So far, 2012 has been an upsetting year for Pomona Valley Hospital nurses working at the bedside.

RNs in all units are experiencing unhappiness because web scheduling is changing nurse schedules without notice. LDRP was hit hard one weekend with their schedules being changed two days before they were to work. Grievances were filed for theses RNs, one for not being paid weekend premium and the other for not the hospital being out of compliance with our contract on self-scheduling regulations. We are waiting to hear from the hospital and hope for a positive resolution.

Many nurses are being turned down for FMLA or Workers’ Comp claims. California is a state that respects its employees better than many other states and understands the healthcare needs of health workers and their family members. Much education is needed at PVHMC to understand the rules and regulations, especially the new 2012 updates. Stewards and our Union Representative spend a lot of time helping nurses learn their state and federal rights under the law.

Many long-time nurses have been asked if they are ready to retire and leave the hospital. Some of the older nurses are not quite sure what being encouraged to retire means. Does PVHMC care about our welfare or do they want to hire more new grads at lower wages?

Long-time nurses are also finding themselves being written up for extremely minor non-patient care issues. The hospital has some strange new policies they want to place on the Charge Nurses. Many Charge Nurses have a complete or partial assignment when they work. State ratios are not being met on many occasions.

There is a great need for more computers for charting in most units. Overload, frustration and time-consuming are the words being used to describe the new system. More education has been requested to help work out these challenges.

PVHMC is now pushing for bedside nurses to obtain their BSN and/or special certifications as they move toward Magnet status. Labor Management asked what the reward would be for those nurses. Some want increased clinical levels, additional pay, more respect, financial help to obtain degrees, and more say in the care of patients. Bedside nurses are the most important aspect of Magnet Status facilities.

Debbie Pendergraft, RNC SEIU 121RN Union Representative