I used to be wary of working overtime because my department was budget-conscious and didn't want to pay for extra hours. But then I noticed the more experienced HUCs taking advantage of the shortage of unit clerks across the hospital-- they would call in on a day off and offer themselves up for another unit if needed. It made me envious, but I realized I could be doing the same thing. So, when I transferred to another unit with less reliable HUCs, I started volunteering for overtime whenever I could.
It was worth it - by the end of the year, I had made an extra $7,000. With my hourly rate averaging over a dollar more, I couldn't complain about putting in a little extra time.
Healthcare workers in HCA Florida hospitals recently made a
bold move, refusing to work voluntary overtime shifts to draw
attention to staffing shortages and concerns about patient safety. These
workers aren't just demanding higher pay or better benefits - they're asking
for something much more fundamental: the ability to provide patients with quality care without extreme stress and exhaustion. In this
blog post, we'll take a closer look at the situation in Florida and what it
means for the larger healthcare industry.
Short staffing has been an issue in healthcare for years, but
the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem. Healthcare workers have been
stretched thin, working longer hours and dealing with more patients than ever.
In Florida, HCA hospitals have taken a brutal hit. In a recent survey,
over 70% of HCA Florida workers reported feeling understaffed and overworked,
with over half reporting feeling burnt out.
That's why HCA Florida workers' decision to refuse voluntary
overtime is significant. By declining to work longer hours, these employees state the importance of staffing levels in ensuring quality patient care.
While working overtime can be lucrative for healthcare workers, it often comes
at a cost to their well-being and the well-being of their patients. By taking a
stand, these workers convey that the status quo is unsustainable.
Of course, the issue of staffing levels in healthcare is
complex. In many cases, hospitals simply need more money to hire
additional staff. Additionally, the shortage of healthcare workers across the
country means that even when positions are open, it can be challenging to fill
them. However, workers argue that the consequences of short-staffing are too
severe to ignore. Patients may not receive the needed attention, medical errors
may occur, and healthcare workers may suffer from burnout and stress-related
illnesses.
It's worth noting that HCA Florida workers aren't alone in
their fight for better staffing levels and patient safety. Healthcare workers nationwide
have been speaking out about these issues for years. These workers call for better
working conditions, higher pay, and more respect for their crucial work.
