Pros
Most units have staff that are friendly and supportive of each other. Management is friendly and approachable. Plenty of opportunities for educational and professional advancement. Facility remains current on new trends and ideas in healthcare.
Cons
Staffing ratios are a serious problem; an average day on my unit has 6 patients per RN, usually with Team Lead carrying a team as well, PCT’s might easily be covering 10-20 patients (this typically changes every 4 hours) and relieving multiple sitters. It is not unusual to carry a load of patients like this, and to have 2-3 discharges as well as 2-3 admissions within a 5-hour time frame in the afternoon. As this is a Level 1 Trauma Center, most patients are higher acuity/higher care needs than Med-Surg patients at other hospitals typically are. The TV’s have a screen that reminds patients that we perform hourly rounding...which is pretty much impossible with these ratios. This frequently results in patients and their families being frustrated with staff. Every day feels like you’re running a nonstop marathon.