Local 5131 Member Update, July 30, 2024

There has been a lot going on behind the scenes this month, so it’s time for an update. Please take the time to read through this letter, as there is a great deal of information.

We know that there are still many vacancies throughout the health system. There has been several large groups of new nurses hired for the PCU’s that should be starting in the next few weeks, as well as some for our observation units. Hopefully once they are off orientation that will help alleviate the shortages. All new ICU hires, including Elmer, will be oriented to every ICU as part of a comprehensive training plan. There are in-house traveler positions open, and currently there is one ICU float nurse and two PCU float nurses (one starting in August). Agency nurses are still being utilized, and are to be the first to be reassigned according to our contract.

There have been many short staffing forms from our observation floors consistently over the past few months, and we are finally starting to see some changes. Upgrades should be prioritized to move those higher acuity patients out, and all ICU and step down upgrades should be moved immediately. Past practice was to stop moving patients at 9pm, and that time has been extended to 11pm. Administration is also going to be reviewing admission criteria for these areas to try and minimize the instances of inappropriately high acuity. They are in agreement that some education may need to be given to the providers.

The staffing grids are going to be re-evaluated for the mental health units throughout the health system. We know there have been numerous staffing and safety issues lately and are pushing for these to be resolved. Agency nurses are being utilized, and they are being hired with the expectation that they can float between all of the mental health units, including the child/adolescent unit. As with any other department, agency should be floated first. Contracts and incentives should also be offered. In regards to safety concerns, a quote is being obtained for fixing the camera system. Until they are fixed, frequent rounding on patients is the expected alternative. This is not a long term solution, especially with the inadequate staffing, and we are working on getting a better resolution. If there is a significant staffing shortage where your or your patient’s safety is at risk, this needs to be escalated immediately. If there is no management in the building, call the supervisor, or ARCC up to administration if there is not an adequate response.

Next month repairs will start on the telemetry system throughout Vineland. This project is expected to be completed by the end of September, at which time the transport nurse role will be eliminated. Until then, we are responsible for ensuring all patients are transported in a timely manner with a nurse and monitor as needed. It was reiterated to us that ANM’s and managers should be utilized to help transport, and we should not be waiting for the transport nurse to become available as they are often tied up with patients having long studies. We were also told to encourage everyone to request an order to transport without nurse and monitor when appropriate. This is inconvenient and we know you are already stretched thin, but the end should be near.

The floor renovations in Vineland are nearly complete on MPCU. There is some minor work that needs to be done, but nothing that should involve closing hallways or rooms. CPCU flooring will be done next, followed by SPCU last.

The Strongline system (the safety buttons) is being upgraded in August. This will include a pilot program in September which will have coverage in the parking lots. The visitor management system is now in effect system wide, so all visitors should have a sticker with their photograph on it. There is also a self-service kiosk in the lobby for visitors to sign in. The weapon detection system is still in the pilot stage, but has been proving to be very effective. We are hoping that this will graduate into the next stage soon and be implemented at all entrances. Please make sure that you are reporting all instances of workplace violence. We cannot help make our workplace safer when no one knows what is going on.

Any time you have an issue or concern you discuss with management, I encourage you to follow up with an email. This documents and time stamps your discussion so there is proof that you did bring the matter to their attention. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a rep with any questions.

As a final note, please save the date for a union meet and greet at Terra Nonno Vineyard and Winery on Saturday, September 14th from 1pm to 7pm. Come meet some of your union officers and representatives! Even if you’re not a wine drinker, I encourage you to stop by for a bit of fun ,food, information, and giveaways!

In solidarity,

Jeanie Harow
Staffing Committee

Our local website: https://www.hpae.org/local/local-5131/