I have been reading a lot lately about the Providence Hospital organization and the issues facing the nursing staff. For the last year I have had multiple interactions with many members of the nursing staff there secondary to my husband undergoing treatment for colon cancer.
Let me say that the care he received during his stays in the hospital was exemplary. Day appointments have been equally positive experiences. We do not have any complaints at all insofar as our experience with all staff, including physicians, nurses and ancillary staff.
I believe that Providence is fortunate to employ such dedicated staff. I am concerned, however, that things may change in the near future, and not for the best, if those in charge do not make necessary changes to maintain the staff they have.
The Affordable Care Act brought increased census numbers (the number of people who are admitted to the hospital) as it provides funding for those who previously could not get the treatment they needed secondary to a lack of insurance. Without an increase in the number of nursing staff (including CNAs), the ratio of nurses/caregivers to patients has increased precipitously. As dedicated as the staff may be, as their responsibility increases, it is inevitable that care will be affected negatively. At the same time, reimbursement to the hospital has actually increased.
While Providence continues to pursue its reputation as a “Cadillac” of hospitals, providing top-notch care to the community, the one thing that will guarantee that is in jeopardy. In spite of all the latest technology, institution of best practices, and the quality of the staff employed by them, if there are insufficient numbers of care providers, the rest will not matter.
Insurance coverage for nurses at Providence is rising to the level of unaffordable. The cost of premiums is outrageous and the available plans cover less and less. The combination of untenable staffing/patient ratios and the cost of insuring themselves and their families will result in this incredibly dedicated group of caregivers leaving the organization.
It is time for Providence, a non-profit organization, to ante up. Provide more staffing so as not to break the backs of those who, day in and day out, provide the best care available. Make insurance affordable so they and their families are secure. It is a given that providing the best environment results in attracting and maintaining the best employees. Don’t let these nurses down. The community is blessed to have them.
Karen Knapp
Snohomish
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