Respect, Retain and Recruit VA Nurses who Care for our Nations' Veterans
SAFE VETERAN CARE IS AT STAKE - 1 OUT OF 3 NURSES LEAVE THE VA HEALTH SYSTEM DUE TO BURN-OUT / MORAL DISTRESS
The VA Health System report, “FY 2022-2026 – VHA Nursing Occupations, Workforce Resources Blueprint”, explains that VA exit surveys showed that nearly 1 out of 3 Nurses said more flexible work schedules might have convinced them to stay. The report also calls for VAMCs to expand the use of flexible work schedules to meet the needs of nursing staff.
The report also calls for VA Medical Centers like Atlanta, to expand the use of flexible work schedules to meet the needs of nursing staff.
Atlanta VA Nurses are leaving because of unsafe staffing caused in large part because the Atlanta VA has not agreed to flexible scheduling. Scheduling flexibility is important for nurse retention. Nurses are critical for providing Veteran patient care.
Short staffing due to Nurses leaving is dangerous for Veteran patients and nurses.
Other VAs across the country have proven that scheduling flexibility works and improves work/life balance which helps retain Nurses.
National Nurses United (NNU) continues to hear that many more Atlanta VA nurses, including long-time nurses, are planning to leave the VA health system due to the lack of flexible work schedules.
It is important to retain experienced nurses for patients to get the best care. It costs more than $70,000 to orient new Nursing staff only to have them leave as a result of feeling exhausted, burnt out and not listened to.
Other VA health systems like Miami, FL and Biloxi, MS listened to their Nursing staff and successfully implemented flexible schedules that helped them retain and recruit nurses even when their Nurse vacancy levels were high. Atlanta VA Health System needs to do the same.
Please show your support for Nurses and Veterans and send the support email to Atlanta VA Health System Executive management.
