05/21/2024
As a RN/FNP-BC and as a mother of a an affected RN, please remember how each and every one of us supported each and every one of you and your families, not only during the days of a pandemic, but each and every day… not just because it is our job, but it is our calling and how we live our entire lives…
Unfortunately, local RNs are scheduled to strike on Friday, May 24, 2024 and it is about so much more than wages…
Just my two cents…
At the end of the day this has been the mantra of this and many organizations for decades. Possibly not what the ‘head hanchos’ intended for in their mission statement, but nevertheless is carried out daily by the top heavy administrative systems…do more, do not speak up, work harder, as yourself and your patients continue to be placed at risk and if you choose to go against the grain and have a voice it will be silenced with restructuring, relocating, offboarding, all typical of the punitive measures the organizations routinely implement.
What the public needs to understand is these RNs that worked beyond exhaustion to save others, placing themselves and their families at risk for you and yours not only just a couple of years ago, but each and every day, are the same ones that are still working and placing themselves at risk to save you and your families. These RNs are willing to lose their pay and stand in solidarity to protect each and every one of you. This strike is about so much more than fair wages, and getting their needs met.
This strike is about YOU and YOUR FAMILIES.
It is about knowing the RNs limitations to safely care for others.
It is about ensuring that they will not be forced to decide who lives and dies because everyone is critical and there are no more hands to help.
It is about stopping a broken system from further destroying a community.
It is about ensuring that the supplies needed and the appropriate trained individuals are available to care for you and your families.
It is about preventing and stopping the mass exodus of healthcare workers and providers from the field.
I was one of the first two nurse externs a the hospital many, many years ago. No one knew what we were or what to do with us back then, but we learned from everyone …
because now when I say to my daughter, who is an amazing, beyond what I could ever be RN, my Mady, it wasn’t like this… it was different.. I wholeheartedly mean it.
I was trained by some of the best trained in their field from RNs, LPNs, NPs, doctors, fellows, residents, PAs, managers, CNAs, HUC, even learning from CPD and janitorial staff… and the list goes on. The CEO was a RN and that hospital was run exactly with that approach…
Tidbit: RNs foundation is in the holistic care of each individual… by caring for one’s mind, body, and spirit you care for the entire human…
This is what this strike is about. RNs are being forced to compromise their values when caring for you and your families… this is dangerous.
The hospital was at one time a hospital individuals wanted to work with. The RNs have never been on strike, however it is long overdue. The organizations have always used the RNs unwavering dedication to patients against them…ie RNs are placing patients at risk. False.
The community needs to ask themselves would you want your daughter, son, husband, wife to not only place themselves and their licenses at risk… everything they have worked for their whole lives (because news flash the organization is never standing up to back them and protect them if something happens)?
Would you not want the RNs to fight for you and your families to ensure the amazing care you all speak of continues… because again the RNs are the ones carrying out and providing the largest part of specialty trained (most difficult to obtain undergraduate degree), care to you and your families.
If it does not stop the rest of the RNs will continue to leave the field in droves and this is not the only hospital system it is happening in. Soon you will be forced to figure out your own medical care.
Be aware: It is already happening, the organizations are shutting down offices, running out dedicated, amazing providers and staff with their relentless demands and unrealistic work conditions which again place you and your love ones at risk.
This strike is about so much more than what is being pushed in the media. The organization states they cannot believe how the RNs could strike during a cyber attack. My response is why did the organization force their hand? Why is it acceptable to keep cutting staff, requirements, taking shortcuts… placing you and your families at risk?
As a member of the community, I am and would be outraged and I will be standing right next to these RNs and you should to because if you chose to listen to a false narrative, in the end the RNs will leave, the hospitals will continue to suffer, the communities will suffer, and most importantly you and your families will suffer the most.