I'm not exactly sure who is hiding behind the 4:20 moniker, but he/she cannot be a front-line caregiver like Linda Pond, Nancy Deyhle, Dr. Schwartz or myself.  Morale and job satisfaction at Riverbend is at an all time low.  The profits, indeed, do provide for more equipment, support failing medical centers, etc. but at a cost to all of the bedside staff.  I work in a unit that has lost 8 RNs in the last year that have not been replaced, with no foreseeable plan to replace them.  In the next month there are 144 eight hour shifts not covered.  That is just my unit.  Every unit has a story like this.  When you or a family member needs care in our hospital, remember this and your "profit argument".

Lisa Diriwachter, RN