We showed that having fewer RNs caused problems with staffing and patient care. In the assessment, she explains, nurses must take data on the patients, devise care plans, delegate care duties, evaluate the plans to see if they're effective, perform case managements of the patients' stays, and pull all this information together along with physician input to get patients discharged. Although RNs at Forum would like to be making more money, Warino says she believes the pay is fair. We're more concerned with patient and nurse safety. Another issue is continuing education, whether to pursue a master's degree or become certified in a certain area, says Warino.
Nurses are recognizing, as professionals, that increased education is always an asset.
Becoming certified in a certain area renders them an expert. The hospital reimburses nurses for the cost of exams if they pass. The relationship between RNs and licensed practical nurses is symbiotic, says Diann Williams, an LPN at Northside. Instead of an RN having four or five patients in her group, she's looking at eight or nine. Williams is shop steward for Local 627 of the Service Employees International Union.