IU Health nurses warn of unsafe practices, work to form union

[Omaha Steve]

Source: WISH TV

By Jessica Smith

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — IU Health nurses are sounding the alarm, saying patients are at risk until there is change. Some nurses are working to form a union at IU Health. Some nurses told 24-Hour News 8 a union is the best way to give nurses a voice, and in turn give patients the best care possible.

“We as nurses have taken an oath. An oath to advocate for our patients,” said registered nurse Tiffanie Skillman.

It’s the oath that motivates nurses like Tiffanie Skillman to say something isn’t right.

“The number one issue is safety. Patient safety,” said Skillman.

FULL story at link. Video: http://wishtv.com/2015/04/19/iu-health-nurses-warn-of-unsafe-practices-work-to-form-union/



Read more: http://wishtv.com/2015/04/19/iu-health-nurses-warn-of-unsafe-practices-work-to-form-union/

[Warpy]

1. I was surprised to find nurses with only 5 patients apiece

when I was in hospital last week. We'd gone as high as 7 when I quit and on an intense cardiac surgery floor. I was on telemetry but monitored centrally, it wasn't a specialty floor.

Having 5 patients would have been a cakewalk.

[Ilsa]

2. I've had assignments with as many as ten

from 7p to 7a. And they weren't all "easy" or awaiting discharge. It was difficult getting a handle on that many patients and their needs.

[Warpy]

3. I topped out at twelve on an ortho surgery floor

I arrived early, got my ducks in a row, and didn't have a bad shift that night. It was the last night I floated there, though. I might have been organized enough to keep meds and treatments on time and pain control consistent but it was a rough way to spend 12 hours.

[whereisjustice]

4. Not only do they have to fight against a right wing nut job Governor, even Democratic Party

will work against them, per Obama's idiotic attack against unions.

Note that with TPP, more and more work will be sent to Asia. From xrays to records to blood/tissue testing.

If it can be emailed or put in a fed-ex envelop, it will be sent to a low wage, unregulated, oppressive work force near you.

[Mr.Bill]

5. I applaud the nursing unions for fighting for this.

Nurse-to-patient ratios should be mandated by law, like they are in some states. We've had these laws in California for a long time, but we wouldn't if nursing unions hadn't lobbied for them.

[RobinA]

7. Non-Nurse

working in a hospital here. My experiences with staff levels mandated is that the administration then uses that as an excuse to not staff according to actual need. As in, "Help, all hell is breaking loose and we need some staff." "Sorry, you have the number of staff you are supposed to have." Actual conversation. I get the position the hospital is in because they are poorly reimbursed. However, in my hospital staffing can be a significant issue for safety and patient care.

[Mr.Bill]

8. That would depend

on the actual numbers in your ratio laws. My wife is a recently retired nurse in California, and she says what you describe is something she has never seen. Of course, being only one person, her personal experience is anecdotal, as is yours. For instance, she mostly worked in small hospitals, where it is possible the situation you describe is rare.

[moondust]

6. Expect organized union busters.

Last edited Mon Apr 20, 2015, 12:40 AM - Edit history (1)

I witnessed some of this unionization with SEIU in 1998. I don't remember all the tactics they used but the union busters made their presence felt. Could be even stronger resistance in Indiana.

http://www.seiu199.org/chapters/health-care-3/university-of-iowa-hospital-and-clinics/