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A DOCTOR AND NURSES TELL IT LIKE IT IS

A doctor wrote to Dear Abby (appeared in the Ocean County Observer on February 6, 1998) about his personal experiences with Managed care. "Dear Abby: I'm writing to support "Doctor in Michigan," who wrote that doctors have no time to talk to large numbers of depressed or suicidal people on the phone. Unfortunately, this doctor told you the truth. The best way to handle these people (and there are many) is to tell them to call the suicide hotline and make a follow-up appointment with their doctor.

Managed care, which is what the majority of doctors work under, means a lot of managing and very little care. In fact, we doctors aren't even doctors any more: we are "providers". I have worked as a "provider" for 10 years in four different jobs and locations. All ot them were crummy. At my current job, I see a patient every 15 minutes with a "double-book" occasionally thrown in.

Most providers routinely eat a 10-minute lunch and avoid consuming much liquid so they won't have to take too many two-minute potty breaks. I don't even dare ask patients how they are anymore, for fear the will really tell me. Under managed care, I'm given no time to listen to their answer, anyway.

I doubt you heard from many doctors on this issue because most are too busy trying to keep their miserable lives afloat. I pity those carrying big mortgages and supporting kids in college, because they probably can't afford to leave those "factory jobs" behind. I, myself, plan to eventually change careers.

Abby, the medical profession is falling apart in this country. It's a tragedy. Unfortunately, I cannot sign my name. Just sign me...A DOCTOR, TELLING IT LIKE IT IS"

San Diego Union Tribune

October 11, 1998

ANN LANDERS HEARS FROM HOSPITAL NURSES

Dear Readers: Remember the letter from "A Professional in Calif," who said hospital nurses are underpaid, overworked and second only to construction workers when it comes to back injuries? She said she'd rather go back to waitress work than continue as a hospital nurse. I asked to hear from other nurses about their views on the profession. The responses have clogged my mail room:

From Florida: You want to know how I feel about nursing? To put it briefly, it's a far cry from the Florence Nightingale era. I have been yelled at by doctors, attacked by patients and cornered by cocaine-addicted supervisors who have easy access to drugs. At present, I am looking for a job in a doctor's office. Being a hospital nurse has proven to be hazardous to my health.

New York: I've been a registered nurse for 32 years. The bean counters have made it impossible for patients to receive good care. We are understaffed and overworked, and we grit our teeth trying to provide the quality care our patients deserve. I'm exhausted, disillusioned and heartsick.

Waco, Texas: I graduated from the University of Nebraska School of Nursing in 1955. The quality of care began to deteriorate in the '70's. A 40-bed orthopedic ward that used to be staffed by five people now has three. I would advise anyone who has a seriously ill loved one in the hospital to have a family member in the room around the clock.

Anywhere, USA: I was an R.N. for 30 years and opted for early retirement. Stress and burnout took their toll. If I decide to take a part-time job, it won't be nursing. I'd rather stock shelves at Wal-Mart or flip burgers.

Fond du Lac, Wis.: I worked as a staff nurse in a hospital and put in 14-hour days, often with no time to go to the bathroom. I wrecked my back turning patients over and lived on pain pills. I'm sure you'll get a zillion letters with complaints from nurses--if they have the time and energy to write.

Columbia, Mo.: Don't blame the hospitals for overworked nurses. the insurance companies and HMOs have too much control over health care, and they are calling the shots. It's all about the bottom line. Money! Money! Money!

Knoxville, Tenn.: I've worked in several hospitals and nursing homes, and it's the same all over. The management weenies get their money no matter what. The hours are miserable, and the high standards that used to apply to health care have gone to hell in a hand basket.

Fort Waine, Ind.: I was an R.N., and so was my mother before me. I've advised my two daughters to go to business school and forget about nursing. The work is brutal, and there's no satisfaction anymore--only guilt because you can't do a decent job. It's a mess, Ann.

Anchorage, Alaska: I nursed for 26 years after graduating from Johns Hopkins. when I began, I made $6 an hour. Trash collectors made more. I loved my work, but it darn near killed me. I'm now a researcher and feel sad for nurses. The ones I know are worn to a frazzle and considering other options.

Alta Loma, Calif.: I'm a Brit who worked in three hospitals in England, specializing in oncology, geriatrics and emergency room. I loved it. When I came to the United States, I passed my boards easily but found nursing so depressing, I had to get out. I discovered it was a business, not a calling.

Dear Readers: I had hoped to balance this column by printing some letters from nurses who were happy in their profession, but there weren't any. How sad. Unless something is done to help our nurses, there won't be any, and we will be up that well-known creek without a paddle.Joan

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AND THERE YOU HAVE IT FROM THE INSIDE