Jerry_Williams69 t1_jaauunw wrote on February 28, 2023 at 2:30 AM

This is the case everywhere. COVID and the idiot politics that came with it put a few more nails in the healthcare coffin and then set it on fire. Believe it or not, I have an easier time getting neurology care at UVM than I did back in Michigan. I think this is the exception and not the norm.

Big part of the problem is housing. Doctors and nurses can't find places to live, so they don't put down roots. Other big part is that doctors and nurses get low-ball pay here. UVMMC is fascinated with being "competitive for the region". Fuck that. Want to fix it? Set the bar for the region. They could give all their nurses $5-$10/hr raises and would still pay significantly less than they do now for travelers/contract workers.

jerassica t1_jab3d5y wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:36 AM

UVMMC could give all of their nurses a $5/hr raise and still pay far less than other Vermont hospitals…. Soooo, not surprised there. That’s the trend in most academic hospitals though. You “get” to work there…. Which is total BS.

And totally agree- this is the problem everywhere. Same issues in Florida, Texas, all over the country…

I’m an ER nurse, though left the field last year after enduring yet another attempt at assault by a patient for the umpteenth time while 22 weeks pregnant. I still work in nursing, but do not provide direct patient care. I know everyone is frustrated with the healthcare system, but know that your providers are just as frustrated. Try not to take it out on them. :)

Jerry_Williams69 t1_jab3rp9 wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:39 AM

Oh I will never take it out on the workers. I have inside eyes. I'm married to an OR nurse. I don't get why UVMMC is lowballing permanent staff, but doesn't flinch when paying their army of travel nurses $3000-$5000 per week each.