Nursing Strike

Hello Ladies,

I have only posted a few times here, but reading the other post has been a major source of comfort for me. I have one week to go and the nurses at the hospital I am to have my surgry at are on strike. All 650 of them walked out last week and it does not appear that they are coming back anytime soon. The hospital is still functioning, however they are starting to cancel "elective" surgries. I love it, I am not really sure how "elective" this is for me as I have been hemmoraging for months now. If I am really lucky I get a 2-3 day break each month!

I also thought I was emotionally ready for this, but today I was forced to go shopping for an out of town baby shower this weekend and of all things a pair of yellow ducky PJ's set me off. I am not looking forward to this family shower as it is out of town the weekend before my surgry and my in-laws just are not getting it. They think I should be able to travel 4 hours by car a couple of weeks after my surgry for a stupid birthday party.

Just needed to vent! Thanks soo much! If anyone has any idea on how to get the nurses to go back to work let me know.

Heather C

Hi Heather:
I live and work near that hospital and I was wondering what I would have done if I was waiting for my surgery and the nurses at my hospital would have gone on strike. What a thing to have to prepare for.... Good luck I hope it doesn't postpone your surgery! I would not have been able to ride in a car for 4 hours 2 weeks after my surgery. I was afraid of every bump.

((( Heather )))

I'm sorry about the nurses strike. I'll be praying that it gets resolved quickly and that your surgery can be done as planned.

I agree that 2 weeks post op is too soon to travel that far. I know that I wouldn't have been able to do it. I would just do what you know is best for YOU. It seems that there is always someone who just doesn't "get "it and understand just how major this surgery is.

Best wishes, please keep us updated on the strike and all.

s

Hi, so sorry this has happened. as a nurse of 16 years, maybe I can shed some light on why they are probably on strike. Nurses work long hours, there is no such thing as an 8 hour day. Situations come up at the end of your shift you have to stay and deal with. We also are grossly underpaid for the resposibility that we have. The reason nurses strike is not solely due to money and long mandatory hours. Bottom line, if nurses are overworked and under staffed, pts care becomes compramised. A too heavy pt load and not enough staff is an equation for poor pt. care. Nurses are only human and if understaffed there are not enough nurses to properly take care of ill pts. The safety factor is huge. that is the main reason nurses strike, plus, yes wages and overtime that is demanded. It is sad but true. when this occurs usually the hospital calls in nursing service. i sincerly hope this is resolved for your sake. best of luck, baily