and to be there and their attention to patient needs is very high.

Maybe it's the administration, but I think it is more reflective of the clinical staff. If your current hospital is so quirky, do you think it will be closed by the parent company? Can you talk to the nursing supervisor about your concerns? Do you know why people are going per diem? Higher rate of pay? Don't need benefits (spouse has insurance)? If someone can figure out the problem, maybe they can fix it.

Like I said, as a patient, good nursing care makes a world of difference.