PDO are difficult to get due to staffing, ratios are unsafe, med-tele getting 6 patients to 1 nurse frequently, other units in critical care step down areas assigned 5 patients to 1 nurse. Our newer nurses express regret once they get on unit and see unrealistic amount of work expected but are locked in for 2 yr contract, many are planning on leaving already. Most of our veteran nurses plan on leaving soon due to burn out from understaffing. Focus is primarily on HCAPS scores not patient safety or nurse ability to do a good job. Management pushes more and more paperwork to improve HCAPS which just takes time away from important patient care. From a staff member standpoint it appears management is so far removed from the actual job and duties that they have no idea the demands placed far exceed time available to get things done.
