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Wow, there's some professionalism. Don't criticize nurses because they'll get you if you do?

Wow, there's some professionalism. Don't criticize nurses because they'll get you if you do?

Agreed, Brian. If Susie is a nurse she may have just figuratively plateaued her career because hospital administrators have long memories too.

Susie Barnes= Annie Wilkes?

So if Mr. Davenport thinks he got lousy care, he now allowed to say it?

Oh, Good Lord.

I cannot believe what I have read, and I pray to God a nurse did not write this dreck.

I've been a nurse for 23 years. I would never, ever, EVER take a patient's dissatisfaction out on the patient. Oh my God!!!! Shocked doesn't begin to describe what I am feeling right now.

Quite frankly, Mr. Johnson has very good reasons to be unhappy with his care. Perhaps some of his descriptions were over exaggerated, or a product of his own perceptions. Perhaps there was an element of satire or sarcasm in play.

But the fact is, the nursing shortage is making it impossible for nurses to give quality care. Patient's are sicker than they were when I got into this profession. People who would have been in ICU 20 years ago, are not only surviving, they are being admitted to general medical floors.

People rarely stay in the hospital more than a day or two. Nurses barely have time to get to know their patients before they are discharged and they have to admit the next round. This makes it impossible to plan good care, do client teaching, or any of the other essential parts of our jobs.

This musical chair of admission means a nurse might have a patient assignment of 6 beds (if she's lucky), but in reality she's given care to 12. All of whom are very sick. Is it any wonder she can't give good care?

Forget about eating lunch. You're lucky if you can go to the bathroom. I'm not kidding: UTI's among nurses are a real problem.

I'm glad Mr. Johnson complained in a public forum. More people need to. Hospital administrators NEED to hear this--because they are NOT listening to their nurses (You're not. If you were, your nurses wouldn't be quitting in droves).

I am appalled. Like Panacea, my tenure in the nursing profession is close to thirty years. Never, ever have I taken my frustration out on a patient. The reason I went into nursing was to make a positive difference in the lives of others when they needed it most.

Sure, I get angry and totally put out with disrespectful, obnoxious and downright hateful treatment from some patients. But I let them know their behavior is unacceptable in a professional way. If I have a patient complain about the care they got from me, which is very rare, I approach them to see what I can do to make their stay better. Almost always, I find it is not personal, but rather something they are unable to deal with or accept.

I know some of you remember how bitterly I complained about the care I got in 2001 at MCH. As understanding as I tried to be, there was no excuse for the rudeness and disregard I felt from some of the staff on the unit I was on. My long list of reasons for my feelings went unanswered by anyone from the hospital. However, in 2006, I stayed overnight in the Short Stay Center and could not have asked for better care. (I had sworn I would never return voluntarily to that hospital. But my doc didn't do surgery at any other hospital.)

Sometimes patients have legit reasons to complain. I don't know if Mr. Davenport was one of these patients or not. The fact remains tho, he had every right to complain, legit or not. This letter is as Brian444 said, unprofessional. And from the tone of it, if she was one of Mr. Davenport's nurses, I understand his complaint.

I am appalled. Like Panacea, my tenure in the nursing profession is close to thirty years. Never, ever have I taken my frustration out on a patient. The reason I went into nursing was to make a positive difference in the lives of others when they needed it most.

Sure, I get angry and totally put out with disrespectful, obnoxious and downright hateful treatment from some patients. But I let them know their behavior is unacceptable in a professional way. If I have a patient complain about the care they got from me, which is very rare, I approach them to see what I can do to make their stay better. Almost always, I find it is not personal, but rather something they are unable to deal with or accept.

I know some of you remember how bitterly I complained about the care I got in 2001 at MCH. As understanding as I tried to be, there was no excuse for the rudeness and disregard I felt from some of the staff on the unit I was on. My long list of reasons for my feelings went unanswered by anyone from the hospital. However, in 2006, I stayed overnight in the Short Stay Center and could not have asked for better care. (I had sworn I would never return voluntarily to that hospital. But my doc didn't do surgery at any other hospital.)

Sometimes patients have legit reasons to complain. I don't know if Mr. Davenport was one of these patients or not. The fact remains tho, he had every right to complain, legit or not. This letter is as Brian444 said, unprofessional. And from the tone of it, if she was one of Mr. Davenport's nurses, I understand his complaint.

“First, Davenport better hope that he remains healthy as long as he lives in Greensboro because nurses have long memories.” This sounds like a threat to me. What is even scarier is the logic that Ms. Barnes uses. There are children who appear to be more rational than the writer of the LTE.

I see the inability to be objective, in a lot of the responses on this site. The other day someone said that the NYT was a paper for “…left wing zealots.” This inability to think objectively is causing the US to fall further and further behind. We’ve moved away from intellect and we’ve attached, for some strange reason, a certain aura around being dullards. It should not be unexpected that we are having the economic troubles that we are facing. And here’s a word of warning for those who disdain education. The country is slowly moving away from a manufacturing base and it is becoming more driven by the service sector. If you are not educated, it is going to become harder, not impossible, to sustain a middle class existence (i.e., the UAW and their jobs, furniture and hosiery workers in the Triad). And, there are countries, namely China, India and Germany that are waiting to pounce on our weakness. Those days of the US being no. 1 just because we are the US, are coming to an abrupt end.

As a nurse with 23 years experience, I can't agree more on the disturbing nature of this letter.

While I will not go into all the challenges of being in the healthcare profession, (there are just too many, that'd be a book!) I will say this:

1) The Joint Commission on Health Care Accreditation as well as the DHSR (state level) now require hospitals to respond to all complaints, concerns, negative feedback that are brought to their attention. Every acute care (and probably long-term, don't know, have never worked in long-term care) facility is required to make this information available to patients in their facility.... the hospital I work at does so in an admission brochure, as well as with notices in each room, and frequent rounding by administration. It is better to make these concerns known while you are in the hospital, so that steps can be taken to improve your stay while you are still there.... but if concerns are brought up after discharge, a response still must be offered by the hospital.

These regulatory bodies also make it quite easy for patients to contact them as well with concerns.
A quick google search will put you in touch with either of these organizations.

The "challenges" facing healthcare can't get better if no one speaks up.

2) Most health care professionals go out of their way to satisfy their patients and the vast majority of people receiving care are appreciative and tolerant of aspects of the system which are not perfect (they must read the news and know the challenges this country faces in this arena?). imo, despite the challenges, America still has a great health care system. In addition to being a nurse, I've been a patient too.

3) Susie: no one mandated that you become a nurse... that was your choice, I presume. You just set the nursing profession back several decades--- and that's a shame because with the worker shortages in healthcare, who is going to give quality care and how can it get better, if those in the profession don't want to make it better? You are the one who owes an apology--- to every hard working health professional who really does care--- and I believe that is the majority of us.

I don't think Ms. Barnes is a nurse. I think she is a clerical staffer.

Wow.
Next time I'm in a local hospital or doctor's office I will surely inspect the nurse's nametag so I steer clear of this one! Heaven help any patient that comes her way...

"I think she is a clerical staffer."

I think she's a nut. Be afwaid, be vewy afwaid!!

BTW, I read the print version LTE section today and didn't notice an apology on behalf of the N&R.

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Question for you nurses out there if I may. My wife lost her job in the dental health care profession and there are many others available at this time. She has noticed the availability of nursing jobs and threw out the idea recently of attending nursing school.

My concern to be honest is her age. She's 45 now and I'm not sure what age she would be upon finishing an education. Do employers generally hire younger nurses fresh out of school or is the demand so great that they would consider someone of my wife's age?

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Thanks, thanks, thanks to all of you nurses. I work with nurses a lot in my job, have been a patient and seen their capable work twice with the birth of our children. I realize how hard they work and what they contribute to the betterment of our lives. Thanks!!

correction, NOT many other dental jobs available.

BTW here is Davenport's column:

http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/01/02/article/charles_davenport_jr_twenty_nine_hours_in_hell_at_a_triad_hospital

He does bust on one nurse in particular, but takes equal shots at the admission process, his hospital issued skid free socks, and a patient in his room.

I see his letter as satire more than anything.

Thank you Dan for your recognition of the work nurses do. I appreciate you speaking up with your positive comments. It IS a challenging job, one not reccommended for those who don't wish to work hard or with a poor attitude ("Not a job for wussies", as I sometimes jokingly say whan I teach classes).

Your wife's age should not preclude her from getting a job in the hospital (or anywhere else, for that matter) upon completion of a nursing education program. What hospitals really love from nurses is experience, (it is well proven in numerous research articles, -- and basic common sense, I believe,-- that the more experienced your nurses are, the better patient outcomes will be) and the more experienced nurses will usually get the job over inexperienced ones.

However, new graduate nurses do not have problems finding jobs, because of the shortage at the bedside. Plus, they are cheaper for hospitals to hire, because pay grades are usually based on experience.

The biggest problem your wife may have is actually getting into nursing school, but not because of her age. There is also a shortage of nursing instructors, which has created a waiting list for most nursing education programs. And further compounds the "bedside" shortages and problems in health care. the "shortage issue" is a complex problem all the way around.

She may want to explore technical nursing education programs, especially if she already has a university degree. The technical programs usually produce nurses ready to sit for state boards within about 2 years of full time study. And her prior degree would allow her to further her study with higher education should she want to do so at a later time. I know many nurses who have gotten into the profession in such a manner.
If she does not have a university degree, she still should not have a problem getting a job upon completion of the education and passing state boards, however future advancement will be somewhat more limited.

One of the things I love most about the nursing field is the vast array of opportunities.... you can work in a hospital, do home health, teach, administrate, do research, work part-time, full time, etc..... the list goes on and on. It really is a great profession and I wish your wife the best!

Just to clarify, I certainly didn't mean to suggest anything negative about nurses in general. In fact, I would, based on personal experience, put nurses at the top of my list of trusted and respected professionals.

If Suzie Barnes works at a health care facility she needs to be fired. As a Registered Nurse since 1968, under no circumstance would I threaten a patient, now called client. Charles Davenport is a free-lance journalist and is scared of snakes,autism, smokes and his Mommy told him to go to the ER. Classic acute anxiety disorder of thinkers. Journalist treat the scanty gown as their own backward moment..their backside exposed. There is a very good reasons for gowns to open in the back but is mostly due to (too hard to detail this is not my point). Suzie is nuts. Christine

Thanks to you to, as well Brian, it is nice to know that readers do not associate nurse susie with ALL nurses.... and to Dan for posting the original article, which I did not see when it was originally posted.

Re the color socks from the article: The Cone system uses them to identify fall risk: green for none, yellow for some (just having an IV ups your risk) and red for high. The socks allow staff to easily identify patients who should not be up and about on their own, and helps prevent falls.

High Point has a similar system, they just don't use the socks. They use tags and door signs with traffic signals.

It does help reduce injuries from falls by preventing the fall.

Our family has been to Moses Cone many times over the last 10 years. The pediatric ward is absolutely the best. We have had a very good experience with a minor out patient surgery with my fragile and aged mother.

I hope Charles Davenport's health has improved and do not question his experience, but frankly I would expect him to respond in this fashion whether it was with a retail clerk, government worker, plumber or Obama supporter, neighbor or anyone. He has a vision without margins.

He comes across as difficult, intolerant , critical, unsympathetic, heartless, hard, irritable, self righteous individual as presented through most of his writings. I do question his motive and state of mind, and it troubles me that he has a “pulpit” ie an N&R editorial forum to speak is grievances not privileged by others . The writer nor the hospital has this forum, except as a LTE. Lastly, I do appreciate his articles. They are provocative and lead me to pondering the perspectives, and at times I agree.

I think the LTE should have thought a day before sending and reconsider some of the wording.

Here is Suzie Barnes nurse license information.

Name: SUSAN SICKLE BARNES
License #: 53998 Nurse Type: RN
Expiration Date: 4/30/2010 Original Date of Licensure: Unavailable

This RN license is active.

This license has multistate practice privileges by authority of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Careful there, Jeffrey!

Make sure you have the right Susan Barnes.

I do know a nurse named Susan (not Susie) Barnes. She is a fine lady of great character. When I told her about the editorial this morning, she was stunned.

Please be careful when talking about a common name.

Truth is, I doubt the letter writer is actually an RN.

A CNA maybe. I know far too many who refer to themselves as "nurses" when they are not (and committing a violation of the Nurse Practice Act as well).

Caution, please.

On a lighter note-

Hospital food- what's up with that?

(chirp chirp chirp)

Nurse Barnes unleashed a retort to a vicious article written by a self possessed "intellectual".
Can't say as I blame her. Seems that everyone took her literally, when it is obvious she was just blowing off steam.
I have found, as an unfortunate frequent visitor to the local hospitals, that the quality of care improves dramatically when you have a positive, humorous attitude and treat the nurses, technicians and all with the respect they deserve. You are there seeking their attention- you and hundreds of others.
Lighten up.
And Mr. Sykes- nice touch. would you like for someone who posts on here to find your public information and add it to this post? Easy enough to do.

I wonder if Ms. Barnes employer read this letter. If so, I wonder even more what their reaction was.

Thank all of you for your kind words for nurses. Although most professional nurses do not serve the public for thanks, it is always nice to know our efforts are appreciated.

I did not have time to look the original article up, so thank you Dan for providing the link. I agree it seemed to be satirical, not a serious complaint. I would not, did not, take offense.

Your wife, Dan, could not choose a profession that would better serve her over the years than nursing. It is a rewarding job but comes with many sacrifices. As ms. malone said, it is sometimes difficult to get into programs as they limit enrollment. Even back in the 70's, there was a waiting list. And once there, it is a demanding program, physically, emotionally and mentally. Even for reasonable intelligent folks it can be a challenge. Since your wife made it through dental hygiene school, I don't see her having a problem with nursing.

The major drawback, especially for new nurses, is the lack of seniority. Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, school programs, ball games and the like take priority. But employers like women who are older because they usually have older children and/or are past child-bearing age.

I also wish her luck at whatever she decides to do. If I can be of any assistance, I will be happy to help.

What I meant to say was birthdays, holidays.....are not a priority as far as your employer is concerned. They all take a back seat to showing up for work.

Molly: thanks for the insight into Davenports writing, I have not made it a habit to read his work, but your post makes me want to... (-- in a way--), nice perspective. Maybe will try on those rainy days when i don't want to go outside and have time to 'surf'!

WJE: Hospital food- what's up with that?

If you can fix that problem, you'll be a hero to many (workers, patients alike--!) (and probably rich, not to mention!) I take my lunch when I can, but those 10 and 12 hour days make that kinda hard-- I've been made fun of before on many occasions by co-workers because of the "grocery bag" I bring in with me (the job DOES work up an appetite!... and my co-workers are usually jealous because I have really, really, GOOD food!)-- hospital food does leave alot to be desired!)... guess it helps to keep it in mind that its a hospital, not a hotel-- despite the attempt Humana tried back in the 80's/ 90's..... it's not the best, I totally agree!

Y'all have a happy weekend! mm

Dear Dan, I hope your wife does look into nursing-we need her. Her age is no problem, so many of us came to nursing as a second career and found our niche. The great thing about nursing is the variety of settings and clients to chose from. There is a place for everyone.
Ignore this very unhappy and immature piece from "Susie". She was way out of line. If she can't keep her feelings out of it, she should go and get some counseling. We don't threaten patients, good Lord!
Tracy C, RN, class of '80.

Dan,
Tell your wife not to be daunted by her age. Nursing schools would welcome her because of her proven academic track record. When they have to be choosy because of space availability in the class they like to pick folks who stand a chance of completing the rigorous academic standards. And her background in dental hygiene gives her experience in health care that other students competing for a spot don't have.
The same holds true for employers. As long as your wife is physically capable of doing the job employers appreciate a mature person with a sense of responsibility. Most women in their 40's have juggled multiple responsibilities and have it down to an art form.
As far as the type of school..I'd recommend a 2 year Associate's Degree program over the 4 year Batchelor's Degree for her. If she were younger I wouldn't recommend it, but at 45 it makes sense that she complete it sooner rather than later. She can always go back for her Batchelor's after she's completed this if she wants to. It does cut out some of the choices that she'd have for jobs, like nursing administration, public health and nursing education, but again, if after she graduates she finds herself interested in going further, she can always go back.

Dan: late response to your wife's age. It will not hamper her in any way as far as getting a job goes.

Nursing students come in all ages, and many student nurses are in their thirties and forties seeking a second career, or a first one now that the kids are grown.

The demand for seats in local programs is a barrier. There are 3 applicants for every seat at GTCC, and it's much the same everywhere. Most students use the time taking their "prereq's" and core biology courses (anatomy and physiology) and other required courses, then focus on the nursing courses once they get in. It actually works out very well for the student as nursing courses are notoriously tough.

Thanks all of you for your advice. You are all in agreement that the biggest obstacle is getting into a nursing school. For now my wife is still looking for dental hygiene work but there are not many opportunities available. The poor economy has affected the dentistry business. If one loses their job they are likely to skip on dental cleanings for example.

For now my business is still doing well and supporting the family.

Tracy mentioned the variety of nursing positions available and she is correct. Most people think nurse = hospital. My job puts me in contact with a lot of nurses in hospitals but also clinics and occupational nurses. Many of the former two tell me they left hospital nursing to have better and more predictable hours.

I received the following in response to an email I sent to MCHS, inquiring whether Susie works there and suggesting she not be allowed contact with patients:

"I am the Chief Nursing Officer for the Moses Cone Health System. I agree completely with you about the tone of the letter to the editor written by Susan Barnes. I need to clarify, however, that she is not a nurse in the Moses Cone Health System. Our nursing staff are committed to promoting a caring and healing environment for our patients, not in making threats about the kind of care they might receive. It is my hope that the nurse who wrote the letter is not in a position which requires providing care to patients in our community. Thank you.

Joan Wessman, RN, MS
Chief Nursing Officer
Moses Cone Health System
336-832-2770"

i do not read the paper daily, even though i work in greensboro i live elsewhere so i read the paper usually sundays and wednesdays. but, today i decided at lunch to buy a paper and was embarrassed and shocked at what i read. i have been a RN for close to 30yrs and have felt blessed to have a job i love but there have been days where i have cried, cussed and screamed in private or to my peers behind closed doors. but there have been many other times i have laughed and praised God for putting me in this job, i have had the pleasure seeing babies come into this world to joyous parents and hold the hand of an elderly person as they leave this world. i have cried with patients and for patients.i have left thinking this has been the longest 12 hours of my life but was back in 12 hrs smiling and ready to go again.
in every job there are things that aren't wonderful and things that make you squeal with delight. in healthcare you know that every patient is different and not everyone deals with being sick in a positive manner, that is ok because everyone is unique and different. it's our job to realize this and act accordingly and if it gets to be too much it is our responsibility to seek help or step away, not threaten, belittle or become defensive. so i say, let's look at ms. barnes the way we look at our patients as someone who needs help with issues.
i apologize for someone who holds my same title and has spoken so unprofessionally but i also have sympathy for her because i am proud to say i am a RN.

teresa